WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION (ITU)? General Secretariat The task of the General Secretariat is to manage the administrative and financial aspects of the Union’s activities, including the provision of conference services, information services, long-range strategic planning, and corporate functions (communication, legal affairs, finance, human resources and admin-istration). The technical work is carried out by Study Groups which develop technical specifications and operat-ing parameters for equipment and systems covering every aspect of network operation. In particular, ITU-T is charged with coordinating the development of the systems and technologies which constitute the emerging Global Information Infrastructure. Areas under study include broadband ISDN, Internet Protocol-based networks and ground-breaking technologies related to new multimedia The General Secretariat’s work in managing the systems, including special protocols and signal processing systems, high-speed modems, digital subscriber line systems (xDSL) and new types of multimedia terminal. Although they are not binding, ITU‑T Recommendations are generally complied with because they guarantee the interconnectivity of networks and enable services to be provided on a worldwide scale. Union’s many meetings and regional and inter-national assemblies and conferences covers organizational and logistical support, the provi-sion of administrative services, documentation, and the provision of translation and interpreta-tion services in the six working languages of the Union. Through an extensive document preparation Development The role of the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) is to facilitate and enhance telecom-munication and handling centre, the General Secretariat is also charged with the production and printing of documents and publications as well as with marketing, sales and dispatch of publications to customers worldwide. development through advice and direct technical assistance. Sector activities range from policy and regulatory advice, advice on the financing of telecommunications and on low-cost technology options, assistance in human resource management, and the development of initiatives targeting rural development and universal access. Throughout all these activities the Telecommunication Development Sector and its executive arm, the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), maintain a strong empha-sis In the area of strategic planning, policy devel-opment, external relations and corporate com-munication, the General Secretariat is involved in activities ranging from the preparation of policy and research papers and reports tracking changing trends in the global telecommunica-tion environment, to the development of cor-porate communication policies and materials on brokering partnerships with the private sector, promoting the work of the Union. with a view to harnessing the commercial drive of industry to the needs of developing nations. The General Secretariat manages relations with the media, with the United Nations and with other international and regional organizations, and handles matters of international protocol. In addition, it proposes improvements to working methods and identifies cost-saving measures through operations analysis. It also offers a network of resources allowing countries to find out about and learn from other experiences, which can be very valuable to assist governments and regulators in their bid to provide universal access. Finally, the Sector produces a range of authorita-tive The management of the finances of the Union is information resources which provide analysis also the responsibility of the General Secretariat. Activities include advising and informing the membership and legislative bodies of the Union on financial and budgetary matters, preparation of the Union’s draft budget, preparation of cost analysis, and financial reporting. of trends in the global telecommunication sector backed by official statistics from the world’s leading source of telecommunication information. Examples include the World Telecommunication Development Report (WTDR), a flagship publication which pro-vides a comprehensive overview of an industry in full transition, and the Telecommunication Regula-tory It is the responsibility of the General Secretariat Survey, an annual survey which monitors world to manage the Union’s legal affairs, providing advice and legal opinions on a wide range of important documents including formal agree-ments telecommunication reform and serves as the basis of a regulatory database offering vital information for governments reforming their telecommunica-tion and international treaties. The General sector. Secretariat also has an important role to play in assisting the Secretary-General in his role as ITU’s legal representative and depository of treaties and other agreements concluded by ITU or under its auspices. The decision-making functions of the Telecommuni-cation Development Sector are fulfilled by World and Regional Telecommunication Development Confer-ences supported by study groups.