BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin took part in the Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG) 2021 meeting held from 24 to 28 May. Every year, TDAG reviews priorities, strategies, operations and financial matters of the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D).
In her opening remarks, Ms Bogdan-Martin shared insights on the steps taken to ensure the most inclusive preparations towards the upcoming World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC), recognizing ''the need to more effectively engage our traditional constituency and to bring in new key players from an increasingly complex digital ecosystem.'' She asked delegates for their views on reinforcing the effectiveness and reach of ITU's technical assistance in the months ahead, and invited their proposals on strengthening membership engagement with the private sector and other stakeholders. ''Our goal is to build a membership-oriented ITU that delivers real impact where it is most needed,'' she stated.
At a side event on the Network of Women (NoW) for WTDC, Ms Bogdan-Martin acknowledged the vibrant energy that women delegates bring to the table, and to leadership positions that will take the Network forward. She invited those who are interested in sharing their experiences with young women delegates to sign up as mentors, in the mentorship programme component of NoW for WTDC. She also announced the call for nominations for the 2021 EQUALS in Tech Awards, which recognize outstanding initiatives that advance gender equality in the digital world.
This year, TDAG-21 also comprised of a side event on the Generation Connect initiative, with the participation of Generation Connect youth groups from all regions of the world. Ms Bogdan-Martin pointed to the fact that young people will inherit the world that is being shaped by today's technological advancements, and that they will soon play their own active role in defining the evolution of digital platforms and services. She said ''We need to hear their concerns, and their aspirations. We need to better understand the challenges they face. And we need to know what they need from tomorrow's technologies, so that we can strive to ensure that technology is always a positive force in building 'the world we want.'''
As TDAG-21 drew to a close, Ms Bogdan-Martin thanked delegates for their endurance and hard work. She applauded that the meeting nearly achieved gender balance, and reaffirmed the value of bringing diversity into discussions. She also shared her reflections on the important progress made towards the upcoming WTDC— one that aims to rewrite the global connectivity agenda.
''I passionately believe, and I think you do too, that ICTs represent the most powerful catalyst for development that humanity has ever had at its disposal. Let's join our efforts to make sure that this catalyst becomes available to all individuals, all communities, and all nations,'' stated Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Find the BDT Director's,
Opening presentation at TDAG-21 here: Document TDAG-21/INF/6-E
Full remarks at the TDAG-21 Network of Women for WTDC side event here.
Full remarks at the TDAG-21 Generation Connect side event here.
Full closing remarks at TDAG-21 here.
