Consultant – WSIS+20 review and 2024 WSIS annual reports

Result of Service

The services of the consultant will contribute to the production of high-quality outputs related to the production of a synthesis report for the WSIS+20 Review process, and a report on the progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society at the regional and international levels.

Work Location

Homebased

Expected duration

2.09.2024-15.04.2025

Duties and Responsibilities

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations adopted the resolution (E/RES/2023/3) in June 2023 that requests the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) to collect inputs from member States, all facilitators and other stakeholders and to organize, during its twenty-seventh session, in 2024, and its twenty-eighth session, in 2025, substantive discussions on the progress made in the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), during the past 20 years, and to report thereon, through the ECOSOC, to the United Nations General Assembly that will call for a high-level meeting in 2025 to review the overall implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit (WSIS+20 Review). Against this background, under the supervision of the Chief, Technology & Innovation and Knowledge Development Branch and his designated staff, the consultant will help with the production of a synthesis report. In particular, the consultant will prepare the report in accordance with the following outline, any change to which will be discussed with the project officer. Introduction: Overview of changes that have taken place since WSIS and WSIS+10 Summary of the WSIS outcome documents and institutional framework Part 1: The record since WSIS The changing context for digital development (including the SDGs and other international agreements, the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic and social developments) Developments in technology Developments in the digital ecosystem (government, business and other stakeholders) Access and inclusion Impacts on development sectors (drawing on Action Lines and SDGs) Challenges of digital development (including trust and security, environmental and rights issues) Digital governance (including Internet governance) Part 2: Where we stand today Overview of progress in achieving WSIS goals and priorities identified in the literature review and consultation process, focusing on: The current state of digital technology and the digital ecosystem The Information Society and sustainable development The Information Society and human rights The Information Society and equality Issues of governance, including outcomes from the GDC and Pact of the Future Part 3: Looking to the future Overview of the trajectory and pace of innovation in technology and digital applications Opportunities, priorities and risks identified in the literature review and consultation process, including international and regional initiatives currently underway and planned The future context for understanding and implementing WSIS outcomes (including issues concerned with monitoring and measurement, foresight analysis, financial investment, and international and multistakeholder cooperation) Conclusion: Summary of findings In addition, Resolution 2006/46 of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) designates the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) as the focal point to assist the Council in system-wide follow-up to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). In this resolution, the Council also requests the Secretary-General to inform the Commission on the progress made at the international and regional levels. This role was reaffirmed by ECOSOC in its resolution 2016/22. Furthermore, at its 70th session, the General Assembly undertook a comprehensive review of the ten- year implementation of WSIS outcomes. The outcome document of the Review, resolution 70/125, calls for the continuation of annual reports on the implementation of WSIS outcomes, through the CSTD, to the Economic and Social Council, taking into account the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This resolution also encourages the members of the United Nations Group on the Information Society (UNGIS) to contribute to the reports. Against this background, the consultant will prepare a draft report on WSIS follow-up 2024: Progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society at the regional and international levels including maximum 20 pages or no more than 8,300 words. It should be prepared based on inputs received from UNGIS members and other stakeholders, as well as other relevant sources and literature, taking into account the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The trends section of the report should be focused on discussing the key trends of the Information Society observed since the last year’s WSIS follow-up report, with particular attention to thematic areas to be decided after consulting UNCTAD. The report will, inter alia, contribute to an improved understanding by government officials from developing countries to formulate and implement economic development policies, including on ICT and digital technologies, that are conducive to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Consultant will report the progress of work to the Project Officer by email and phone. The deadlines are subject to the intergovernmental process of the CSTD and not open for postponement.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree, Master, in Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Arts, Science and Technology or Information Management. At least 10 years of experience in ICTs for development, particularly analyzing WSIS processes.

Languages

Fluency written and oral in English is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.