Digital Citizenship Initiative Receives International Recognition at WSIS Prizes 2026
The Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety Initiative, run by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), has earned a certificate of recognition from the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes. The initiative was named one of the five Champion Projects in the " Building confidence and security in use of ICTs" category, standing out among hundreds of entries from across the globe.
Organized under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), WSIS Prizes recognize innovative projects in ICT and sustainable development, drawing hundreds of competing initiatives from around the world each year.
The Digital Citizenship initiative, part of the Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development in Egypt (DT4SDE) project, empowers citizens to use technology safely and responsibly at a time when digital advances, including the rapid spread of artificial intelligence, are reshaping daily life. Its approach brings together public awareness campaigns, digital skills training, and efforts to encourage responsible online behavior, while giving parents and teachers practical tools for guiding children's digital habits. Its efforts are helping build a safer, more sustainable digital environment for all.
Since its launch, the initiative has reached close to 7,000 people across nine governorates, including children, young people, parents, guardians, and teachers. Activities range from awareness campaigns and interactive workshops to seminars, capacity-building sessions, train-the-trainer programs, and peer learning initiatives, with outreach continuing to expand into new communities across the country.
A key part of the initiative is Wa3i.net, a round-the-clock knowledge platform offering specialized Arabic content to promote digital literacy, with a particular focus on children, young people, and other vulnerable groups. Wa3i was developed in collaboration with UNICEF and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood.
The initiative supports several WSIS Action Lines and contributes directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, most notably Goal 4 (Quality Education), by promoting safe, effective technology use and building digital literacy and critical thinking skills. It also supports Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by helping close the digital divide and giving more people access to digital opportunities.
This international recognition marks a milestone in Egypt's efforts to build a safer digital environment and foster a genuine culture of digital citizenship, reflecting the country's growing role as a competitive, forward-looking player on the global digital stage.