What is this group?
The United Nations Group on the Information Society (UNGIS) brings together UN agencies that work on digital technologies. Its secretariat is run by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). After the WSIS+20 review and UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/80/173, the Multistakeholder Consultation Group (UNGIS-MCG) was established within it. It is an advisory and consultative body.
The group has 92 members. They represent governments, businesses, civil society, the technical community, academia and international organisations. The first term runs from 2026 to 2028. Dr Kulesza is one of 20 members representing academia and the technical community.
What does the group do?
The group aims to ensure that, when decisions about the internet are made, the UN listens to more than governments. Those who build, study and use the internet should also be heard.
Why does this matter for internet users in Poland?
The group does not make law and does not issue binding decisions. It does, however, influence how the UN understands the principles of how the internet works. This includes, for example, access to the network, security in cyberspace, the protection of human rights online and artificial intelligence. Such conclusions often shape international standards later, as well as the policies of the European Union and its Member States, including Poland.
Because a Polish university is present in the group, Polish experience and arguments reach the discussions in which important decisions about the future of the internet are made. For the University of Lodz, this confirms its position in the international debate on law and technology. For Poland, it is an opportunity to make its voice heard.
Lodz Cyber Hub
Dr Kulesza directs the Centre for Research on International Law in Cyberspace “Lodz Cyber Hub”, established within the Department of Public International Law and International Relations, Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Lodz. The Centre conducts research and training on international law in cyberspace. More information: www.cyber.uni.lodz.pl
More information: www.itu.int/net4/wsis/ungis/Home/MCG and here.
