Bilateral Meeting, 10 July 2025
Meeting with the Government of Nepal
Bilateral Meeting, 10 July 2025
Meeting with CMAI Association of India
Bilateral Meeting, 10 July 2025
Meeting with Instituto Dominicano de las Telecomunicaciones
Bilateral Meeting, 10 July 2025
Meeting with World Bank
Bilateral Meeting, 02 July 2025
Meeting with UNITAR, Prosperity Alliance and Lenovo (China)
Bilateral Meeting, 01 July 2025
Meeting with CAPOT
Bilateral Meeting, 27 June 2025
Meetign with ICASA
Bilateral Meeting, 27 June 2025
Meeting with CONATEL
Bilateral Meeting, 26 June 2025
Meeting with DoT India
Bilateral Meeting, 26 June 2025
Meeting with the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
Bilateral Meeting, 24 June 2025
Meeting with the National Institute of Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 20 June 2025
Meeting with Guinea Ecuatorial de Telecomunicaciones SA
Bilateral Meeting, 20 June 2025
Meeting with the Government of Malaysia
Bilateral Meeting, 19 June 2025
Meeting with MCMC
Bilateral Meeting, 19 June 2025
Meeting with African Telecommunication Union (ATU)
Bilateral Meeting, 19 June 2025
Meeting with the Government of Korea (Republic of)
Bilateral Meeting, 19 June 2025
Meeting with the Government of Ghana
Bilateral Meeting, 18 June 2025
Meeting with Uganda Communications Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 18 June 2025
Meeting with the Government of Nigeria
Bilateral Meeting, 17 June 2025
Meeting with the Government of Azerbaijan
Bilateral Meeting, 16 June 2025
Meeting with Ericson
Bilateral Meeting, 16 June 2025
Meeting with the Government of Zimbabwe
Bilateral Meeting, 05 June 2025
Meeting with the Government of Maldives
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of India
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with NBTC
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Iran
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Cambodia
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Fiji
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Tuvalu
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Indonesia
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Palau
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Vietnam
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Papua New Guinea
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Micronesia
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Malaysia
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Maldives
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Kiribati
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Bhutan
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Brunei Darussalam
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Singapore
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Nepal
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Vanuatu
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Tonga
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Pakistan
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Australia
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of China
Bilateral Meeting, 16 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of China
Bilateral Meeting, 16 May 2025
Meeting with the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
Bilateral Meeting, 14 May 2025
Meeting with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 13 May 2025
Meetign with Cyberlite Books
Bilateral Meeting, 13 May 2025
Meeting with Telecommunications And Post Regulatory Authority of Sudan
Bilateral Meeting, 08 May 2025
Meeting with Regional Internet Registry for Europe, Middle East and Central Asia
Bilateral Meeting, 08 May 2025
Meeting with Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of U.A.E
Bilateral Meeting, 07 May 2025
Meeting with Centre for Cybersecurity
Bilateral Meeting, 07 May 2025
Meeting with SAMENA Telecommunications Council
Bilateral Meeting, 07 May 2025
Meeting with National Cyber Security Authority of Rwanda
Bilateral Meeting, 07 May 2025
Meeting with ANSSI
Bilateral Meeting, 06 May 2025
Meeting with Cybersecurity Council
Bilateral Meeting, 06 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Ghana
Bilateral Meeting, 06 May 2025
Meeting with the Government of Maldives
Bilateral Meeting, 05 May 2025
Meeting with ITU-D Study Groups 1 Chair
Bilateral Meeting, 02 May 2025
Meeting with ANATEL
Bilateral Meeting, 02 May 2025
Meeting with the Ministry of Communications of India
News, 25 April 2025
Regional Development Forum for CIS (RDF-CIS) 2025 and the Regional Preparatory Meeting for WTDC-25 for CIS (RPM-CIS)
The Regional Preparatory Meeting (RPM) for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held from 24 to 25 April in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Participants at the meeting benefitted from detailed reporting on the ongoing implementation of the Kigali Action Plan and proposed the next Regional Initiatives and topics in the area of information and communication technology (ICT) development strategies in the CIS region for consideration by the next World Telecommunication Development Conference.
