Supporting digital transformation.. Egypt chairs the 2026 World Summit on the Information Society Forum in Geneva

The countries of the world are moving at an accelerated pace towards building digital societies that are more capable of keeping pace with successive technological transformations, in light of the unprecedented development the world is witnessing in the fields of artificial intelligence, communications and the digital economy.

Digital transformation has become a fundamental pillar for enhancing the efficiency of institutions, improving the quality of services, and creating new opportunities for innovation and growth, which supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhances the ability of countries to face future challenges.

Hence, Egypt continues to implement its ambitious vision, which aims to consolidate its position among the leading countries in supporting digital transformation and artificial intelligence, through infrastructure development.Digital, developing technological skills, enhancing international cooperation, and active participation in global initiatives and platforms concerned with the future of technology. These efforts are consistent with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to building a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable digital economy.

Egypt leads the international dialogue on digital transformation

As a culmination of its effective role within the International Telecommunication Union; The Arab Republic of Egypt, represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, assumed the presidency of the World Summit on the Information Society Forum (WSIS Forum) for the year 2026. This came during the opening session of the forum hosted by the city of Geneva, Switzerland.

The Forum is the main international platform concerned with implementing the action items of the World Summit on the Information Society and supporting global digital cooperation, with the participation of concerned parties fromVarious countries of the world, including governments, the private sector, civil society, technical communities, academia, youth and international organizations.

Guiding strategic discussions for digital cooperation

Engineer Raafat Hindi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, chairs the Forum’s work. He is responsible for managing the high-level sessions and ministerial tracks, directing the strategic discussions, and supervising the progress of the Forum’s work in coordination with the ITU Secretariat, in addition to representing the Forum in various official events and presenting the presidency’s report during the closing session of the Forum.

The Minister of Communications began the presidential work by delivering an opening speech. Expressing the Arab Republic of Egypt’s pride in assuming the presidency of the World Summit on the Information Society Forum for the year 2026, extending his sincere appreciation to the Union.ICT, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and all United Nations partners, for their continued leadership in advancing the World Summit on the Information Society. He also thanked all stakeholders whose commitment contributed to making the forum a unique platform for comprehensive dialogue and international cooperation.

Digital transformation towards more inclusive development

Eng. Raafat Hindi explained that digital technologies, especially artificial intelligence, are causing an accelerated transformation in economies and societies, and provide great opportunities to support sustainable development, improve public services, expand access to education and health care, and create new opportunities for innovation and economic growth, in line with development goals.Sustainable outcomes, in particular Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 4: Quality Education, as well as Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

He added that Egypt, in its capacity as Chairman of the Forum, is committed to working closely with all concerned parties to ensure that the next phase of the World Summit on the Information Society’s journey is characterized by practical cooperation and the achievement of tangible, measurable results, and to work to promote an open, comprehensive and pluralistic dialogue that includes governments, the private sector, the technical community, academia, civil society, and international organizations, in order to transform common aspirations into practical actions.

He pointed out that Egypt sees the importance of paying special attention to bridging digital gaps, enhancing digital capabilities, enabling the responsible and comprehensive use of artificial intelligence, and expanding digital infrastructure.public, and mobilize sustainable financing to ensure that developing countries fully participate in the global digital economy and contribute to its development.

International partnerships to advance the digital transformation process

Engineer Raafat Hindi stressed that the success of Egypt’s presidency of the forum will be measured by the partnerships that are built and the tangible results that are achieved, which contribute to advancing the digital development process and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Egypt’s presidency of the forum is the culmination of the effective role it plays within the International Telecommunication Union, as it is the only country among the member states that chairs a committee in each of the Union’s three sectors. It also plays a pivotal role in the files of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and new communications technologies. This presidency represents an opportunity to transfer the priorities of Arab and developing countries to…A high-level international platform, highlighting the Egyptian experience in the fields of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and digital capacity building, and enhancing international cooperation in shaping the future of digital development.

The World Summit on the Information Society Forum continues to consolidate its position as a global center for innovation and forward-looking discussions, while this year’s session focuses on developing digital infrastructure, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, in addition to discussing the challenges of online safety, misinformation, data management, and the widening digital divide.

In conclusion, digital transformation today represents one of the most influential paths in shaping the future of development, as its value goes beyond the limits of technical development to building societies more capable of innovation, enhancing the efficiency of institutions, and expanding access to…Services and knowledge.

Hence, Egypt’s presidency of the World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2026 is gaining importance beyond the forum’s regulatory framework, to become a platform to enhance international dialogue on how to employ artificial intelligence and modern technologies in building a more comprehensive and sustainable digital economy, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Earth Guards Foundation appreciates Egypt’s tireless endeavor to support international partnerships calling for enhancing digital transformation and capable of achieving a balance between accelerating innovation and ensuring its availability to all, through its active participation in the international communications system, developing its digital capabilities, and enhancing regional and global cooperation. The future of digital transformation is measured by its ability to improve human lives, reduce gaps, and create more equitable and sustainable development opportunities.