| Information note to the press |
International Telecommunication Union
For immediate release |
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MEDIA ADVISORY - MEDIA ADVISORY - MEDIA ADVISORY
I6th Plenipotentiary Conference
Geneva, 19 July 2002
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What: |
16th Plenipotentiary Conference – International Telecommunication
Union |
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When: |
23 September – 18 October, 2002 |
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Where: |
Marrakesh, Morocco |
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Why: |
A Plenipotentiary Conference held every four years determines ITU’s strategic
direction and priorities. It adopts the Union’s Strategic and Financial Plans,
elects its top-ranking officials, and develops new policies as necessary in light of
industry developments.
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Who: |
ITU is one of the most widely-represented organizations in the world, with 189
Member States along with more than 669 Sector Members and 56 Associates who,
represent the major players from all sectors of the telecommunication industry. More
than 1200 delegates are expected to attend the Conference. |
The 16th Plenipotentiary Conference will be held at a time of
unprecedented change within the telecommunications industry. In dramatic contrast to the buoyant
climate four years ago when it last convened, telecommunication manufacturers, operators,
software developers and service providers must deal with harsh new realities governing a sector
that has undergone a rapid and profound transformation. As today’s industry moves forward in a
climate of uncertainty, the case for reform of ITU’s regulations, working methods and
structures takes on added importance.
Plenipotentiary delegates will be expected to take decisions on a number of
issues, including:
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Strengthening the role of the private
sector and of regulators in the work of the ITU.
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Balancing the ITU budget.
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Establishing faster processes for
approving global telecommunication standards.
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Introduction of fees to cover the cost of
processing satellite applications, as well as time limits on planned satellites, which
would see the orbital position and spectrum allocation for satellites that fail to
launch within five years reallocated to other users.
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The implications of convergence in
telecommunications and the impact of the Internet.
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Strengthening ITU’s regional presence.
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The World Summit on the Information
Society to be convened under the leadership of the ITU in Geneva in December 2003 and
Tunis 2005 and steps to overcome the Digital Divide.
For media accreditation visit the website at itu.int/newsarchive/accredit/
About ITU
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