Highlights October 2023
23 - 27 October
Network and digital infrastructure: Asia and Pacific
The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific organized an introductory virtual training session on Spectrum Management System for Developing Countries (SMS4DC) for the Department of Telecom (DoT), India. The training provided an introduction to License Databasing, Spectrum Engineering and GIS functions of the tool and included step-by-step exercises to familiarize with the antenna radiation pattern editor, undertaking calculations effective height, and Google Earth export/display amongst others. The training will help DoT India to automate the Spectrum management and radio frequency monitoring functions using SMS4DC. As a follow-up, a second session is planned in November 2023, and an in-person hands-on national training on SMS4DC is being planned for December 2023.
New Members: Asia and Pacific
ULAP Networks joined ITU-D as a Sector Member: Founded in 2017, ULAP Networks is a digital managed solutions provider focusing on the Asia–Pacific (APAC) region. The company operates independently of specific carriers. With locations in Brunei Darussalam (headquarters), Philippines, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, Egypt and the United States, the company covers 113 countries. The services include Cloud Migration and Cloud Operations as well as Software-defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN).
New Members: Europe
F24 France SAS joined ITU-D as an Associate in Study Group 1. Founded in 2000, F24 is a SaaS provider for incident and crisis management, emergency notification and business messaging services. F24 France focuses on the activities of F24 in France with offices in Saint Maur des Fossés, Paris and La Rochelle. The client list of F24 includes customers across multiple sectors, like energy providers, industry, finance, IT, tourism, aviation and more.
16 - 20 October
Cybersecurity: Americas
ITU delivered a comprehensive 10-day training programme to National Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT) experts in the Bahamas. ITU also supervised, inspected, and reviewed the delivery of hardware and software equipment, and oversaw the installation of all cybersecurity tools.
[ This activity is the result of a BDT project. You can find more details of the project here]
Cybersecurity: Americas
The 12th Cyberdrill - Chile 2023 was co-organized by the Ministerio del Interior, SUBTEL, and hosted by Universidad Santiago de Chile. Participants from across the Americas -- including governments, institutions, and/or national CIRTs/CERTs, cybersecurity technicians and managers -- engaged in hands-on scenarios involving the most common types of cyberattacks while the sharing sessions provide a platform for cooperation and discussions on cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity: CIS
The ITU Regional Office for the CIS Region, in cooperation with Union Operators of Armenia and the Ministry of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia, organised the National Roundtable on Child Online Protection in Yerevan, Armenia. The event aimed to foster collaboration and share best practices in developing a national strategy for Child Online Protection.
Digital inclusion: Americas
The Seminar on Youth Digital Inclusion, co-organized with the Gran Chaco Foundation, took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Participants included digital inclusion experts and as well as several organizations whose work directly impacts remote communities in Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Youth from Argentina who directly benefitted from capacity development activities implemented within the scope of the ITU project were physically present and had the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of digital technologies for them personally and for their indigenous communities.
[ This activity is the result of a BDT project. You can find more details of the project here]
Digital inclusion: Asia and Pacific
ITU, the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA), and the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) co-organized the “Girls in ICT Day Pacific 2023 - Moving Forward” event in Suva, Fiji as part of the PITA Strategy Forum. Four girl representatives from Fiji, Tonga, Kiribati, and FSM shared their experiences and lessons learned from Girls in ICT Day Pacific 2023. The event also included interactive panel discussions and Q&A sessions with female ICT leaders who provided valuable insights into industry challenges and opportunities in the Pacific and encouraged girls and young women to pursue careers in ICT. Several entities committed to contributing to this programme going forward.
With support from the local governments, UN agencies, industry, academia, and CSOs, girls and young women from all across the Pacific (Fiji, FSM, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga) were trained through 19 training sessions as part of the Girls in ICT Day Pacific 2023 programme.
Emergency telecommunications: Asia and Pacific
ITU and the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) co-organized a workshop on Emergency Telecommunication Readiness and ICT Infrastructure Resilience, supported by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA), Australia. The event highlighted the importance of emergency telecom equipment testing and also carried out validation of the assessment checklist with Pacific stakeholders. During the event, ITU presented the national assessment strategy for the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative Pillar 3; five out of 10 of the EW4All priority countries from Asia and the Pacific are from the Pacific subregion.
The event was held back-to-back with the PITA Strategy Forum 2023, where ITU presented the project proposal on "Creating a Green PITA" during the PITA strategy forum.
