​​​​​​​​The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has released a series of reports addressing the latest challenges and opportunities related to global information and communication technology (ICT) advancement, especially in developing countries.

The publications are the result of inputs from ITU Development Sector (ITU-D) members to ITU-D Study Group Questions on how to develop an enabling environment for ICTs, and how ICT services can drive wider sustainable development.

ITU-D Study Groups 1 and 2 each considered seven Questions over the period 2018-2021.

All 14 final Study Group reports and Guidelines on Cost Modelling ​are available for public access online in English, with other official languages available soon.

Key findings are also highlighted in short videos.

How study groups work

Study Group findings support members and other stakeholders in developing sustainable ICT policies.

ITU-D Study Groups enable ITU members in the Development Sector to share experiences, present ideas, exchange views, and achieve consensus on appropriate strategies to foster sustainable ICT uptake.

The resulting findings and insights can help members and other stakeholders:
- Adapt guidelines into their national policies
- Connect to countries and partners (including ITU) for capacity building and in-country implementation
- Advance the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets through specific regional and national development priorities

ITU members and other stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the report findings and the accompanying videos in presentations, capacity building, strategy development and policy making actions as needed.

About ITU-D Study Gr​oups​

Over the 2018-2021 study period, ITU-D Study Group 1 considered Questions on the topic “Enabling environment for the development of telecommunications/ICTs", while ITU-D Study Group 2 discussed “ICT services and applications for the promotion of sustainable development".

Each Study Group considered seven Questions: 

Study Group 1:
Enabling environment for the development of telecommunications/ICTs

1. Strategies and policies for the deployment of broadband in developing countries (Q1/1)

2. Strategies, policies, regulations and methods of migration and adoption of digital broadcasting and implementation of new services (Q2/1)

3. Emerging technologies, including cloud computing: m-services, and OTTs: Challenges and opportunities, economic and policy impact for developing countries (Q3/1)

4. Economic policies and methods of determining the costs of services related to national telecommunication/ICT networks (Q4/1)

5. Telecommunications/ICTs for rural and remote areas (Q5/1)

6. Consumer information, protection and rights: Laws, regulation, economic bases, consumer networks (Q6/1)

7. Access to telecommunication/ICT services by persons with disabilities and other persons with specific needs (Q7/1)

Study Group 2:
ICT services and applications for the promotion of sustainable development
1. Creating smart cities and society: Employing information and communication technologies for sustainable social and economic development (Q1/2)

2. Telecommunications/ICTs for eHealth (Q2/2)

3. Securing information and communication networks: Best practices for developing a culture of cybersecurity (Q3/2)

4. Assistance to developing countries for implementing conformance and interoperability (C&I) programmes and combating counterfeit ICT equipment and theft of mobile devices (Q4/2)

5. Utilizing telecommunications/ICTs for disaster risk reduction and management (Q5/2)

6. ICTs and the environment (Q6/2)

7. Strategies and policies concerning human exposure to electromagnetic fields (Q7/2)

The upcoming ITU-D Study Group Plenary and Rapporteur Group meetings are set to be held online from 11 to 22 October 2021. They are open to all ITU-D members, who are encouraged to register through the online portal (Study Group 1 and Study Group 2).

Resources and background information:
- Report page​
- ITU-D 2018-2021 Study Group final reports – YouTube playlist

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About ITU
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and a membership of over 900 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. Established over 150 years ago, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. For more information, visit www.itu.int​