The 2018 Regional Development Forum for the Americas took place in Lima, Peru on 25 May 2018 under the theme "ICTs for SDGs: towards the implementation of WTDC-17 Outcomes".
The Forum was organized by ITU and hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Peru.
At the Forum, participants discussed a four-year action plan to carry out the activities of the Buenos Aires Action Plan and in particular the implementation of the five Americas Regional Initiatives for the period 2018-2021 as adopted by WTDC-17. The initiatives include emergency communications, spectrum management, broadband access, accessibility and digital economy.
"The Regional Initiatives have always been at the top of my priorities because it is through their implementation that we make a difference on the ground," said Brahima Sanou, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. "Let us all work together to implement them with the aim of accelerating progress towards a dignified life, prosperity and peace for everyone because sustainable development is a collective responsibility."
"It is through their implementation that we can accelerate progress in all sectors of life, make our communities smarter and empower women, youth and people with disabilities."
Rosa Virginia Nakagawa Morales, Vice Minister of Transport and Communications of Peru said, "this Forum offers an excellent opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences on how to implement the Regional Initiatives, as well as to explore new opportunities that promote increased access to information and communication technologies in the region."
Also discussed at the Forum was how to strengthen synergies between the Regional Initiatives and the activities of ITU-D Study Groups, ITU Academy, ITU Centres of Excellence, Academia and membership.
Regional Development Forums (RDFs) provide an opportunity for high-level dialogue between the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), governments and regulators from ITU Member States and Sector Members.
