Council 2009 Highlights

N°6

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• Document 13

The document, introduced by Fabio Leite, Deputy to the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau (BR), presents the highlights and key elements of the plan for the Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R). It places emphasis on the outputs of the Sector and on BR’s activities to carry them out, as well as BR’s involvement in inter-sectoral outputs. Also included in the draft plan is information on linkage with ITU’s draft Strategic and Financial Plans, and the key performance indicators (KPI). 

Mr Leite said the 2010-2013 period will be “very busy”. Next year and 2011 will be dominated by finalizing the implementation of the WRC-07 outcomes. At the same time, preparations for WRC-12 will be well under way, leading to final preparations for the Conference Preparatory Meeting. An intensive programme of work for the Radio Regulations Board is envisaged, and there will be a continuation of the cycle of activities of the ITU-R study groups which started in 2008, following the Radiocommunication Assembly of 2007.

The five high-priority outputs for ITU-R have been identified (in no particular order of priority) as: world and regional radiocommunication conferences; processing of Space and terrestrial notices; ITU-R study groups; ITU-R publications, and assistance to members.

Several councillors thanked BR for a clear and comprehensive report. The Republic of Korea also singled out for praise the establishment of a website where study groups can share documents and which is a big help to these groups in dealing with a “huge workload”. Saudi Arabia suggested that WRC Conference Preparatory Meetings should be listed under the Sector’s “Objective 1” on coordination among Member States, and that there should be reference to world seminars on radiocommunications — not just regional ones. Mr Leite said these points would be raised at the Radiocommunication Advisory Group (RAG) in preparing the next version of the draft plan.

In response to a query from the United States, Mr Leite said there is no longer any backlog in satellite network filings, and that updated software to process notices on terrestrial services (to cover changes decided by WRC-07) has been almost entirely implemented.

BR Director Valery Timofeev thanked Council for its comments, which he promised would be noted. He also gave his warm thanks to everyone in the BR team.

The Council approved the draft Operational Plan for ITU-R for 2010-2013 and adopted the Resolution contained in the Annex to Document 13.

• Document 14

Reinhard Scholl introduced Document 14, which lists (in no special order) the six high-priority outputs for ITU-T that are identified in the operational plan: World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly; Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group; ITU-T study groups; workshops; ITU-T publications; and promotion.  A chart on page 5 shows the link between ITU-T outputs, objectives, missions and activities.

The operational plan reflects the outcomes and decisions taken at WTSA-08 in Johannesburg, South Africa, which saw the highest level of participation ever for a WTSA, with 99 countries in attendance and VIPs from governments and the  ICT industry. The results put ITU-T in good shape to tackle the challenges of the coming study period, but also gave the Sector a lot of work to do. Mr Scholl reminded councillors that a detailed Action Plan on implementation of decisions taken at WTSA-08 can be read at www.itu.int/ITU-T/wtsa-08/actionplan/index.html. He said the Action Plan is updated regularly, and will be presented to the WTSA in 2012. As quite a few Resolutions ask for collaboration with ITU’s other two Sectors (in particular  ITU-D), appropriate information has been sent to the preparatory meetings for WTDC-10.

In order to deal with the challenging work programme, TSB is being reorganized into three sections: a Study Group Department, a Telecommunication Standardization Policy Department and a Services Department. A new WTSA Programmes Division under the Telecommunication Standardization Policy Department will have responsibility for many of the tasks given to TSB by WTSA-08.

Several councillors expressed their thanks for the report. The United States asked about the principles behind the restructuring of TSB. In response, TSB Director Malcolm Johnson referred to details in Document 32, which is to be discussed by the  Standing Committee on Administration and Management (ADM). Mr Johnson also said TSB is fully aware of a point raised by the Russian Federation, which had stressed the need for synergy and the avoidance of overlapping resources when ITU-T collaborates with other Sectors.

Mali asked about “the state of play” with regard to ITU-T’s relationship with other standards-making bodies. Mr Johnson explained that, worldwide, there are some 300-500 such bodies in the field of ICT. “Maintaining ITU-T’s pre-eminence is a challenge,” he said; “we try to cooperate as much as possible, but it is a competitive environment”. A new high-level group has been formed by TSB called the CTO Group, and one of its main concerns is this plethora of standards organizations, said the Director. The group has asked TSB to review the whole landscape and analyse who is doing what, so as to clarify the role of ITU-T.

