16 November 2015: The next step in preparations for the ten-year review of the implementation of outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is textual negotiations on the draft Outcome Document, as announced by the co-facilitators of the intergovernmental negotiations, Jānis Mažeiks, Permanent Representative of Latvia, and Lana Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The UNGA will hold a high-level meeting on the overall review of the implementation of WSIS outcomes (WSIS+10) on 15-16 December 2015.

In a letter transmitted by UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Mogens Lykketoft, the co-facilitators encourage written language proposals and comments on the draft Outcome Document of the review, by 17 November, and encourage delegations to ensure that their representatives at the final rounds of informal negotiations have a mandate to take appropriate decisions.

The co-facilitators also note that the next round of informals will take place from 19-20 November, and continue on 24-25 November if necessary. They propose a paragraph-by-paragraph, textual discussion on the document to work toward final consensus on the Outcome Document, including finding a balance among: the mandate of taking stock of progress made; noting challenges and gaps in bridging the digital divide; and identifying future priorities.

The co-facilitators also inform Member States that a number of delegations have confirmed Ministerial-level attendance for the High-level Meeting to adopt the Outcome Document, and encourage applications for side events. [Co-Facilitators’ Letter] [WSIS+10 Website] [Draft Outcome Document, 4 November] [IISD RS Coverage of WSIS+10]