The meeting was preceded by a Regional Development Forum (RDF) on 23 April. At the Regional Development Forum, discussed focusewd on results-oriented debates and impactful Partner2Connect Matchmaking Roundtables, the state of digital development and the implementation of the current Regional Initiatives.
Bilateral Meeting, 24 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Kyrgyzstan
Bilateral Meeting, 24 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Russia
News, 24 April 2025
The Global Celebration of International Girls in ICT Day 2025
The global celebration
of International Girls in ICT Day was co-hosted by the CIS and the Arab
States regions, featuring a live link between Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and Nouakchott, Mauritania, along with distinguished panellists from around the world, live streamed for global audience.
In
Bishkek, the event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of
Digital Development and Innovative Technologies of the Kyrgyz Republic
while, in Nouakchott, the celebration was held in cooperation with the
Ministry of Digital Transition, Innovation, and Modernization of
Administration of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
Bilateral Meeting, 23 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Kyrgyzstan
Bilateral Meeting, 23 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Tajikistan
Bilateral Meeting, 23 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Kazakhstan
Bilateral Meeting, 23 April 2025
Meeting with Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 23 April 2025
Meeting with Innovation and Digital Development Agency
Bilateral Meeting, 22 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Kyrgyzstan
Bilateral Meeting, 16 April 2025
Meeting with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 16 April 2025
Meeting with United Nations Pakistan
Bilateral Meeting, 16 April 2025
Meeting with Huawei Pakistan and Ministry of IT & Telecom, Government of Pakistan
Bilateral Meeting, 15 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Pakistan
Bilateral Meeting, 10 April 2025
Meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya
Bilateral Meeting, 10 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Uganda
Bilateral Meeting, 10 April 2025
Meeting with Huawei
Bilateral Meeting, 09 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Côte d'Ivoire
Bilateral Meeting, 08 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Chad
Bilateral Meeting, 07 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Kenya
Bilateral Meeting, 07 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Ghana
Bilateral Meeting, 07 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Lesotho
Bilateral Meeting, 07 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Côte d'Ivoire
In the News, 04 April 2025
Opportunities for a digitally inclusive world for an ageing population
In the News, 03 April 2025
Advancing meaningful connectivity in rural areas and promoting digital inclusion - An Interview with Developing Telecoms
Bilateral Meeting, 02 April 2025
Meeting with Inter-American Telecommunication Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 01 April 2025
Meeting with the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications
Bilateral Meeting, 01 April 2025
Meeting with the Government of Bahamas
Bilateral Meeting, 01 April 2025
Meeting with Caribbean Telecommunications Union
Bilateral Meeting, 01 April 2025
Meeting with the Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL)
Bilateral Meeting, 01 April 2025
Meeting with Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones
Bilateral Meeting, 31 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Paraguay
Bilateral Meeting, 31 March 2025
Meeting with National Telecommunications Agency
Bilateral Meeting, 31 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Paraguay
Bilateral Meeting, 31 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Paraguay
Bilateral Meeting, 26 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Côte d'Ivoire
Bilateral Meeting, 26 March 2025
Meeting with Telecommunication/ICT Regulatory Authority and Post Office of Côte d'Ivoire (ARTCI)
Bilateral Meeting, 24 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Cuba
Bilateral Meeting, 21 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of India
Bilateral Meeting, 21 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Malaysia
Bilateral Meeting, 21 March 2025
Meeting with National ICT Authority
In the News, 21 March 2025
Navigating the ITU’s Role in Shaping Smart Cities and Communities
In the News, 21 March 2025
From Smart Cities to Smart Communities: Insights from ITU’s Dr. Cosmas Zavazava
Bilateral Meeting, 20 March 2025
Meeting with Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development
Bilateral Meeting, 20 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of China
Bilateral Meeting, 20 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Australia
Bilateral Meeting, 20 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Japan
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2025
Meeting with UN Development Coordination Office
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2025
Meeting with NBTC
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2025
Meeting with the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2025
Meeting with WWF
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2025
Meeting with Sateliot
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2025
Meeting with ZTE Corporation
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Fiji
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Palau
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2025
Meeting with PT Mukti Mandiri Lestari
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2025
Meeting with Huawei
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Timor-Leste
News, 13 March 2025
Global Youth Summit 2025
The ITU Global Youth Summit 2025 (GYS-25) took place in Varadero, Cuba, from 11-13 March 2025. The three-day event, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by the Ministry of Communications of the Government of Cuba, set out to amplify youth voices on the tech-driven future. Participants from around the world between 18 and 25 years of age identified their priorities to ensure that information and communication technologies are safe, affordable and accessible.
