Introduction

The second Special Session of the ITU Focus Group on metaverse took place in Riga, Latvia on 18 October 2023. The Special Session was held as part of 5G Techritory Forum 2023. This Special Session provided an open platform for the Europe region to discuss their unique metaverse challenges and opportunities, in order to ensure that the metaverse is developed for the benefit of all.

The Special Session was followed by a Co-creation workshop on metaverse vision for Europe, which took place on 18 October 2023, at the same venue (by invitation only).


Target audience:

Participation in the Special Session of ITU Focus Group on metaverse was ​open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates and Academic Institutions and to any individual from a country that was a member of ITU and who wished to contribute to the work. This includes individuals who are also members of international, regional and national organizations. This event was free of charge.

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Call to Action

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Programme

10:40 – 10:50 Keynote Speech

This keynote speech delved into the crucial aspects of setting the framework for the metaverse – an expansive digital realm that converges physical and virtual experiences. The address provided valuable insights into how this rapidly evolving landscape was transforming the way societies interact, and communicate.

Furthermore, this keynote offered an insightful overview of the efforts undertaken by the ITU Focus Group on metaverse. As a driving force behind the advancement of this transformative technology, attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the group’s initiatives and accomplishments, shedding light on its pivotal role in shaping the metaverse’s development.

Speaker:

  • Cristina Bueti, Counsellor, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
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11:00 – 12:00 Shaping an European vision for openness, safety and respect

In this panel discussion, hosted by the ITU, experts and stakeholders from across Europe came together to explore the potential of the metaverse and discussed crucial aspects related to openness, safety, and respect within this emerging immersive world. Delved into topics such as user rights, privacy, ethical considerations, and standards for building a metaverse that upholds European values.

Moderator: Per Fröjdh, Vice-chairman of ITU Focus Group on metaverse

Speakers:

  • Rolf Werner,  Head of Europe Nokia
  • Cristina Martinez, Deputy Head for Smart Technologies for Communities, European Commission
  • Gatis Ozols, The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (VARAM)
  • Walter Greenleaf, Stanford University
  • Pilar Orero, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Co-chairman of FG-MV Working Group 8 on Sustainability, Accessibility & Inclusion
  • Christina Yan Zhang, The Metaverse Institute and Co-chairman of FG-MV Task Group on pre-standardization for the CitiVerse

Questions & Answers

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16:30 – 18:30 Co-creation workshop on metaverse vision for Europe

Moderators:

Questions & Answers

Related information

Documentation and registration