Discussion on the outcomes of the Global Multistakeholder High Level Conference on Governance of Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds – Pre 09 2025

by European Commission

12 May 2025 | 13:00 - 14:15 CEST | Hemicycle
Consolidated programme 2025

Session teaser

This session will dive into the outcomes of the recent Global Multistakeholder High Level Conference on Governance of Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds that was hosted by the European Commission and the 2025 Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU on 31 March and 1 April 2025. Join us to revisit the conference's objectives, examine its key principles and recommendations, and discuss the EU’s perspective on the conference outcomes and their relevance to the broader WSIS agenda!

Session description

Web 4.0 and virtual worlds are the future evolution of the web, integrating powerful advanced and immersive technologies while in principle continuing operating on the foundational technical network that underpins the internet. The rapid and transformative potential of Web 4.0 promises significant benefits, including unprecedented innovation, connectivity, and access to digital resources. However, the powerful and rapid transformative impact of these new technologies carries the risk of fragmenting both governance and the internet architecture itself.

The conference aimed to engage high-level policymakers, technologists, academics, and community leaders to collaboratively shape governance models for Web 4.0 and virtual worlds. The discussions focused on ethical, value-driven policies, technical standardisation, and aligning governance frameworks with the multi-stakeholder model of internet governance. 

The conference outcome is summarised in an outcome document, integrating both the results of the extensive stakeholder consultation preceding the conference, as well as discussions that took place during the event. These outcomes aim to contribute to the global discussion on key foundational principles for the governance of the emerging fourth generation of the web.

Format

Speakers’ presentations (45 min):

• Introduction to the Global Multistakeholder High Level Conference on Governance of Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds, its objectives and why it was an important step in shaping the governance of Web 4.0 and virtual worlds.
• Presentation of the conference outcome, highlighting the principles and recommendations discussed during the event.
• Presentation of the EU’s perspective on the conference outcomes and how they will feed into the broader WSIS discussion.

Panel discussion (30 min):

• The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion with the opportunity for audience interventions.
• The discussion will be followed by a summary, identifying key conclusions and takeaways.

Further reading

• One Future Internet: Multistakeholder Governance for Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds, introductory document detailing the context, objectives and concept of the conference. 
• Conference outcome document
• Conference background document
• An EU initiative on virtual worlds: a head start in the next technological transition
• European Citizens’ Virtual Worlds Panel

People

Key participants:

• Anna PODGÓRSKA-BUOMPANE. Working Party on Telecommunication and Information Society Chair, Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
• Ruta Gabalina, Research Manager, PPMI, Responsible of the Governance of Web 4.0 Consultations.
• Esteve Sanz, Head of the Internet Governance Sector in DG CNECT, European Commission.

Moderator:

• Francesco Vecchi, YOUthDIG 2025 Organising Team Member

Transcript

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed.

The Geneva Internet Platform will provide transcript, session report and additional details shortly after the session.