Bilateral Meeting, 12 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Venezuela
Bilateral Meeting, 12 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Spain
Bilateral Meeting, 11 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Cuba
Bilateral Meeting, 11 March 2025
Meeting with United Nations Cuba
Bilateral Meeting, 11 March 2025
Meeting with ETECSA
Bilateral Meeting, 11 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Zimbabwe
Bilateral Meeting, 05 March 2025
Meeting with SAMENA Telecommunications Council
Bilateral Meeting, 05 March 2025
Meeting with Orange Group
Bilateral Meeting, 05 March 2025
Meeting with ZTE Corporation
Bilateral Meeting, 05 March 2025
Meeting with Ernst & Young
Bilateral Meeting, 05 March 2025
Meeting with Intelsat Africa
Bilateral Meeting, 05 March 2025
Meeting with Sateliot
Bilateral Meeting, 05 March 2025
Meeting with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 05 March 2025
Meeting with Universal Service Fund- Pakistan
Bilateral Meeting, 04 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Guinea
Bilateral Meeting, 04 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Mozambique
Bilateral Meeting, 04 March 2025
Meeting with GSM Association
Bilateral Meeting, 04 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Zimbabwe
Bilateral Meeting, 04 March 2025
Meeting with Qualcomm, Inc
Bilateral Meeting, 04 March 2025
Meeting with Regional African Satellite Comm Org
Bilateral Meeting, 04 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Zambia
Bilateral Meeting, 03 March 2025
Meeting with the Global Satellite Operator's Association
Bilateral Meeting, 03 March 2025
Meeting with Autoridad de Regulación y Fiscalización de Telecomunicaciones y Transportes
Bilateral Meeting, 03 March 2025
Meeting with Agence de Régulation des Postes et des Communications Électroniques
Bilateral Meeting, 03 March 2025
Meeting with Communications, Space & Technology Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 03 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Nigeria
Bilateral Meeting, 03 March 2025
Meeting with Malta Communications Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 03 March 2025
Meeting with INDOTEL
Bilateral Meeting, 03 March 2025
Meeting with Smart Africa Secretariat
Bilateral Meeting, 03 March 2025
Meeting with the Government of Somalia
Bilateral Meeting, 03 March 2025
Meeting with Systemics-PAB
Bilateral Meeting, 03 March 2025
Meeting with World Bank
Bilateral Meeting, 26 February 2025
Meeting with European Union
Podcast, 26 February 2025
Meeting with the National Media and Infocommunications Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 26 February 2025
Meeting with Dr Orsolya Ferencz
News, 26 February 2025
Regional Development Forum for Europe (RDF-EUR) 2025 and the Regional Preparatory Meeting for WTDC-25 for Europe (RPM-EUR)
The Regional Preparatory Meeting (RPM) for Europe was held from 25 to 26 February in Budapest, Hungary. Participants at the meeting benefitted from detailed reporting on the ongoing implementation of the Kigali Action Plan, and proposed the Regional Initiatives in the area of information and communication technology (ICT) development strategies in the Europe region to be considered by the next ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25), to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 28 November 2025.