Network and digital infrastructure: CIS
ITU in the CIS region organized 5G training in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The training program was designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of 5G technology, covering key aspects of technologies and concepts associated with 5G and a review of experiences from existing 5G launches worldwide. During the event, there were engaging discussions on various topics, including regulatory aspects, electromagnetic field impact, and spectrum allocation for 5G.
Policy and regulation: Asia and Pacific
ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific conducted a benchmarking workshop as direct country assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran focusing on the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) wholesale regulations, with reference to access to utility infrastructure and wholesale regulations based on incentive policies. This workshop bolstered the capacity of the staff at the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) of Iran in FTTH wholesale regulations, facilitating the development of the country’s optical fiber infrastructure for FTTH services. The assistance is part of an ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan.
Policy and regulation: Asia and Pacific
The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific participated in the “7th Regional Symposium on Effective Governance and Digital Transformation for Accelerating Progress towards the 2030 Agenda - Promoting Sustainable Resilient and Innovative Solutions” organized by The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Division for Public Institutions and Digital Governance (DPIDG), through its Project Office on Governance (UNPOG) in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) and Incheon Metropolitan City. The Symposium’s primary objective was to enhance awareness of critical public governance issues, analyze current and future trends, and offer innovative approaches and methodologies to support Member States in building their capacities to expedite their commitments towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this context, ITU delivered a presentation highlighting the significance of promoting women’s leadership and gender-responsive public governance in SDG attainment.
Policy and regulation: Americas
ITU Policy and Economics Colloquium IPEC-23 took place in San José, Costa Rica, from 25 to 29 September 2023, to promote dialogue and share information and experiences on the challenges and opportunities and existing good practices in the field economic policies and regulation. An assessment of ICT infrastructure and services requirements and financing mechanisms in the Americas focusing on fixed and mobile services was also held.
During the IPEC, a Masterclass and projects elaborated during Business Planning for Infrastructure Development applying 5G Networks Training course was presented. The training course offers ICT, policymakers, regulators and stakeholders a practical approach for the accurate economic evaluation of broadband infrastructure installation and deployment plans in urban and rural areas using up to 5G networks technologies.
The Regional Economic Dialogue (RED-AMS) was held during IPEC, and focused opportunities and challenges to achieve digital transformation in the Americas Region, focusing on fixed and mobile networks as a means to promoting affordable adoption. It also discussed advances in regulatory costing and pricing strategies and practices in the region. It was attended by delegates from 16 countries, including national regulatory authorities, network operators, industries, regional regulatory associations, academia and NGOs.
Other: Americas
The ITU Regional Office for the Americas attended a meeting with the Latin America and Caribbean UN Resident Coordinators on Digital Transformation focused on sharing information on interagency taskforces working on digital transformation and telecommunications for development. Discussions included how UN agencies in the region can create opportunities to develop activities together on digital matters was discussed. The Regional Director highlighted that ITU is eager to support Digital Transformation and can help the other UN agencies with the country's priorities in the ICT Sector.
Network and Digital Infrastructure : Arab States
ITU Training of Trainers on Quality of Services Training Programme (QoSTP) and Spectrum Management Training Program (SMTP) took place in Amman, Jordan, and was organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Jordan (TRC).
9 - 13 October
Cybersecurity: Arab States and CIS
The Inter-regional CyberDrill for Arab Region and CIS simulated cyber-attacks, information security incidents, and other disruptions to help test organization’s cyber capabilities.
Cybersecurity: Asia and Pacific
The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific contributed to the core team meeting of the Ministry for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection in Indonesia to draft a Presidential Regulation concerning a National Roadmap on Child Online Protection. The meeting responded to the comments and inputs provided in the latest meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Deliberating Committee.
[ This activity is the result of a BDT project. You can find more details of the project here]
Digital inclusion: Global
Generation Connect Commonwealth of Independent States [GC-CIS] Youth Envoy from Kyrgyzstan participated in the WSIS High-Level Dialogue on Multistakeholder Partnerships Driving Digital Transformation at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Japan. They discussed the importance of including young people in digital transformation.
Generation Connect youth also led a Generation Connect intergenerational dialogue on AI and the Future of Education at YOUNGA, and spoke about the opportunities and challenges that AI-driven technologies present for the future of education.
Digital services and applications: CIS
A high-level GovStack panel session was held during the Digital Bridge Forum in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Together with the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, ITU signed a Joint Declaration of Intent, between the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MDDIAI) and JSC "National Information Technologies" (NITEC) to establish a high-level framework of cooperation in the area of powering digital transformation.