Mr Johnson also recognized the great contribution of TSB staff and thanked them for their efforts. 

The Council approved the draft Operational Plan for ITU-T for 2010-2013 and adopted the Resolution contained in the Annex to Document 14.

• Document 15

Document 15 was presented by Yury Grin, Deputy to the Director of BDT. It describes ITU-D’s mission and objectives, which are primarily guided by the Strategic Plan for the Union for 2008-2011, but which will be adapted according to the outcomes of WTDC-10 and the Plenipotentiary Conference in 2010. Next year will be “a watershed year,” said Mr Grin.

The Russian Federation said it approves of the draft plan, which had already been discussed by the Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG), but asked for WSIS Action Line C6 to be added to paragraph 3.3 of Document 15. South Africa, Mali and Burkina Faso suggested that there should be more prominence given to the Connect the World initiative.

Debate also focused on the question of regional activities. Tanzania’s councillor noted that there is no mention of strengthening ITU’s regional presence, even though the need for this was highlighted at PP-06. He specifically mentioned the apparently dormant state of ITU’s office in Harare, Zimbabwe. The United States brought up the suggestions made at regional preparatory meetings for WTDC-10, which appeared to scrap certain aspects of regional initiatives. Both these points were supported by South Africa’s councillor, who also asked for information on the regions to be helped make the transition to digital broadcasting.

BDT Director Sami Al Basheer Al Morshid answered that the main staff member in ITU’s Harare office had been temporarily moved to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for security reasons. However, he had continued to work from there on issues concerning southern Africa, and BDT is aiming to make the Harare office fully operational again “very soon”.

Concerning regional initiatives, Mr Al Basheer said that proposals had been made to “cluster” certain elements (such as emergency communications, and assistance for least developed countries, or LDC), in order to avoid duplication of resources and expand and improve Member States’ access to benefits. Such ideas could be further debated at WTDC-10. To another question from the United States, the Director answered that even if voluntary contributions for ITU-D projects cease or vary, BDT always tries to ensure that projects are maintained by finding alternative sources, despite a difficult financial climate.

On other points from councillors, Mr Al Basheer said that mention of WSIS Action Line C6 would be added to the draft plan, and that the Connect the World initiative is “at the top of the agenda” — for example, the Connect the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) Summit  will shortly take place. BDT also fully recognizes the importance of helping countries (especially developing ones) make the transition to digital broadcasting.

The Council approved the draft Operational Plan for ITU-D for 2010-2013 and adopted the Resolution contained in the Annex to Document 15.

• Document 12

Introduced by ITU Deputy Secretary-General Houlin Zhao, Document 12 says that “the General Secretariat will play an essential role, both in its direct activities and in support of the Sectors, to meet the strategic orientations and goals identified in the Strategic Plan of the Union for 2008-2011.” It goes on to say that “the period covered by the current draft plan will present new challenges. Due to budgetary restraints, improved efficiency will be required to implement all planned activities and to provide the highest quality services to the membership.” 

Efforts to modernize management practices will continue throughout the General Secretariat, as well as the transition to results-based management, better use of KPI, and the introduction of new accounting standards in conformity with the UN system. The evolution to fuller use of the six official languages of the Union represents a key element in the work, says Document 12, while efforts to raise the visibility of the Union and to attract new membership are vital.

The Russian Federation said that the General Secretariat’s services supporting the four high priority intersectoral outputs of ITU (mentioned in paragraph 2.5) should include at least a fifth output: the WTPF. This was endorsed by Mali, whose councillor stressed that it is very important to take every opportunity to make ITU more visible. The United States, however, commented that paragraph 2.5 includes only events covered by ITU’s rules of procedure in its basic texts. Other events could be added in separate text. Saudi Arabia proposed that the words “on an equal footing” should be added after “The evolution to fuller use of the six official languages of the Union…” in paragraph 3.2. Mr Zhao responded that these points would be noted in preparing the next draft of the plan.