Bilateral Meeting, 24 February 2025
Meeting with the Government of North Macedonia
Bilateral Meeting, 24 February 2025
Meeting with the Government of Serbia
Bilateral Meeting, 24 February 2025
Meeting with The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society
Bilateral Meeting, 24 February 2025
Meeting with Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries
Bilateral Meeting, 24 February 2025
Meeting with Andorra Digital
Bilateral Meeting, 24 February 2025
Meeting with Agency for electronic communications and postal services
Bilateral Meeting, 24 February 2025
Meeting with the Office of the Commissioner of Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 24 February 2025
Meeting with the The Electronic and Postal Communications Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 21 February 2025
Meeting with Chair-designate of PP-26
Bilateral Meeting, 20 February 2025
Meeting with UNICEF
Bilateral Meeting, 19 February 2025
Meeting with Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 19 February 2025
Meeting with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 18 February 2025
Meeting with World Bank
Bilateral Meeting, 17 February 2025
Meeting with the Government of China
Bilateral Meeting, 17 February 2025
Meeting with the Government of India
Bilateral Meeting, 13 February 2025
Meeting with Viasat/Inmarsat
Bilateral Meeting, 13 February 2025
Meeting with Postal & Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe
Bilateral Meeting, 12 February 2025
Meeting with the Government of Korea (Republic of)
Bilateral Meeting, 12 February 2025
Meeting with the Government of Japan
Bilateral Meeting, 12 February 2025
Meeting with National Regulation Authority of Information and Communications Technology
Bilateral Meeting, 12 February 2025
Meeting with Aprajita Sharrma
Bilateral Meeting, 11 February 2025
Meeting with the Government of Central African Republic
Bilateral Meeting, 10 February 2025
Meeting with Cristiana Flutur
Bilateral Meeting, 06 February 2025
Meeting with the Government of Jordan
Bilateral Meeting, 06 February 2025
Meeting with the Government of Jordan
Bilateral Meeting, 05 February 2025
Meeting with Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority
News, 05 February 2025
Regional Development Forum for Arab States (RDF-ARB) 2025 and the Regional Preparatory Meeting for WTDC-25 for Arab States (RPM-ARB)
The Regional Preparatory Meeting (RPM) for the Arab States was held 4-5 February in Amman, Jordan. Participants at the meeting assessed the ongoing implementation of the Kigali Action Plan and identified priority areas for information and communication technology (ICT) development strategies in the Arab region to be adopted at the next ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25), to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan 17-28 November 2025.
Bilateral Meeting, 04 February 2025
Meeting with Communications, Space & Technology Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 04 February 2025
Meeting with the Government of the State of Palestine
Bilateral Meeting, 04 February 2025
Meeting with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
Bilateral Meeting, 04 February 2025
Meeting with Oman Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 04 February 2025
Meeting with GSM Association
Bilateral Meeting, 03 February 2025
Meeting with Global Entrepreneurship Network
Bilateral Meeting, 03 February 2025
Meeting with Djibouti Telecom
Bilateral Meeting, 03 February 2025
Meeting with Regional Internet Registry for Europe, Middle East and Central Asia
Bilateral Meeting, 03 February 2025
Meeting with Islamic Development Bank
Bilateral Meeting, 03 February 2025
Meeting with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies
News, 03 February 2025
Joint declaration with Regional Internet Registry for Europe, Middle East and Central Asia (RIPE NCC)
The BDT Director signed a joint declaration with the Regional Internet Registry for Europe, Middle East and Central Asia (RIPE NCC) to foster digital resilience, sustainable development and enhance connectivity for all.
