Terms of Reference

1.    OBJECTIVES

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in partnership with the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), establishes the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience (hereinafter the “Advisory Body”) to enhance submarine telecommunications cables, which provide more than 99 percent of the world’s intercontinental connectivity, support a range of human activities in developed and developing states, including electronic commerce, financial transactions, government services, tele-health and tele-education, social and cultural exchanges, and scientific inquiry.  This Advisory Body will serve as a platform for international multistakeholder collaboration to identify, develop, and promote government and industry best practices for submarine cable resilience, focusing on, inter alia: 

  • Timely licensing, deployment and repair of submarine cables
  • Mitigation of the risks of physical damage to submarine cables
  • Enhancement of submarine cable resilience and the continuity of communications over such cables, and
  • International cooperation in the aforementioned areas.

2.    COMPOSITION

2.1 The Advisory Body’s members should consist of leaders and representatives from a mix of:  international and regional organisations (including those focused on cable protection); government policymakers and regulators; submarine cable operators (including telecommunications carriers and hyperscalers), system suppliers, cable ship operators, and survey companies; and academia.

2.2 Additional criteria include ensuring diversity and inclusion across genders, regions, and economies, a demonstrated commitment to the Advisory Body’s mission, and the capacity for sustained engagement to promote a comprehensive and coordinated approach to enhancing submarine cable resilience.

2.3 Potential members satisfying the criteria identified above will be solicited through a public call for nominations.  The ITU and the ICPC may solicit additional nominations to ensure effective and diverse representation consistent with the criteria identified above.  The ITU and the ICPC will jointly propose members to be selected with the concurrence of the co-chairs.

2.4. Intergovernmental organizations may be invited to join in a consultative role to offer expert insights that will complement the discussions of the formal membership of the Advisory Body

3.    OPERATING GUIDELINES

3.1 The Advisory Body will have two co-chairs.  Representatives of the ITU and ICPC will serve as co-executive secretaries of the Advisory Body.

3.2 The Advisory Body will foster a collaborative and inclusive environment, encouraging diverse perspectives, open dialogue, and equal participation. Members will uphold integrity and impartiality, making decisions based on expert knowledge and commit to the highest standards of governance and probity.

3.3 A vision, plan and time deliverables will be agreed based on the objectives and scope. The Advisory Body will meet at least twice per year, one convening in person during the annual Submarine Cable Resilience Summit (the “Submarine Cable Resilience Summit”) and the others virtually.

3.4 A quorum for the Advisory Body meetings will be at least two thirds of the Members.

3.5 Advisory Body’s decision-making process will be consensus based.

3.6 The agenda for Advisory Body meetings shall be agreed by the co-chairs.

3.7 The Advisory Body Members must fully commit to, and always observe and in all contexts, the values and standards of the United Nations, adhere to UN principles including those for human rights, labour, environment, anti-corruption, and the rule of law.

3.8 In its work, the Advisory Body members will adhere to the United Nations Code of Conduct. The Office of the ITU Secretary-General will provide operational support. In cases of alleged misconduct or inability to fulfil duties, including failure to comply with applicable laws and/or the UN operational guidance in force at the time, the continued participation of such member(s) in the work of the Advisory Board may be reconsidered.

3.9 The Advisory Body is constituted for an initial period of two years.

3.10 The Advisory Body’s co-chairs and members will serve for a period of two years.

3.11 Advisory Body position is purely voluntary and non-remunerated.

3.12 The ITU and ICPC Secretariat team will perform the functions of secretariat for the Advisory Body.