The Council approved the draft Operational Plan for the General Secretariat for 2010-2013 and adopted the Resolution contained in the Annex to Document 12.

Canada’s councillor also referred to the issue of linkages among ITU’s Strategic, Financial and Operational Plans, and said he anticipates simplified plans in future that are consistent in format across ITU. In addition, Canada made the  point that, under the ITU Convention, it is a requirement that operational plans be presented to each Council meeting. However, the next Council session is in only six months time, in April 2010, and this would impose too big a burden on those preparing the plans. He proposed that — for one time only — this requirement should be waived for the 2010 Council session. This was agreed.

Further discussions of these issues were to take place at the meeting of the Working Group on the Strategic Plan, taking place at lunchtime.

• Document 19

At its 2008 session, the Council agreed to hold an event in celebration of the 40th anniversary of ITU Telecom in 2011. The Secretary-General planned to call for bids to select a venue, but, because of the potential deficit from ITU TELECOM World 2009, decided to go with an offer from the Geneva authorities to hold the event in the city. This is because the authorities had already agreed to cut the price of renting the venue for Telecom World 2009 by some CHF 2.5 million, but want to spread the financial impact of this across two events.

The decision to hold the 2011 event in Geneva was endorsed by the ITU Telecom Board at its meeting on 18 February 2009, in Barcelona. It was also endorsed by Council Member States after they were consulted by letter in March 2009.

The Council noted Document 19.

• Document 80

This document was debated by the Council on Tuesday (see Highlights of 22 October). It proposes merging all high-level forums into a single ITU event, and that the World Telecommunication Policy Forum (WTPF) might be held in conjunction with Telecom World forums.

• Document 20
• Document 92

ITU Deputy Secretary-General Houlin Zhao presented both these documents together. Document 20 details the results of ITU Telecom World 2009, held in Geneva from 5-9 October. The event attracted 1758 VIPs from 147 countries. For the first time, a Heads of State Programme was part of a WORLD event. This was the first gathering of high-level government officials to discuss ICT since the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). 

ITU Telecom World 2009 The Exhibition

Although the economic downturn had dissuaded some firms, the exhibition attracted 34 sponsors from some 24 countries. There were 35 thematic and national pavilions. Major ICT companies were represented and about 6000 trade visitors from 120 countries attended. The Forum was organized in 40 sessions around three themes and had 1089 participants from 68 countries, as well as 402 speakers representing 76 countries and several international organizations. In addition, nearly 300 young people from around 150 countries gathered for the Youth Forum.

Mr Zhao said that Telecom World had been “a challenge from the beginning”, especially given the financial crisis. However, there had been “high expectation” from the ITU membership that such a platform would be offered. A consultation with exhibitors, sponsors and forum speakers, held on 9 October 2009, revealed a general sense of satisfaction and appreciation for WORLD 2009. The ITU Telecom Board expressed similar views.

Switzerland’s councillor said he was “delighted that Telecom 2009 was a success — although it certainly wasn’t guaranteed!” But the decision to go ahead had been correct, he added. The greater focus on the Forum had given the event “a different atmosphere”, and that is the path to follow in future. “The time of mega-pavilions is long gone,” the councillor said. He also commented that references in Document 20 should be to “the competent Swiss authorities” and not just to Geneva, as the Confederation had also been involved.

Nevertheless, the event resulted in a deficit, said Mr Zhao. National and thematic pavilions attracted new participants in the Exhibition, although they generally did not have the same budget to spend as large manufacturers. However, the exhibition had neither made a loss nor a big surplus. The Forum had a similar result. The deficit had arisen from the cost of the ITU resources that were used, which are currently considered separately from Telecom finances. Mr Zhao suggested that therefore Telecom work should be merged with ITU’s normal work — especially because, in future, it could be considered less of a commercial venture and more of one aimed at promoting ITU and its aims. This would be a strategic change for Telecom.