Bilateral Meeting, 31 January 2025
Meeting with Common Fund for Commodities
Bilateral Meeting, 30 January 2025
Meeting with Sateliot
Bilateral Meeting, 30 January 2025
Meeting with the Government of Sweden
Bilateral Meeting, 30 January 2025
Meeting with ULAP Networks
Bilateral Meeting, 24 January 2025
Meeting with ZTE Corporation
Bilateral Meeting, 24 January 2025
Meeting with the Government of South Africa
Bilateral Meeting, 22 January 2025
Meeting with the Government of Egypt
Bilateral Meeting, 16 January 2025
Meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan
Bilateral Meeting, 15 January 2025
Meeting with the Government of Azerbaijan
Bilateral Meeting, 13 January 2025
Meeting with the Government of France
In the News, 18 December 2024
Connectivity for everyone is key to Africa’s growth and prosperity
Bilateral Meeting, 10 December 2024
Meeting with Government of the United States of America
News, 09 December 2024
Agreement with the Republic of Korea to advance green digital action towards a net-zero digital sector in the Philippines and Tanzania
BDT Director signed a project 'Advancing Green Digital Action Towards a Net-Zero Digital Sector in the Philippines and Tanzania' with the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of the Republic of Korea.
The project aims to develop a harmonized approach to data collection in both countries, alongside digital net-zero transition plans for ICT-sector decarbonization, based on reliable data and stakeholder input. The two-year project, running until the end of 2026, will focus on building capacity among ICT regulators and stakeholders in both beneficiary countries, aiming to enhance their skills in data collection, regulation, and target-setting.
Bilateral Meeting, 06 December 2024
Meeting with Office Of The Regulator
Bilateral Meeting, 05 December 2024
Meeting with Communications Regulatory Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 03 December 2024
Meeting with the Government of Tonga
Bilateral Meeting, 26 November 2024
Meeting with the Government of Jordan
Bilateral Meeting, 26 November 2024
Meeting with Harbin Institute of Technology
Bilateral Meeting, 14 November 2024
Meeting with the Government of Maldives
Bilateral Meeting, 14 November 2024
Meeting with Department of Telecommunications
Bilateral Meeting, 12 November 2024
Meeting with Advanced Television Systems Committee
Bilateral Meeting, 11 November 2024
Meeting with Ambassador Floreta Faber
Bilateral Meeting, 11 November 2024
Meeting with ChengDu Cuzing Univers Technology Company
Bilateral Meeting, 11 November 2024
Meeting with Regina Fleur Assoumou-Bessou
Bilateral Meeting, 07 November 2024
Meeting with the Government of Japan
Bilateral Meeting, 07 November 2024
Meeting with Qualcomm, Inc.
Bilateral Meeting, 07 November 2024
Meeting with the Government of Uzbekistan
Bilateral Meeting, 06 November 2024
Meeting with Amazon
Bilateral Meeting, 05 November 2024
Meeting with Conseil National des Télécommunications
Bilateral Meeting, 30 October 2024
Meeting with GOvernment of South Africa
Bilateral Meeting, 30 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Zimbabwe
Bilateral Meeting, 30 October 2024
Meeting with Hon. Anthony De Bono
Bilateral Meeting, 30 October 2024
Meeting with Edgar Francis Borg
News, 30 October 2024
Global Innovation Forum 2024
The third edition of the ITU Global Innovation Forum took place from 28 to 30 October 2024 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta. The forum identified key strategies to help close the “digital innovation gap."
The three-day event emphasized the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building to bridge the innovation gap and advance socio-economic development.
The forum was opened by H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta.
Bilateral Meeting, 29 October 2024
Meeting with Welchman Keen
Bilateral Meeting, 29 October 2024
Meeting with Luis Adrian Salazar
Bilateral Meeting, 29 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Albania
Bilateral Meeting, 29 October 2024
Meeting with Telecommunication Regulatory Authority
News, 28 October 2024
Letter of Agreement with the Digital Security Authority of the Republic of Cyprus
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), through the Telecommunication Development Bureau, and the Digital Security Authority of Cyprus have deepened their strategic alliance by signing a Letter of Agreement on “ITU-EAPEREG-EMERG Capacity Building Workshop on Quality of Service and Resilience of Mobile Infrastructure for Regulatory Authorities", reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing cybersecurity in Europe. This agreement expands on the success of previous work to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and further enhance digital infrastructure resilience.
