Mr Roberto Hirayama, Chair of Study Group 1,
Vice-Chairs of Study Group 1,
Chair of TDAG, Ms Regina Fleur Assoumou-Bessou,
Ladies and gentlemen.
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the first meeting of ITU-D Study Group 1 for the 2026-2029 period.
It’s exciting that ITU-D Study Group 1 has a new title, “Universal meaningful connectivity for bridging the digital divide”, together with five revised study questions. This new title aligns with one of the two ITU strategic goals namely, Universal Connectivity.
The Study Questions are also aligned with the Regional Initiatives across the regions and the ITU-D priorities in the Baku Action Plan. You may recall that at the 2025 World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) the decision was made to reduce Study Questions from seven to five as reflected in Resolution 2.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The seven reports from the previous cycle remain a valuable resource and will be important reference points for our future discussions but the consolidation into just five questions is a unique achievement. It gives the membership more focus.
The innovative and forward-looking mandate of Study Group 1 includes “New and emerging telecommunications/ICTs including applications of artificial intelligence in delivering universal meaningful connectivity”.
I look forward to contributions from our membership on this new mandate so it can be adequately researched in all five Study Questions together with impactful workshops, interim deliverables and guidelines for developing countries.
And, as ever, we must keep in focus countries in most need, that is, the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
I recognize, and in advance acknowledge the work of the Rapporteurs and vice Rapporteurs with the support of the secretariat the focal points in BDT at HQ, who are subject matter experts and the focal points in the region, you will facilitate quality work based on contributions from membership. Your role is crucial.
As we begin this new study cycle, I am confident that Study Group 1 will produce quality outputs especially under the leadership of the new Chair Mr Roberto Hirayama who brings along immense experience. Roberto, my congratulations to you once again.
Dear Colleagues,
We received over 95 nominations for rapporteurs and vice rapporteurs for Study Group1. This high number is testimony to the strong interest of ITU-D membership in our work.
I thank the Member States who nominated delegates for these responsibilities.
With the appointment of rapporteurs and vice rapporteurs later today, we will have the complete management team for Study Group 1.
On that note, let me also welcome the 46 newcomers amongst us, to the Study Group 1 family I invite them to make full use of the onboarding material and to learn from the collaborative practices put forward by the secretariat.
These are available to facilitate your work and provide guidance.
We are here together this week to learn from one another to exchange ideas and to network. We have 275 announced participants representing 67 countries.
Let’s make the most of it!
Finally, let me express my appreciation of the ITU-D members: Member States, Sector members, associates and academia, who are engaging their experts to contribute to Study Group 1.
As in the last cycle, I look forward to high participation and contributions that will contribute to our efforts to achieve universal, affordable and meaningful connectivity.
Thank you!
