UNION INTERNATIONALE DES TELECOMMUNICATIONS INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION UNIÓN INTERNACIONAL DE TELECOMUNICACIONES Closing Address by the Secretary-General Dr. Pekka Tarjanne Inaugural Meeting World Telecommunication Standardization Conference 12 March, 1993 Monsieur le Ministre, Monsieur le Président, Mesdames et Messieurs, La première conférence mondiale de normalisation des télécommunications, résultat des réformes de l'UIT qui ont commencé après la Conférence de plénipotentiaires de Nice et ont abouti aux décisions de la Conférence de plénipotentiaires additionnelle de Genève, est un premier pas concret vers le renouveau de l'UIT. Ce renouveau, qui se traduit par une réforme des activités de normalisation de l'UIT, a été amorcé ici à Helsinki. Nous avons également assisté aux réformes des méthodes de travail du Secteur de la normalisation - sujet qui a suscité beaucoup d'intérêt parmi les délégations - et c'est avec doigté que la conférence est parvenue à des résultats positifs. L'adoption des normes, à l'élaboration desquelles prendront part tous les acteurs du monde moderne des télécommunications, sera plus accélérée et nous souhaitons que les pays apportent leur contribution afin que l'UIT garde sa prééminence dans ce secteur. Le Secteur de la normalisation des télécommunications de l'UIT coopérera, dans ses activités, avec les autres organisations de normalisation, afin d'utiliser au mieux les ressources humaines et les résultats des travaux des experts. L'esprit de réussite, les discussions sérieuses et la qualité des participants ont permis à la conférence d'aboutir aux résultats attendus dans les meilleurs délais. We have achieved our goals, we have successfully done what we were supposed to do. You might have noticed during the conference that at times I was concerned, in particular about the thrust, the momentum, the dynamism of our standardization work. The only way to succeed is to look forward. I'm happy to be able to announce today that the results of this conference form, in my mind, a good platform, together with the APP results, for future action. On the other hand, it would be an exaggeration to claim that the Conference surpassed its goals, although a number of new innovative initiatives were taken. The results of the last four years were approved, the APP results were implemented and the scheme for the next four years approved. It will be the task of the new team, the study groups, and especially the new TSAG with its new Chairman, Mr. Horton, to make sure that our strategies and priorities are in good shape. I have three specific requests: First, please remember the needs of the developing countries - a point which has been emphasized on a number of occasions in the course of this conference. Second; please coordinate your work with the other ITU strategic bodies: WTAC, TDAB and GCR. Third; in particular, I'm looking forward to your cooperation in the preparations for the Kyoto Plenipotentiary. The crucial task and test will concern the participation in the work of the ITU of all the different kinds of players in the global standardization game. Let me put it this way: The Nice PP in 1989 led to a major change for the Development Sector. The Geneva APP in 1992 led to major changes in the Radiocommunication Sector. The Standardization Sector has taken small steps forward in Melbourne '88, in Nice '89, in Geneva '92 and in Helsinki '93. However, these steps do not suffice. In order to be able to live up to our challenges, much more is needed. I'm thus looking forward to a lot more work, many more changes, both in Kyoto in '94 and at the next WTSC in '96 or '97. Before Kyoto, I hope to meet many of you in May in Singapore at the Development Conference and at TELECOM; at the World Radiocommunication Conference and the Radiocommunication Assembly in Geneva in November and at the World Development Conference in Buenos Aires in March 1994. Your Excellency, Mr. Minister, Finland has made a substantial contribution to the success of this Conference and to the ITU's activities by the satisfactory facilities provided to the delegates and the Secretariat. I wish to express my gratitude to you on behalf of the Union and its staff present here. A whole series of Resolutions and Recommendations signifying "renewal and dynamism" for the participants will now bear the hallmark of Helsinki. I should be glad if you would convey our thanks to the Government of Finland and assure the staff of the Finnish Secretariat that we shall long remember their efficiency and kindness. I also wish to thank those organizations which have made our stay in Helsinki so pleasant. Despite the harsh climate, I am sure that we shall keep a warm memory of our stay here. In order that you also have a souvenir from this Conference it is my honour to present to you the ITU Silver Medal, the highest appreciation the ITU can give.