ITU's 160 anniversary

Committed to connecting the world

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Indigenous peoples and communities

Unleashing the transformative power of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and emerging technologies, the work of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau ensures that everyone, everywhere, can access, use, and benefit from digital products and services equally and equitably.​

ICT knowledge is a key enabler for achieving development goals for indigenous peoples. With this in mind, ITU is dedicated to empowering these communities by promoting the effective use of ICTs and harnessing their digital knowledge. ITU prioritizes supporting the personal development of indigenous individuals while fostering self-sustainability and socio-economic growth within their communities.​

According to the United Nations Development Programme, there are more than 476 million indigenous people around the world, spread across 90 countries and representing 5000 different cultures. The majority of these populations lack access to adequate economic resources, education and social protection.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commits to engaging rural, remote, and hardest-to-connect indigenous communities in global development efforts, ensuring they have access to essential resources and opportunities.​

Check out our latest Impact Story on Empowering indigenous people in the Philippines through digital literacy training programme​.

Leaving no one behind 


Since 2002, ITU members have engaged in empowering indigenous communities through ICTs, as reflected in the resolutions adopted and reconducted systematically within the work of the ITU World Telecommunication Development and Plenipotentiary Conferences.

In 2003, the World Summit on the Information Society called to ensure indigenous peoples’ participation in the information society. Since then, much progress has been made, but additional efforts are still needed to fully achieve this goal.

Training Programmes


 
​Blended Training Program for ICT Network Managers in Indigenous and Rural Communities in the Africa Region 2025-2026 
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​Blended Training Program for ICT Network Managers in Rural, Remote, and Indigenous Communities of Latin America 2025–2026 
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​Online course Design of community connectivity strategies in indigenous and rural territories ​
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Activities

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​ Developing digital skills in Gran Chaco
 Developing digital skills in Gran Chaco
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Session on the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 Forum High-Level Event 2024
Session on the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 Forum High-Level Event 2024
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International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Developing digital skills in Gran Chaco

Session on the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 Forum High-Level Event 2024

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

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