Bridging the Standardization Gap (BSG) between developing and developed countries is one of the top priorities under ITU-T’s operational plan.  WTSA Resolution 44 (Rev. New Delhi, 2024) outlines four programmes of activity to address these national and regional disparities:

Programme 1 — Strengthening standard-making capabilities
Build the ability of developing countries to actively participate in creating standards. This includes training on ITU-T procedures, support for proposing new work, improving access to and exchange of technical information, and enabling remote participation.
Programme 2 — Assisting with application of standards
Help countries understand, adopt, and implement ITU-T Recommendations within their own contexts. This includes guidance on aligning national standards, establishing national standardization bodies, and providing tools and expert support where appropriate and feasible. These initiatives are implemented in collaboration between ITU-T and ITU-D.
Programme 3 — Human-resource & capacity building
Develop the skills and expertise needed for standardization work. This includes workshops, online & offline training, study group participation support (including fellowships), and encouraging experts from developing countries to take on leadership positions. Programme 3 emphasizes support for the participation of women, particularly with regard to emerging technologies, and taking into account geographical balance.
Programme 4 — Fundraising & resource mobilization
Secure and manage financial resources to support Resolution 44 activities. Funds support training, technical assistance, expert participation, and capacity-building initiatives. The BSG Secretariat is grateful for the support already received from Member States for such initiatives, and welcomes opportunities to extend such partnerships.

Current ITU-T study groups and focus groups.
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ITU-T delegate guide (2025-01) [ A | C | E | F | R | S ]. 
ITU-T guide for new participants (2025-01) [ A | C | E | F | R | S ].
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ITU-T’s latest standards.

Environmental efficiency, e-waste and circular economy: ITU supports the implementation of ITU-T standards and guidelines on environmental efficiency of ICTs, e-waste management and circular economy, including capacity-building and support to countries in applying harmonized approaches for resource efficiency and environmentally sound management of ICT equipment.
Measurement of environmental impacts and benefits of digital technologies: ITU promotes the implementation of ITU-T standards to assess the environmental impacts and climate benefits of digital technologies, including the measurement of how the use of ICT solutions can help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in other sectors, such as through the application of ITU-T L.1480.
Digital Financial Services Security Lab: The DFS Security Lab implements the objectives of WTSA Resolution 89 by providing technical support to regulators in emerging economies to build confidence and trust in the use of digital financial services through adoption of the DFS Security Recommendations (e.g., ITU-T X.1150 and ITU-T X.1456), conducting security tests on mobile payment to assess compliance with the DFS Security Recommendations, and organizing DFS security clinics to provide technical guidance securing digital finance.
United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) is a UN platform coordinated by ITU, UNECE, and UN-Habitat and supported by 20 UN entities, bringing cities and partners together to drive people-centred, sustainable digital transformation. It supports cities worldwide in implementing Recommendation ITU-T Y.4903, with more than 250 cities already using its globally recognized set of KPIs to measure, manage, and accelerate their transition toward smarter and more sustainable urban development.
The Global Initiative on AI and Virtual Worlds – Discovering the Citiverse is a flagship multistakeholder platform launched by ITU, UNICC, and Digital Dubai, with the support of 70+ global partners. It brings together cities, governments, industry, and innovators to shape AI-powered virtual worlds that are inclusive, trusted, interoperable, and grounded in real-world impact.
Conformity and Interoperability (C&I): In accordance with WTSA Resolution 76 and PP Resolution 177, ITU enhances the Conformity and Interoperability of ICT products based on ITU Recommendations, maintains Testing Laboratories and Product Conformity databases, gathers feedback for further improvement, and assists developing countries to build capacity.
Combating fraudulent communications: In accordance with WTSA Resolution 65, ITU strengthens trust in global telecommunications by developing signalling‑security standards using digital certificates to prevent spoofing, scam calls, and other fraudulent communications.
Combating counterfeiting and stolen ICT devices: In accordance with WTSA Resolution 96, WTSA Resolution 97 and PP Resolution 188, ITU develops global standards and frameworks which could help to verify, detect, and block counterfeit and stolen ICT devices from telecom networks.
Safe listening: ITU is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish technical standards, raise awareness for the existing safe listening guidelines in ITU-T H.870, H.871 and H.872, and address the global risk of irreversible noise-induced hearing loss from recreational loud sound exposure.

Members are invited to propose implementation projects (tsbbsg@itu.int).