FROM RESOLUTION 71 (Rev. Guadalajara, 2010)

Extract:

5 Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T)

5.1 Situational analysis

5.1.1 The ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) operates in a competitive, complex and rapidly evolving environment and ecosystem.

5.1.2 There is a need for high-quality, demand-driven international standards, which should be developed rapidly in line with the principles of global connectivity, openness, affordability, reliability, interoperability and security. Key technologies enabling new services and applications and promoting the building of the information society are emerging and should be taken into account in the work of ITU-T.

5.1.3 While retaining current ITU-T members, new members from industry and academia need to be attracted and encouraged, and the participation of developing countries in the standardization process ("Bridging the standardization gap") needs to be boosted.

5.1.4 Cooperation and collaboration with other standardization bodies and relevant consortia and fora are key to avoiding duplication of work and achieving efficient use of resources, as well as incorporating expertise from outside ITU.

5.1.5 The review of the International Telecommunication Regulations will set a renewed worldwide framework for ITU-T activities.

The ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) provides a unique worldwide venue for standardization of telecommunications and ICTs.

5.3 Mission

The mission of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) is to provide a unique worldwide venue for industry and government to work together to foster the development and use of interoperable, non-discriminatory and demand-driven international standards that are based on openness and take into account the needs of users, in order to create an environment where users can access affordable services worldwide regardless of underlying technology, particularly in developing countries, while at the same time establishing links between the activities of ITU-T and the relevant outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society.

5.4 Strategic goal

The strategic goal of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) is threefold, and includes:

• To develop interoperable, non-discriminatory international standards (ITU-T Recommendations)

• To assist in bridging the standardization gap between developed and developing countries

• To extend and facilitate international cooperation among international and regional standardization bodies

5.5 Objectives

The objectives of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) are:

5.5.1 Objective 1 – Coordinating/International cooperation:

• To promote and foster cooperation among Member States, Sector Members and Associates in decision-making on telecommunication/ICT standardization matters.

• To cooperate and collaborate with other ITU Sectors, standardization bodies and relevant entities (e.g. Global Standards Collaboration, World Standards Cooperation), in order to avoid duplication and inconsistencies to the extent possible, identify relevant areas for future standardization projects to be initiated within ITU-T while remaining aware of the ongoing work in other standards bodies and ensure that the work of ITU-T creates added value by promoting international collaboration, coordination and cooperation with a view to harmonizing activities.

5.5.2 Objective 2 – Producing global standards:

• To develop efficiently, effectively and in a timely manner the required global telecommunication/ICT standards (ITU-T Recommendations), consistent with ITU's mandate and the needs and interests of the membership, such as narrowing the digital divide, improving health and safety and protecting the environment, and developing standards to facilitate access to telecommunications/ICTs by persons with disabilities.

• To standardize services and applications meeting global user needs that rely not only on state-of-the-art technologies but also on matured proven technologies.

• To identify ways and means to achieve interoperability of services and equipments.

5.5.3 Objective 3 – Bridging the standardization gap:

To provide support and assistance to developing countries in bridging the standardization gap in relation to standardization matters, information and communication network infrastructure and applications, and relevant training materials for capacity building, taking into account the characteristics of the telecommunication environment of the developing countries.

5.5.4 Objective 4 – Informing/Disseminating information:

To respond to the needs of the membership and others by disseminating information and know-how through the publication and distribution of ITU-T Recommendations and relevant materials (e.g. manuals), by collaborating with the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector on bridging the standardization gap between developing and developed countries, and by promoting the value of ITU-T in order to encourage increased membership.

TABLE 5.1

ITU-T outputs and objectives

• Strategic Plan for the Union 2012-2015 adopted by PP-10