Strategic choices and the “Challenges and Opportunities for the ITU Telecom Events” are outlined in Document 92. France described it as “a clear analysis” of the situation. Malaysia said it supports the idea of Telecom events being positioned as primarily promotional activities, but there needs to be better marketing and planning, among other measures. Tanzania commented that it appreciates the opportunity and encouragement given to developing countries to participate in Telecom; also, the importance of ICT in economic development generally is reinforced in the minds of politicians and the public through such events as the Forum. Bulgaria said that it might not be appropriate to judge the success of Telecom amid a period of financial instability: more time is needed to test the new model and reach conclusions (perhaps for the 2011 planned event).

TELECOM AMERICAS 2010
Document 20 outlines events in 2008, as well as the upcoming Americas event taking place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 21-24 September 2010. Currently, there are no plans for other regional events.

The councillor from Argentina said it is “a privilege” to host the event, especially as it coincides with his country’s 200th anniversary celebration. Industry is much involved, he said, and he expects a formal agreement on hosting to be signed “very soon”.

Brazil brought up the suggestion that had been made in Council Resolution 1292 on merging regional and world Telecom events, and asked whether it had been taken further. Mr Zhao replied that Asia Telecom 2010 had been cancelled, but (with a new business model) future stand-alone regional events are possible.

 
Conclusions
Document 92 says that ITU Telecom was very successful until the end of the 1990s. Since then, the market has become extremely competitive and specialized, and ITU World and Regional Telecom events mostly run into deficit. On the other hand, developing countries are looking for a platform to showcase products and services, and do business with the global ICT community. In addition to ICT players, many firms from other sectors are seeking a venue to find out how ICT could help them, while technological convergence might see a decline in competing specialist events. ITU can also motivate international organizations, governments, civil society organizations and other new players to join the ITU Telecom events and explore the impact of ICT in public health, education, and so on, as well as important issues such as climate change and cybersecurity. 
 
The document adds that there is great demand for a World Telecom/ICT Forum under the auspices of a well established institution such as ITU. This is how we want to position ITU, said Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré. Our strength is our “convening power” to bring many stakeholders together. No other organization can do this in the same way, he said. The Scretary-General also praised and thanked all the ITU staff who had helped with Telecom World. “I am proud to have such a team,” he said.

The Council noted Document 92 and requested that further study be undertaken and that the elements proposed in Document 80 be considered.

• Document 51

The ICT Development Fund (ICT-DF) is fed by any surplus earned from Telecom events. Since 1997, the ICT-DF Steering Committee has approved 85 projects for funding. Document 51, introduced by Karim Boussaid, says that as of April 2009, 55 projects had been fully implemented and closed, 8 projects had been implemented and submitted for final closure, and 21 projects were still ongoing.  

The document states that with the exception of a slight drop in 2001, there was growth in spending on projects until 2006. At the end of April 2009, and with respect to ongoing projects, the level of expenditure remained relatively low, amounting to USD 1.5 million against a total contribution to the fund of USD 14 million. This, according to the document, is a result of   a combination of several factors: time needed for the completion of necessary procedures; size of the BDT portfolio of projects; closure of many projects to be completed before the implementation of IPSAS in January 2010, and starting new projects which have their costs credited to the 2009 financial year.

Owing to the balance of USD 12 million to be absorbed in 2009 for the remaining 21 ongoing projects, and given the financial situation of the Exhibition Working Capital Fund, the Steering Committee decided to recommend that no transfer be made in 2009 to the ICT-DF, according to Document 51. As things stand, the working level of the ICT-DF capital account is high enough to absorb new requests for 2009, bearing in mind that the outstanding balances resulting from the closure of projects in 2009 will be returned to the ICT-DF.

The councillor from Mali wanted to know why (in paragraph 9) there appears to be USD 14 million available for projects, but very little is being spent. “How can this situation be turned around?” he asked. Burkina Faso echoed the concern, noting that only one project was described as being started in 2009. He suggested that the conditions of eligibility for funding might be made more flexible.

Mr Boussaid responded by referring Council to Document 37 on strengthening the project execution function within ITU. He said the situation in BDT had been evaluated and steps are being taken to improve it. The Director has asked for an analysis, and a report will be made to Council 2010.

Council approved the recommendation that no transfer be made in 2009 from the Exhibition Working Capital Fund to the ICT-DF.