Cyprus plays a pivotal role in promoting regional security, and previously hosted the 2023 ITU Europe & Asia-Pacific Interregional CyberDrill. The latest agreement takes these efforts a step further by aligning Cyprus's regulatory expertise with ITU's broader mission of fostering a safer, more resilient cyberspace.
Bilateral Meeting, 23 October 2024
Meeting with National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 23 October 2024
Meeting with Instituto Dominicano de las Telecomunicaciones
Bilateral Meeting, 23 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Zimbabwe
Bilateral Meeting, 23 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Cameroon
Bilateral Meeting, 23 October 2024
Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
Bilateral Meeting, 23 October 2024
Meeting with Generation Connect Visionaries Board Member
Bilateral Meeting, 22 October 2024
Meeting with Qualcomm, Inc.
Bilateral Meeting, 22 October 2024
Meeting with Rashtriya Raksha University
Bilateral Meeting, 22 October 2024
Meeting with China Commission Standards Association
Bilateral Meeting, 22 October 2024
Meeting with Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
Bilateral Meeting, 22 October 2024
Meeting with Cyber Security Association of India
Bilateral Meeting, 22 October 2024
Meeting with National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 22 October 2024
Meeting with Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
Bilateral Meeting, 22 October 2024
Meeting with Liberia Telecommunications Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 22 October 2024
Meeting with Communications, Space and Technology Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 21 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Guinea
Bilateral Meeting, 21 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Samoa
Bilateral Meeting, 21 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Japan
Bilateral Meeting, 18 October 2024
Meeting with National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Bilateral Meeting, 18 October 2024
Meeting with Telecommunications Regulatory Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 18 October 2024
Meeting with Federal Telecommunications Institute
Bilateral Meeting, 18 October 2024
Meeting with Federal Telecommunications Institute
Bilateral Meeting, 17 October 2024
Meeting with Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones
Bilateral Meeting, 17 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Nigeria
Bilateral Meeting, 17 October 2024
Meeting with Inter-American Telecommunication Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 17 October 2024
Meeting with Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações
Bilateral Meeting, 17 October 2024
Meeting with OpenSignal Limited
Bilateral Meeting, 16 October 2024
Meeting with Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes
Bilateral Meeting, 16 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Liberia
Bilateral Meeting, 16 October 2024
Meeting with Autorité Nationale de Régulation des Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication
Bilateral Meeting, 16 October 2024
Meeting with National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 16 October 2024
Meeting with Communications Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 16 October 2024
Meeting with Department of Telecommunications
Bilateral Meeting, 16 October 2024
Meeting with Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 16 October 2024
Meeting with Ministère de la Transition Digitale, des Postes et des Communications Électroniques
Bilateral Meeting, 16 October 2024
Meeting with ZTE Corporation
Bilateral Meeting, 16 October 2024
Meeting with ZTE Corporation
Bilateral Meeting, 15 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Armenia
Bilateral Meeting, 14 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Uzbekistan
Bilateral Meeting, 14 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Poland
Bilateral Meeting, 14 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Zimbabwe
Bilateral Meeting, 09 October 2024
Meeting with Ooredoo Group
Bilateral Meeting, 08 October 2024
Meeting with Caribbean Telecommunications Union
Bilateral Meeting, 07 October 2024
Meeting with National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 07 October 2024
Meeting with World Data Lab
Bilateral Meeting, 03 October 2024
Meeting with the Government of Tanzania
Bilateral Meeting, 01 October 2024
Meeting with Swiss Association for Women and Empowerment
Bilateral Meeting, 30 September 2024
Meeting with the Government of Japan
Bilateral Meeting, 26 September 2024
Meeting with Regulatory Authority for Post and Telecommunications
Bilateral Meeting, 26 September 2024
Meeting with Korea Information Society Development Institute
Bilateral Meeting, 26 September 2024
Meeting with Kenya National Bureau of Statistics
Bilateral Meeting, 26 September 2024
Meeting with Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones
Bilateral Meeting, 25 September 2024
Meeting with Communications Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 25 September 2024
Meeting with Communications Service Regulatory Unit
Bilateral Meeting, 25 September 2024
Meeting with the Government of El Salvador
Bilateral Meeting, 25 September 2024
Meeting with Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe
News, 24 September 2024
World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Symposium (WTIS-24)
The 2024 edition of the World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Symposium (WTIS-24) emphasised the need for quality and timely data for effective decision making to achieve universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC).
