The high-level policy session brought together senior government officials for a dialogue on the role of evidence in shaping digital policy and regulation. As the opening substantive session of WTIS-26, the panel explored how ICT indicators and other forms of evidence can better inform policymaking in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Discussions focused on national experiences with evidence-based policymaking, emerging data needs, digital transformation strategies, and evolving regulatory priorities.

Participants joined an informal session showcasing the ITU Statistics Team’s ongoing digital transformation. Through live demonstrations, they discovered the latest developments in ITU’s data and analytics ecosystem, including new tools for processing, accessing and exploring data and statistics. They saw the latest prototype of our AI-powered data assistant in action, along with a preview of a generative business intelligence tool for data visualization and analysis. They learned about what comes next and shared their ideas to help shape our transformation journey.

This information session was not part of the official programme and was conducted in English.

As digital technologies evolve, so do the services, business models, and data ecosystems that shape the ICT sector. This session explored the next frontier of ICT statistics from the private sector perspective, examining how companies are adapting to emerging offerings such as AI-enabled services, cloud platforms, digital ecosystems, IoT, and data-driven business models. It discussed how these shifts challenge traditional measurement frameworks and what new approaches, partnerships, and indicators are needed to ensure ICT statistics remain relevant, timely, and fit for a rapidly changing digital landscape.

This session discussed the evolving landscape of ICT measurement and the future of the Core ICT Indicators framework. The discussion focused on the recent UNGA resolution requesting the Partnership to assess the relevance of the current Core ICT Indicators considering rapid technological and digital transformation, and to report the results of this review to the next session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD). The session provided an opportunity to reflect on emerging measurement needs, identify potential gaps in existing indicators, and explore priorities for ensuring that ICT statistics remain responsive, internationally comparable, and fit for purpose in the digital age.

This session showcased the winning teams of the ITU Data Hackathon, Bridging the Digital Divide by Uncovering Digital Deserts. Selected from 104 applications submitted by teams of students and young professionals from around the world, the winning teams developed innovative, data-driven solutions to identify hidden connectivity gaps and support evidence-based policymaking for universal and meaningful connectivity. During the session, they presented their projects and demonstrate how data, geospatial analysis and innovative methodologies can help uncover “digital deserts” and inform more targeted digital inclusion policies.

This session featured updates from the Chairs of the ITU Expert Group on ICT Household Indicators (EGH) and the ITU Expert Group on Telecommunication/ICT Indicators (EGTI), reporting on the groups’ work since the previous Symposium. Discussion included methodological developments, new indicators, and emerging measurement priorities such as AI use in household surveys. Participants were invited to share input on remaining data gaps to helping inspire the groups’ future work programmes.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being explored as a tool to support the production of official statistics. This session examined practical applications of AI across the statistical production process, including data collection, processing, validation, estimation, dissemination, and metadata management. It discussed opportunities to improve efficiency, timeliness, and analytical capacity, while also addressing methodological, governance, and quality considerations associated with the use of AI in official statistics.

This session highlighted experiences and lessons learned from the use of Mobile Phone Data (MPD) for policy and official statistics. Through practical case studies and experience sharing, participants explored how innovative data sources are being integrated into national statistical systems, including applications for information society measurement. The session also introduced the MPD Data Governance Framework and present upcoming practitioner-focused collaboration. The discussion focused on building trusted, sustainable, and scalable approaches for leveraging new data sources for official statistics and policymaking.