Archived Newsroom • Press Release |
|
ITU hosts Second Advisory Board Meeting of m-Powering Development Initiative
Mobile industry leaders review progress and discuss way forward
Geneva, 23 May 2104 – The Second Advisory Board Meeting of
the m-Powering Development Initiative opened today aimed at using the reach of
mobile tele-connectivity to achieve long-term sustainable development.
The m-Powering Development Initiative is an international, multi-stakeholder
platform that seeks to leverage the ubiquity of mobile technology beyond basic
communications. Its objective is to capitalize on the availability of mobile
networks to strengthen economies and offer new opportunities to improve health,
education, governance, banking, sport and commerce.
“The initiative is designed to leverage the potential of mobile technology
across markets and countries worldwide, especially in remote areas of the
world,” said ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun I. Touré.
Today’s meeting, which follows the First Advisory Board Meeting held in
October 2013, reviewed and assessed the progress made in the areas of
m-Learning, m-Health, m-Commerce, m-Sports, Business Models and Advocacy and
discussed the future work programme.
The Advisory Board was assisted by six working groups, which were established
for each theme to bring in the expertise from various sectors. The working
groups reviewed ongoing initiatives and activities in their respective fields,
identified key stakeholders and elaborated real life examples and best practices
that can be replicated and scaled up.
“Today we took further steps as we heard about concrete proposals on the way
forward to m-Power development,” said Mr Brahima Sanou, Director of ITU’s
Telecommunication Development Bureau. “I strongly believe that these early steps
will pave the way to great things and positive change in people’s lives and I
look forward to translating our words into actions.”
The Advisory Board, which meets twice a year, is chaired by Mr Sam Pitroda,
Founder of C-SAM, Inc. and Adviser to the Prime Minister of India on Public
Information Infrastructure and Innovation. It is composed of leaders in the
telecom fraternity with a track record of making a real difference in the field
of m-Powering development. This includes eminent personalities from diverse
backgrounds with a range of interests and expertise in the mobile industry.
“Today you may find mobile phones being used even in the most remote areas,”
Pitroda said. “We should really focus on using mobile connectivity for
development. Development related to m-learning, m-health and m-commerce are some
key areas for inclusive growth for all.”
The Advisory Board will meet again later this year to review progress and
address other strategic issues.
For more information, please see
www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Initiatives/m-Powering/Pages/default.aspx
or contact:
Sanjay Acharya
Chief, Media Relations and Public Information, ITU
|
Monica Albertini
Communication Officer
Telecommunication Development Bureau
|
About ITU...