Highlights March 2025
17 - 21 March
RPM/RDF: Asia and the Pacific
The Regional Preparatory Meeting (RPM) for Asia and the Pacific was held from 20 to 21 March in Bangkok, Thailand. It was an opportunity for participants to gain insight and detailed reporting on the ongoing implementation of the Kigali Action Plan and propose the next Regional Initiatives in the area of information and communication technology (ICT) development strategies in the Asia and the Pacific region. The meeting was preceded by a Regional Development Forum, on 19 March, during which several announcements were made, underlining the importance of stakeholders’ commitment towards the implementation of the Regional Initiatives.
7 - 14 March
Digital inclusion: Americas
The ITU Global Youth Summit, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by the Ministry of Communications of the Government of Cuba, set out to amplify youth voices on the tech-driven future. Participants from around the world between 18 and 25 years of age identified their priorities to ensure that information and communication technologies are safe, affordable and accessible. The three-day event took place in Varadero, Cuba. Learn more.
Digital inclusion: Asia and the Pacific
The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific took part in the Ambassador for A Day Reception, hosted by the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Philippines in Thailand. Young leaders, selected from across the country, had the opportunity to shadow UN Country Team leaders and Ambassadors in Thailand. The joint initiative is led by the Women Ambassadors Group and Women Leaders of the UN in Thailand.
Digital inclusion: Asia and the Pacific
The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific participated in the Asia-Pacific Regional Commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025 (IWD 2025), held under the “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, co-organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and UN Women. The event highlighted the role of youth in driving innovation for gender equality, particularly through the green and digital economies. It also featured discussions on innovative practices, transformative ideas, and lessons learned from across the region.
Digital services and applications: Asia and the Pacific
EU STREIT Program organized a Technical Working Group Meeting (TWG) in Vanimo, West Sepik. TWG members visited the remote Letire village, where the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific conducted a weekly online training in e-commerce and digital marketing. This session engaged more than 100 cocoa and vanilla value chain farmers, fisherfolk, government officials, and local organizations, including women and youth. It was also an opportunity to present digitalization deliverables, outcomes, and planned activities for 2025.
Environment: Asia and the Pacific
The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific participated in a roundtable on Circular Economy and Electronic Waste in Jaipur, India, which was part of the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific. During the discussion, the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific highlighted the role of AI and automation in shaping the future of e-waste management, as well as the importance of education and literacy in promoting responsible e-waste disposal and resource recovery. It was an insightful exchange with stakeholders, fostering valuable dialogue on sustainable solutions for e-waste management.