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ITU-D Publications 2023

This page features all ITU-D Publications released in 2023. For the latest publications, click here. Publications from previous years, can be found in the ITU-D publications archive.

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ICT Development Index 2023

Universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC) is the possibility for everyone to enjoy a safe, satisfying, enriching and productive online experience at an affordable cost. Based on a new methodology developed through an inclusive and iterative process, the 2023 ICT Development Index covers 169 economies and aims to assess the extent to which connectivity is universal and meaningful around the world. The process of developing the new methodology was inclusive, iterative and transparent involving Member States and the members of the Expert groups on Household ICT Indicators and on Telecommunication/ICT indicators.

Publication Date: December 2023

Regional E-Waste Monitor for the Western Balkans

The Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, are witnessing a surge in E-waste, mirroring global trends. The joint ITU-UNEP-UNITAR Regional E-waste Monitor for the Western Balkans collects internationally comparable e-waste statistics in the region.

Publication Date: December 2023

Digital innovation profile – Serbia

This digital innovation profile will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, innovators, the private sector, and other stakeholders in Serbia. It offers critical insights into Serbia’s digital innovation landscape, identifies areas for improvement, and presents strategic recommendations for collective decision-making processes.

Publication Date: December 2023

Digital innovation profile – Georgia

This digital innovation profile will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, innovators, the private sector, and other stakeholders in Georgia. It offers critical insights into Georgia’s digital innovation landscape, identifies areas for improvement, and presents strategic recommendations for collective decision-making processes towards accelerating the country’s AI-driven competitive advantage.

Publication Date: December 2023

Measuring digital development: Facts and Figures 2023

Steady but uneven progress in global Internet connectivity highlights the disparities of the digital divide and is leaving people in low-income countries behind, according to the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Facts and Figures 2023. ITU’s flagship Facts and Figures tracks global connectivity with estimates on key indicators, including those related to infrastructure, affordability, gender, and location. It now includes new indicators on global 5G network coverage and Internet traffic data.

Publication Date: November 2023

Digital transformation and early warning systems for saving lives – Background paper

The objective of this paper is to highlight the importance of early warning dissemination and communication, one of the four pillars of multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS), which ITU is leading with the newly defined executive action plan for the Early Warnings for All initiative.

Publication Date: October 2023

Towards the harmonization of data collection – A baseline study for e-waste in East Africa

This collaborative study between the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research Sustainable Cycles Programme (UNITAR-SCYCLE) aims to improve the quality, collection, and interpretation of e-waste data in East Africa.

Publication Date: October 2023

Green digital companies 2023 – Monitoring emissions and climate commitments

This edition of the Greening Digital Companies report by the International Telecommunication Union and the World Benchmarking Alliance focuses on the industry enabling this transformation and sheds light on the complex interplay between the digital industry and environmental challenges.

Publication Date: October 2023

World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database online 2023

The World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators database July 2023 edition contains time series data for the years 1960, 1965, 1970 and annually from 1975 to 2022 (with preliminary 2022 data for several major indicator sets) for over 180 economies and over 180 telecommunication/ICT statistics.

Publication Date: July 2023

Connecting every school in Indonesia to the Internet: Policy landscape assessment

This report considers the high-level policies relating to school connectivity initiatives in Indonesia. The assessment explores the gaps in ICT sector supply and education sector demand, it examines approaches to consolidate funding opportunities to secure Internet access in schools in areas overlooked by current policies and it recommends policy interventions to address these gaps.

Publication Date: July 2023

Connecting every school in Indonesia: A bespoke implementation framework

This framework sets out the requirements for school connectivity, such as the policy and regulatory environment, infrastructure, sustainable financing, data and mapping, as well as the multiplier components that help optimize the utilization of school connectivity, such as digital literacy and digital skills.

Publication Date: July 2023

Circular and sustainable public procurement - ICT equipment guide

This National Digital Innovation Profile prepared by ITU provides a comprehensive look at the current state of the digital landscape and technology adoption in North Macedonia, exploring the latest trends, key players and innovative solutions shaping our country’s future.

Publication Date: July 2023

Digital innovation profile: North Macedonia – Digital innovation ecosystem: Strategies and recommendations for accelerating digital transformation

Publication Date: July 2023

Towards building inclusive digital communities”: ITU toolkit and self-assessment for ICT accessibility implementation

The 2023 edition of the ITU toolkit “Towards Building Inclusive Digital Communities”, incorporates content enhancements and website updates which aim to consistently empower ITU members and stakeholders with the most recent information, thus supporting their’ efforts in the execution of ICT/digital accessibility at national and regional levels to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.

Publication Date: June 2023

GSR-23 Best Practice Guidelines

Regulatory and economic incentives for an inclusive sustainable digital future

The future of sustainable and inclusive digital transformation will depend on the right regulatory and economic incentives, encouraging innovation, creating a level playing field for all stakeholders, will foster social welfare and economic growth contributing to a better digital future for all.