• Document 28
  

Introducing Document 28, TSB Director Malcolm Johnson, underlined that a major concern raised at the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly in Johannesburg in October 2008 (WTSA-08) was the lack of conformance and interoperability of telecommunication equipment being placed on the market, especially in developing countries and economies in transition.

To address this challenge, WTSA-08 adopted Resolution 76, which among other things, instructed the Director of TSB to report to Council 2009 on helping developing countries with human and institutional capacity building in conformity and interoperability testing, as well as in establishing regional or sub-regional test centres. Document 28 summarizes the studies conducted so far and proposes actions for implementing assistance programmes in collaboration with the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT).

Interview with Malcolm Johnson

“Addressing interoperability is not something new,” Mr Johnson told the Council, adding that “it was the very reason for founding ITU”. He observed that other standards bodies had already introduced a number of activities to address conformity and interoperability and were far ahead of ITU. “I believe ITU should follow their example,” Mr Johnson said. Document 28 cites the European Telecommunications Standardisation Institute (ETSI), Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), Wi-Fi Alliance, Cable Labs, and IMS Forum as some of the organizations actively carrying out interoperability tests. In addition, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) of the United States and its members support a Project 25 Compliance Assessment Program (P25CAP) for conformity and interoperability testing of public safety radio equipment.

Developing the necessary Recommendations for conformity and interoperability testing
Resolution 76 recognized that users suffer when interoperability tests are not performed, and that ITU-T has in the past initiated such tests. The Resolution instructs ITU-T study groups to develop the necessary Recommendations for conformity and interoperability testing as quickly as possible. Mr Johnson reported that the study groups were making progress in developing the necessary Recommendations. He cited the example of ITU-T Study Group 16 which, at its meeting this week, received proposals from Brazil and Singapore to develop test suites for Internet protocol television (IPTV).  

“Clearly, there is no point in developing test suites if ITU does not give some recognition to manufacturers who have their equipment tested to ITU-T Recommendations,” Mr Johnson noted. “So, Resolution 76 further asks the TSB Director to study the possibility of an ITU Mark programme, as a voluntary programme permitting manufacturers and service providers to make a visible declaration that their equipment conforms to ITU-T Recommendations,” Mr Johnson explained.

Why the introduction of an ITU Mark is not proposed now
However, he added that having benefited from advice from experts from all regions, and an open Consultation Meeting in July 2009, “we have decided not to propose the introduction of an ITU Mark for various reasons. Instead, we propose ITU should follow the example of other standards bodies that have established databases where manufacturers can place information regarding the conformity of their equipment to ITU-T Recommendations.” ITU, he said, would not do any of this testing or certification itself, but existing accredited test centres or accredited certification bodies would be used. “We could also provide links to the databases of other standards bodies, especially those that have test results on ITU Recommendations. This would be simpler to introduce than an ITU Mark,” Mr Johnson stated.
 
Mr Johnson went on to describe how other standards bodies facilitate or organize interoperability events. These events allow two or more vendors to get together to verify that their equipment interoperates satisfactorily. The results are then put into a public database (except for data that are agreed to be commercially sensitive).  “We propose to do the same. The results of these events appearing in the ITU database would be in agreement with the participating companies. Interoperability events are very popular with industry and are self-funded. We believe ITU should also facilitate such events, possibly in partnership with other standards bodies or forums which already conduct them. In fact, we have already received offers of collaboration to do so,” Mr Johnson said.

Collaboration with BDT on capacity building
Resolution 76 also asks TSB to implement the proposals on human capacity building in close collaboration with BDT. It says more resources should be assigned for the development of guidelines on the implementation of Recommendations, and workshops and tutorials held on conformity assessment and interoperability. This would be similar to what TSB has done with the Forums on bridging the standardization gap, and would build on BDT’s joint project with ZNISS (of the Russian Federation) to create an International Telecommunication Testing Centre (ITTC) for testing new technologies and training specialists from developing countries.

