Connect2Recover Projects in the Arab States

In the Arab-States region, the Regional Broadband Transmission Map was updated resulting in an increase of total route in the region by 55 percent. The review involved 33 operators in 17 countries (807 links, 68,777 km of transmission network data) and increased total route in Arab region by 55% from 417,034 km in 2017 to 646,729 km. The update of the broadband transmission map assists in the identification of gaps and bottlenecks for the utilization of broadband networks and digital technologies.

In Mauritania, a digital resilience assessment was carried out to strengthen its telecommunications/ICT infrastructure for economic recovery and development.

In the State of Palestine, the development of the numbering plan framework and regulations has been completed. The numbering plan facilitates the growth of the telecommunications / ICT sector which spurs economic growth and development in accordance with WTDC Resolution 18. In addition, during the ITU-T Study Group 2 Meeting held from 13 – 22 March 2023, a communication received by the TSB Director from MTIT, State of Palestine, titled “Activation of the international Country Code of the State of Palestine (CC: 970)“

In Syria, the telecommunications / ICT market review has been completed. The review provides the policymakers with evidence to enhance the competitiveness of services for the country’s development.

Connect2Recover is privileged to participate in the Arab First Annual Forum on the “Role of New Technologies in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Work: Towards Developing a Common Emergency Telecommunication in Arab Region”. This was organised by the General Secretariat of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO), the Arab Information and Communication Technologies Organization, and the Arab Regional Office of the ITU. More details can be found in ARCO’s webpage.

In Comoros, Connect2Recover supported the implementation of the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) and the assessment of early warning system in the country. In addition, Connect2Recover supported the National Multi-stakeholders’ Workshops on NETP Implementation & Roll-out of the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) for Comoros on 15-19 April 2024. The Multi-stakeholders workshops resulted in the development of implementation actions items for NETP, coordination mechanisms, identified the gaps and EW4All developed roadmap 2024-2027 for emergency response in Comoros.

In Djibouti, Connect2Recover supported the development of the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) for the country. In addition, Connect2Recover supported the National Multi-stakeholders’ Workshops on NETP development and the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) for Djibouti that was held from 5-9 May 2024. The Workshops successfully launched the development process of NETP and the national coordination mechanism in Djibouti. The workshops also identified gaps and developed the EW4All roadmap for 2024-2027, enhancing emergency response in Djibouti. The National Workshop on NETP was also reported in the UN Djibouti newsletter here.

In Mauritania, Connect2Recover supported The National Multi-Stakeholders Training Workshop on National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) and Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), held in Nouakchott, Mauritania from 10-12 September 2024. The workshop strengthened Mauritania’s capacity for effective emergency communication and coordination. The key outcome was the development of a NETP and the establishment of a national Emergency Telecom and Disaster Risk Reduction platform, CAP Working Group, and a comprehensive alerting system to enhance timely disaster management and response.

In Somalia, Connect2Recover supported the feasibility study on the implementation of Cell-broadcast mobile early warning system in the country. In addition, in collaboration with GSMA, Connect2Recover supported the workshop on National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP), Cell-broadcast Early Warning System (CB-EWS), and Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) on 23-27 September 2024. The workshop focuses on enhancing Somalia’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The key objective is to implement Somalia National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP), incorporating an integrated early warning system, cell broadcast technology, and the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), to ensure timely and effective communication during emergencies.