Connecting the world and beyond

Emerging Technologies for Development

Emerging technologies are revolutionizing access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) across the globe. They contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through innovative ways, and facilitate the implementation and use of ICT technologies, when necessary, especially for developing countries.

Figure: Telecommunication tower detection using machine learning helps identify critical infrastructure to bridge the digital divide

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for development leverages machine learning and predictive analytics to enhance various sectors, including telecommunications, agriculture, and education, fostering inclusive growth. Applications include:

- Machine Learning and Satellite Imagery for ICT infrastructure detection

- Tower Detector

- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for agentic and tool-calling capabilities.

- A use case is available for interacting to the Broadband Map data research, after ITU login to BBmaps.
- Agriculture Advisory System: Agrivisory, built upon the Genie.AI framework

Big Data and Internet of Things

Big data infrastructure, storage, and applications enable the efficient handling and analysis of vast amounts of data, providing valuable insights and driving informed decision-making

Use cases:

- Use of Application Programming Interface (API) for seamless communication between IoT devices and platforms. One case for distance to fiber node tool based on the BBmaps data (link)

- Big Data: Data science for measuring the information society (link)

Quantum computing

Quantum computing can solve complex problems much faster than classical computers. This can enable the development of more efficient algorithms and solutions for optimizing internet infrastructure, making it more cost-effective to provide high-speed internet to remote or underserved areas.

Blockchain

Blockchain technologies offer secure, transparent, and decentralized solutions for transactions and data management, enhancing trust and efficiency.

5G networks (IMT) and beyond

The advent of 5G networks promises ultra-fast, reliable connectivity, enabling seamless communication and supporting advanced applications like autonomous vehicles and remote surgeries. Find out more.

Orbit

Low Earth orbit satellites, small satellites, and high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) expand internet access to remote and underserved areas, bridging the digital divide and ensuring global connectivity. Collectively, these innovations are driving a more inclusive and connected world. Learn more about the Find out more.

Events
Publications

- AI, Data & Emerging Technologies for Digital Transformation and Inclusive Connectivity, 30 June–2 July 2026, Port Louis, Mauritius

- Sessions on AI tools for identifying infrastructure gaps and improve affordable connectivity during ITU training on telecommunications infrastructure in relation to the BDT School Connectivity Project, 11 March 2026, Maputo, Mozambique

- GenAI for Good Challenge - IEEE ITU, 9 October 2025

- Training on Emerging Technologies Development for Digital Transformation, during the Regional digital transformation regulation for ASEAN and Timor Leste, Day 3, 2^nd October, 2025, Jakarta, Indonesia

- Workshop on emerging technologies for innovative connectivity solutions: policy, economic and technical aspects for the Americas Region (ITU Academy page), back-to-back with IPEC and RED, 8^th October 2025, Montevideo, Uruguay

- WSIS-25 Action Line C2 meeting - The Role of Emerging Technologies and AI in Advancing WSIS Action Line C2 Goals, 8^th July, Geneva, Switzerland

- AI for Good Global Summit - 8-11 July 2025, Geneva, Switzerland

- Transformative Tech: A Deep Dive into AI for connectivity. Session during the ITU Global Youth Summit 2025 (GYS-25), 11 March 2025, Varadero, Cuba

1. Transformative technologies (AI) challenges and principles of regulation. Digital Regulation Platform (2024)

2. Emerging technologies, including cloud computing, m-services and OTTs: Challenges and opportunities, economic and policy impact for developing countries (2022)

3. Artificial intelligence and big data for development 4.0 (2021). This ITU report provides information in crafting a national AI and data strategy for development, the report highlights opportunities and outlines good policy and regulatory practices for implementation.

4. Joint Statement on Artificial Intelligence and the Rights of the Child (2025)

References

Resolution 91 (Baku, 2025) - Artificial intelligence technologies in telecommunication development
Resolution 214 (Bucharest, 2022) - Artificial intelligence technologies and telecommunications/information and communication technologies
AI for Good
ITU backgounder on Aritificial Intelligence for good.
ITU/BDT related Projects:

9GLO23134 - Assistance to encourage the use of innovative technologies for building a digital shared prosperity society
9LES25007 - Open-Source Artificial Intelligence Agriculture Advisory Service for Smallholder Farmers in Lesotho (page)

GENIE-AI Framework
Future Networks and Spectrum Management Division (FNS)
ITU Academy catalog on Artificial Intelligence training offers: link
ITU Academy self-paced training: Global satellite regulation essentials: key principles, institutional landscape and the role of ITU.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS): learn more about the potential of using location analysis (GeoAI) to promote access to digital networks at bbmaps.itu.int.
Transformative technologies (AI) challenges and principles of regulation. Digital Regulation Platform (2024)