Building internationally recognized and accredited testing facilities in developing countries
Finally, Resolution 76 asks ITU to assist in the establishment of testing facilities in developing countries. It appears that the regions most poorly served are Africa, the Arab States and Latin America. Building internationally recognized and accredited testing facilities for telecommunication equipment is a very complex and demanding task from the financial as well as the human resources perspective. Although ITU will not be able to assist directly with the financing, it could assist with training and educating the staff to be employed in the newly established testing facilities. “We could also approach the international financial institutions to facilitate the establishment of testing facilities,” Mr Johnson said.

Recommendations

Mr Johnson then summarized the recommendations to Council that:

• TSB will establish a database as a repository for companies’ information on conformity.

• TSB will investigate industry’s interest in participating in interoperability events, possibly in partnership with other standards bodies or forums, and will establish a database for information on these events.

• TSB will collaborate with BDT on the necessary capacity building on conformity and interoperability, and help establish test centres in developing countries.

• the Director of TSB in collaboration with the Director of BDT will develop a business plan for the long-term implementation of these programmes and report back to the Council, identifying budgetary expenditure and potential income. This will depend very much on the potential demand for these services.

He concluded by saying that although none of these measures would guarantee interoperability, together they would contribute to increasing, greatly, the probability of interoperability. And that is what ITU must strive for. Mr Johnson asked that these proposals be given a trial before any further consideration of an ITU Mark.

Presentations from the United Arab Emirates and the United States
The United Arab Emirates in its Document 69 supports the introduction of an ITU Mark as a voluntary programme permitting manufacturers and service providers to make a visible declaration that their equipment conforms to ITU-T Recommendations. Its support is based on Resolution 76 and Resolution 158 (Antalya 2009). The delegation said that an ITU Mark “can provide a fair amount of financial support for the Union”. This, it added, “will be an outstanding branding opportunity for ITU, and a similar approach for the use of an ITU Mark should be initiated in ITU-R for products which conform to ITU-R Recommendations”. Document 69 further notes that “a possible solution could be based on the experience of WIPO”.
 
The United States presented its Document 72, which draws the attention of the Council to a draft decision of the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission Permanent Consultative Committee I (Telecommunication) (CITEL PCC.I). This decision reflects the view that studies and analysis should be conducted before beginning implementation of the proposed ITU Mark programme. 

Comments from councillors
The Syrian Arab Republic expressed support for the work of the Director of TSB, but said that the issue of the ITU Mark should not be forgotten. India, sharing these views said that the theme of ITU Telecom World 2009 “Open networks – Connected minds” was very appropriate in the context of Resolution 76, and must always be borne in mind. Implementing this Resolution, India underlined, would go a long way towards bridging the standardization gap, capacity building, and dealing with interoperability issues in developing countries. India then expressed full support for Document 28 and its recommendations and thanked the Director of TSB for “the excellent studies carried out”. Many delegations took the floor to commend the Director for his report.

Canada proposed a step-by-step approach in implementing the recommendations in paragraph 8.2 of Document 28, underlining the need to work very closely with all parties concerned and to continue to develop a comprehensive business plan. South Africa welcomed the report and said it is important for the future, because huge quantities of new telecommunication equipment are shipped daily into the markets of developing countries. However, these countries are often without adequate means and skills to test equipment for conformity and interoperability. The South African delegation further commented that, when implemented, the initiatives outlined in Document 28 would help support the heavy investments being made by both the private and public sectors in the developing world.

A similar view was echoed by Mali, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Thailand (a staunch proponent of Resolution 76 during WTSA-08), stated that it already shares its experience in electromagnetic testing. It added that new technologies pose new challenges in conformance and interoperability testing, making the issue ever-more complex. Ghana said the issue of adherence to quality of service by vendors and service providers was a great challenge and of immense concern for developing countries. Ghana then stated that the business plan mentioned in Document 28 must place emphasis on the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.

Germany underlined that tests carried out by manufacturers are not normally made available because companies want to protect their intellectual property rights. Mexico called for further consultations. Australia shared the view of Canada and added that the Director’s report should be made available to the Telecommunication Advisory Group (TSAG) so that members are kept informed “as we move forward”.