Publication Date: June 2023

Broadband connectivity for schools in Kenya funded by the Universal Service Fund – Assessment report

This assessment compiles the lessons learnt and benefits that have been realised through connecting the schools, revealing the strategic importance of broadband connectivity as a critical enabler for teaching and learning.

Publication Date: June 2023

Challenges and opportunities for sustainable and effective connectivity policies in Brazilian schools

Recent reforms led by government agencies and ministries have provided positive results in enabling the national digital economy, and in 2021, Colombia joined the group of 60 countries to reach an advanced level of preparedness for digital transformation according to the ITU G5 Benchmark.

Publication Date: June 2023

Colombia country review: Regulation at the forefront of digital transformation

Publication Date: June 2023

Collaborative regulation for digital transformation in Kenya: A country review

Over the last few years, Kenya has developed a comprehensive set of digital policies and strategies to move the country’s digital economy forward. The Communications Authority has prioritized regulatory reforms of benefit to the broader digital economy, rather than the ICT sector alone.

Publication Date: June 2023

Brazil country review: regulation in the digital transformation

A series of recent initiatives have sustained progress in Brazil's digital transformation, leveraging G5 collaborative digital regulation to achieve ambitious policy goals. The Federal Government of Brazil has embarked on a path towards the complete digitalization of its services, a wide-ranging process triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Publication Date: June 2023

Egypt's digital transformation and collaborative regulation

Egypt has prioritized digital transformation in recent years, in line with an economy-wide sustainable development strategy. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) play key roles in enabling the ongoing digital transformation of the economy, including engaging in collaborative regulation activities and other joint projects with other ministries and regulatory authorities in Egypt.

Publication Date: June 2023

Collaborative Digital Regulation Country Reviews

ITU has developed a series of national country reviews on collaborative digital regulation, in partnership with government authorities, national stakeholders and recognized experts. Based on ITU's established evidence-based tools, the ICT Regulatory Tracker and the G5 Benchmark, the country reviews offer a comprehensive assessment of the regulatory and governance frameworks, policies, and practices in each studied country.

Publication Date: June 2023

ICT infrastructure business planning toolkit – 5G networks

This revised edition adds the design of networks to support sustainable 5G technology roll-out. 5G networks have the potential to expand high-speed connectivity but adoption remains a challenge in many developing countries. The toolkit addresses mechanisms to evaluate the sustainability of 5G projects.

Publication Date: May 2023

Gender equality in digital policy in Ethiopia

This country report provides an overview of the extent to which gender is addressed in Ethiopia’s digital policies, strategies, and regulations, divided into categories such as international development instruments, national digital policies and strategies, and digital sector-related laws and regulations. The report includes a non-exhaustive list of specific programmes supporting digital inclusion in Ethiopia.

Publication Date: May 2023

Policy brief - The affordability of ICT services 2022

The Policy brief - The affordability of ICT services 2022 finds that in 2022, ICT services became more affordable globally, resuming a downward trend interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic – mobile baskets in particular have become more affordable than ever before. As a result, the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development's affordability target was met by 103 economies in 2022, up from 96 in 2021.

Publication Date: April 2023

Digital innovation profile Oman

This Digital Innovation Profile, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) of the Sultanate of Oman, aims to accurately assess the country’s digital ecosystem capacity and maturity to help Oman and its stakeholders navigate the digital innovation landscape. The aim is to help Oman to continue building new capabilities for a competitive, sustainable, and ICT-enabled economy that accelerates the development of the digital economy toward achieving Oman’s vision.

Publication Date: April 2023

Global Digital Regulatory Outlook 2023 – Policy and regulation to spur digital transformation

The Global Digital Regulatory Outlook 2023 benchmarks regulatory progress across 193 countries worldwide, building on the successful track record of the first three editions. This new analysis is the go-to reference for regulators and policy-makers seeking to understand a fast-moving landscape – and shape regulatory change that will benefit all in the quest for digital transformation.

Publication Date: March 2023

From electricity grid to broadband Internet: Sustainable and innovative power solutions for rural connectivity

Access to electricity is key to closing the digital divide in rural areas and developing an information society for all. The availability of reliable and affordable electricity remains a major impediment, especially in the world’s least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS), and particularly in rural and remote areas.

Publication Date: March 2023

Handbook on mainstreaming gender in digital policies

The handbook provides 1) guidance on how to take concrete actions and 2) insights to help policymakers understand how to best influence policy making processes and advocate for gender equality. Moreover, the handbook offers an initial actionable checklist for policymakers on how to set up policy actions that are gender equal.

Publication Date: March 2023

Facts and Figures: Focus on Least Developed Countries

Over the past decade, the connectivity challenge has become more complex and demanding. Bringing everyone online is no longer enough. Meaningful connectivity – the possibility to enjoy a safe, satisfying, enriching, productive and affordable online experience – is the new imperative. For LDCs, this remains a major challenge. The digital divide between LDCs and the rest of the world shows little sign of narrowing. The risk is all too evident.

Publication Date: March 2023