Policy and regulation: Asia and Pacific
The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific attended the symposium, “Streaming Horizons: The Boundless World of OTT” hosted by the Office of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) of Thailand. The event discussed the global OTT market, its application in various sectors, and its future direction, bringing together regulators, service providers, and content creators to enhance digital capabilities for the future. During the symposium, ITU delivered a presentation on “Exploring the OTT Horizon: An Overview of OTT Landscape, Connectivity, and Telecommunications.”
New Members: Africa
As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), Powertel Communications operates as an Internet Access Provider. The company runs optical fibre networks, wireless networks and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). In the area of IoT solutions, Powertel focuses amongst others on Powertrack Fleet Management solutions.
New Members: Asia and Pacific
INFOBIP focuses on the provisioning of services around omnichannel communications. The INFOBIP platform is a software-as-a-service cloud offer. One of the targeted customer segments is mobile network operators (MNOs), including 800+ MNOs worldwide. The platform supports customer engagement and support across a multitude of channels, including SMS, MMS, voice, email, chat, WhatsApp business and multiple social platforms. In addition to their software platform, INFOBIP provides consulting services to clients in setting up and using their services.
New Members: Europe
Avataa is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider whose offering includes data insights in the context of telecommunication with a focus on radio access networks (RAN). The customers include mobile phone manufacturers, telco operators as well as regulators. The implemented services provide deployment automation, automated inventory and CX management solutions.
Other: Africa
As part of the ITU-FCDO Partnership Kenya, the ITU Regional Office for Africa held a data validation workshop for its study on the assessment of last mile connectivity projects in Kenya. The virtual workshop welcomed stakeholders, including representatives from ICT Authority and Communications Authority, Digital Access Programme partners, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), tower companies, Complementary Access Networks, World Bank and other key players in last mile connectivity. The findings of the study were presented, leading to discussions and feedback from participants. There was consensus on the study's potential and its alignment with government strategies such as the ICT masterplan, universal service strategy, and the digital superhighway initiative. Feedback highlighted the need to clarify the study's scope and methodology, provide more information on respondents and their locations, emphasize the role of complementary access networks, and specify the intended implementers of the study. This feedback will be compiled and shared with stakeholders and used to refine the study report.
Other: BDT at IGF
During the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held in Kyoto, Japan:
Her CyberTracks reported on the success of this pilot programme to train, inspire and empower women policymakers and diplomats to take on leadership roles in cybersecurity and become changemakers in their communities.
ITU gave an introductory overview of the current status of connectivity and the barriers that need to be surpassed to connect the next billions.
2 - 6 October
Capacity development: Asia and Pacific
ITU, in collaboration with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) Thailand, conducted a training titled "Emerging Technology for Resilient Digital Transformation" in Bangkok, Thailand. The interactive training was delivered by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) – an ITU Academy Training Centre – and GovStack, and was supported by Huawei.
The training welcomed participants from the Asia and the Pacific and Africa regions, who delved into topics ranging from Digital ID, Financial Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Agriculture and Digital Health. It also emphasized Government Digital Transformation and the GovStack Toolbox.
Environment: Global
The report ‘Greening digital companies 2023: Monitoring emissions and climate commitments’, by the ITU and the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA), documents the emissions and energy use of 200 of the world's leading tech companies. Beyond assessing the climate data and targets of the companies, the report serves as a resource for best practices to improve emissions reduction performance and accelerate the achievement of net-zero operations.
Policy and regulation: Asia and Pacific
ITU gave opening remarks at the Regional Stakeholder Forum on Regulatory and Policy Priorities for a Connected ASEAN. The objective of the Forum was to support the digital development and harmonization of policy, legal, and governance frameworks within ASEAN countries. The stakeholder event served as a platform to foster inter-regional cooperation and expedite national and regional digital transformation.
Other: Africa
The ITU Regional Development Forum for Africa (RDF-AFR) was held from 3 to 5 October 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the theme ‘Digital transformation for a sustainable and equitable digital future: Accelerating the implementation of the SDGs in Africa through digital transformation’.
During the event, Partner2Connect Matchmaking Roundtables allowed participants to review and report on the implementation of announced pledges and committed to match country and regional needs with concrete solutions. The roundtables discussed and identified effective mechanisms to coordinate and collaborate for better and optimal use of resources that will bring high impact and sustainable development in Africa and beyond. The 800th Partner2Connect pledge was also celebrated at the RDF-AFR, bringing the value of pledges to USD 31.88 billion made by 392 entities from 132 countries.
Generation Connect also facilitated a youth-led session during the RDF-AFR.