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The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) organized by the United Nations in 2003-2005 has, for the first time, established the cornerstone of an international political consensus on the values and strategic orientations of the information society. The Summit called for States, local authorities, business and civil society to work together toward common goals. This paper briefly introduces the main issues raised at the Summit, highlighting the difficult points in the debate. It emphasizes the major role plaid by cities and local governments in promoting innovative ideas and new mechanisms, such as digital solidarity through decentralized cooperation. Finally it raises two questions on the implementation and follow-up of the commitments made at the Summit.