Geneva becomes a global hub for digital: WSIS+20 and AI for Good

Post on: 09.07.2025

Geneva confirmed itself as the digital capital of the world, hosting two key events for the future of technology from 7 to 11 July: the WSIS+20 High-Level Event and the AI for Good Global Summit.

Organized by the ITU with the collaboration of UNESCO, UNDP, UNCTAD and other international partners, The meetings attracted over 150 delegations from all over the world. The purpose? Taking stock of digital governance, global cooperation for ethical AI and the relaunch of the WSIS agenda for the next 20 years.

A global agenda for the future of the web During the panels, the following topics were discussed:

• Digital sovereignty, with a focus on European clouds and regional regulations;
• Digital inclusion for access to online services in developing countries;
• Ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in medicine, education, agriculture and the environment;
• Data security and protection, with a focus on minors and disinformation.

Switzerland presented its projects for transparent AI, with the support of local start-ups and universities (primarily EPFL and ETHZ), showcasing sovereign cloud infrastructures and blockchain-based systems for electronic voting.

The WSIS+20

Inaugurated in 2003, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) has reached its +20 edition, with the aim of evaluating the achievements achieved so far and charting new digital routes for 2045.
Among the guests there are also figures from prominent UN and scientific leaders, such as representatives of OpenAI, IBM Research, Google DeepMind, the WHO and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The most watched sessions? Those on real-time AI regulation, algorithmic transparency and the use of AI to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

A connected and leading Switzerland

The choice of Geneva is not accidental: it hosts one of the most important UN headquarters and has a long tradition in multilateral governance.
The event demonstrated that the Confederation wants to play a leading role in global technological development, combining ethics and innovation.