Page 32 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and
the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Agency name:

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Description of activities:

ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies
(ICTs). The Organization is made up of a membership of 193 Member States and more than
1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations. ITU facilitates
international connectivity in communication networks, allocates global radio spectrum and
satellite orbits, develops the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies connect
seamlessly, and works to improve access to digital technologies in underserved communities
worldwide. ITU works to bring digital connectivity to everyone, providing a trusted, multilateral
platform to broker international agreements and standards, share knowledge, build capacity,
and work with members and partners to spread access to technology around the world.

Project 1: ITU Focus Group on metaverse

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has established a Focus Group on metaverse
(FG-MV). The metaverse concept has recently gained significant public attention, but the
industry is still in its early stages and lacks standardized terms and definitions. The ITU Focus
Group tackled some of these challenges by analysing the technical requirements of the
metaverse and identifying key enabling technologies. FG-MV has developed more than 40
technical specifications and reports, inter alia, on policy and regulation, security, data and
privacy, sustainability, and accessibility, metaverse applications and services, interoperability
just to name a few. In addition to its technical work, the Focus Group served as a global platform
for dialogue and collaboration involving more than 500 international experts. [b-ITU12]

The list of the Focus Group publications can be found at:
https:// www .itu .int/ en/ ITU -T/ focusgroups/ mv/ Pages/ deliverables .aspx #gsc .tab = 0

Related SDG:

• The group explored the future of virtual worlds and the metaverse in the context of all 17
SDGs.

Relevant links:

• https:// www .itu .int/ en/ ITU -T/ focusgroups/ mv/ Pages/ default .aspx
• https:// www .itu .int/ en/ mediacentre/ Pages/ PR -2023 -01 -19 -TSB -Focus -Group -metaverse
.aspx

Contact: Cristina Bueti (virtualworlds@ itu .int)

Project 2: Executive briefing on the metaverse

The Executive briefing on the metaverse provides a concise overview of the technologies that
underpin metaverse, as well as the key challenges and opportunities. It was developed by ITU
and UN Tourism. The investment and positive momentum generated by the promise of the
metaverse offers a unique opportunity to build a better online experience for people around

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