We are pleased to announce the first ITU Inter-Regional Week on “Emerging Technologies for Development” in the Arab and African Regions scheduled to take place from 13 to 18 December 2020. The objective of this year’s ITU Inter-Regional Week is to promote the wide-scale deployment of emerging technologies including, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Big Data, low orbiting satellites, and 5G, to ultimately contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We plan to hold this event annually with a new theme each year that focuses on specific emerging technologies and targets a number of SDGs. The focus this year will be on SDG 3 (Health and Well Being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we face a global recession that is adversely impacting the global economy at large and developing countries more acutely. Nevertheless, as countries plan for the new normal, there is potential for increased investment in emerging technologies. The Emerging Technologies for Development Week provides an excellent opportunity for countries to share their experiences in using emerging technologies to mitigate the socio-economic impact of COVID-19, with a view to achieving the SDGs in the long run. This week will help highlight potential challenges as countries plan for economic recovery and prepare for the new normal. It will showcase best practices, enlarge the space for participation and support efforts to leverage emerging technologies in endeavors to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.