Sweden and France shared the views of Canada and Germany. Kenya called for coordination with existing national standards institutions when implementing the proposals in Document 28. The delegate from Bulgaria described his experience in the field as a former ITU expert, noting the difficulties faced by developing countries and underlined the need to pay attention to conformance testing. He also agreed with the comments made by Canada and Germany. The United States, while supporting Document 28, called for prudence, saying that the issue of interoperability was a complex one, mainly for developing countries, and that a Question is being proposed to WTDC-10 to ensure a better understanding of the issues involved. The Russian Federation supported the report and endorsed its recommendations, as did Tunisia.

Council endorses the TSB Director's recommendations
The Chairman concluded that there was wide support for the recommendations contained in Document 28, that the document be noted, that the recommendations be endorsed, and that Mr Johnson report back to the next Council session in April 2010 on their implementation. It was so agreed.

The Council also noted Documents 69 from the United Arab Emirates and 72 from the United States and said their content should be taken into account in future studies.

The Council adopted the Resolution in Document DT/6 (subject to an editorial modification to paragraph 3). Entitled “Role of the Dedicated Group in identifying Internet-related Public Policy Matters”, the Resolution was tabled by the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Working Group, Brazil's Mário Canazza, once it was available in all six languages (see also the Highlights of 20 and 22 October). The Council also decided that the Resolution should be treated as a “living document” that can be modified at subsequent Council sessions.

The Resolution recognizes WTPF Opinion 1 (Lisbon, 2009) on Internet-related public policy matters and Resolution 64 from WTSA-08. It also recognizes that the Dedicated Group on Internet-related public policy matters is tasked to identify, study and develop matters related to international Internet-related public policy issues, and to disseminate its outputs throughout ITU's membership. It notes the breakthrough agreement in the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society, with regard to Internet governance, which:

• recognizes that all governments should have an equal role and responsibility for international Internet governance and for ensuring the stability, security and continuity of the Internet and also recognizes the need for development of public policy by governments in consultation with all stakeholders (Paragraph 68 of the Tunis Agenda);
  
• states that countries should not be involved in decisions regarding another country’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD): their legitimate interests regarding decisions affecting their ccTLDs, need to be respected, upheld and addressed via a flexible and improved framework and mechanisms (Paragraph 63 of the Tunis Agenda);
  
  
• underlines the need to maximize the participation of developing countries in decisions regarding Internet governance (which should reflect their interests), as well as in development and capacity building (Paragraph 65 of the Tunis Agenda);
  
  
• underlines the need for enhanced cooperation in the future, to enable governments, on an equal footing, to carry out their roles and responsibilities, in international public policy issues pertaining to the Internet, but not in the day-to-day technical and operational matters that do not affect international public policy issues (Paragraph 69 of the Tunis Agenda).
  

The Resolution invites Member States to recognize the scope of ITU’s work on international Internet-related public policy matters, as outlined in a list established in accordance with decisions of the ITU membership at Plenipotentiary Conferences, Council meetings and world conferences.

• Multilingualization of the Internet , including internationalized (multilingual) domain names (IDN)
  

• International Internet connectivity
  

• International public policy issues pertaining to the Internet and the management of Internet resources, including domain names and addresses
  

• The security, safety, continuity, sustainability, and robustness of the Internet (combating cybercrime)
  

• Dealing effectively with spam
  

• Issues pertaining to the use and misuse of the Internet
  

• Availability, affordability, reliability, and quality of service, especially in the developing world
  

• Contributing to capacity building for Internet governance in developing countries
  

• Developmental aspects of the Internet
  

• Respect for privacy and the protection of personal information and data
  

• Protecting children and young people from abuse and exploitation.

Member States are asked to elaborate their position on each of the international Internet-related public policy issues referred to above, and to contribute actively to the work of ITU on those issues.

The Resolution instructs the Secretary-General to provide the necessary support, within existing budgetary resources, so as to ensure that the Dedicated Group on international Internet-related public policy matters, as an integral part of the Council Working Group on WSIS (WG-WSIS), carries out its work successfully. He is also instructed to disseminate, as appropriate, the reports of the Dedicated Group to all relevant international organizations and stakeholders actively involved in such matters for their consideration in their policy-making process.