The Symposium, organized by the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of International Telecommunication Union (ITU), brought together over 250 participants from 83 Member States, international experts, policymakers, business leaders, regulators, statisticians and researchers to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and collaborative solutions to improve the measurement of UMC – the possibility to enjoy a safe, satisfying, enriching, and productive online experience at an affordable cost.
“Unless we measure our progress toward universal and meaningful connectivity, that progress will be hard to track. We must invest in producing high-quality data which generates insights that enable more informed decision-making," said Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau. “It is of high priority that we focus on bridging data gaps," he added.
Bilateral Meeting, 19 September 2024
Meeting with the Government of South Sudan
Bilateral Meeting, 19 September 2024
Meeting with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 19 September 2024
Meeting with Tamkeen
Bilateral Meeting, 19 September 2024
Meeting with the Government of Bahrain
News, 19 September 2024
Digital Skills Forum 2024
The BDT Director opened the ITU Digital Skills Forum 2024 in Manama, Bahrain, held from September 17-19. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the critical importance of digital skills and the need to bridge the digital skills gap to empower citizens in the digital age. During the Forum, he launched the ITU Digital Skills Toolkit 2024, a comprehensive guide designed to assist ITU members in developing effective national digital skills strategies and policies.
See press release
Bilateral Meeting, 18 September 2024
Meeting with the Government of Uganda
Bilateral Meeting, 18 September 2024
Meeting with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission of Saudi Arabia
Bilateral Meeting, 18 September 2024
Meeting with Telecommunications Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 18 September 2024
Meeting with the Government of Azerbaijan
Bilateral Meeting, 18 September 2024
Meeting with National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 18 September 2024
Meeting with the Government of Bahrain
Bilateral Meeting, 18 September 2024
Meeting with Ooredoo Group
News, 17 September 2024
Announcement of EUR 4 million capacity development project
The BDT Director, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) announced a EUR 4 million 'Capacity Development for Digital Transformation' project during the ITU Digital Skills Forum, held in Manama, Bahrain, from 17-19 September 2024. Funded through the EU Global Gateway, the project aims to train policymakers and government officials to strengthen their abilities to support a human-centric digital transformation.
Bilateral Meeting, 16 September 2024
Meeting with Cisco
Bilateral Meeting, 11 September 2024
Meeting with National Media and Infocommunications Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 11 September 2024
Meeting with the Government of Tanzania
Bilateral Meeting, 10 September 2024
Meeting with Agence Nationale de Développement du Numérique
Bilateral Meeting, 05 September 2024
Meeting with International Labour Organisation
Bilateral Meeting, 02 September 2024
Meeting with European Union
Bilateral Meeting, 26 August 2024
Meeting with GIZ
In the News, 01 August 2024
Assessing Nigeria’s Performance In Digital Transformation
Bilateral Meeting, 01 August 2024
Meeting with General Authority of Communication and Informatics
Bilateral Meeting, 31 July 2024
Meeting with Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones
Bilateral Meeting, 29 July 2024
Meeting with Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation
Bilateral Meeting, 22 July 2024
Meeting with the Government of Cambodia
Bilateral Meeting, 22 July 2024
Meeting with the Government of Cambodia
In the News, 20 July 2024
2.6 billion people don’t use the internet. What’s stopping them?
Bilateral Meeting, 19 July 2024
Meeting with the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
Bilateral Meeting, 19 July 2024
Meeting with National ICT Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 19 July 2024
Meeting with Telecommunications Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator
Bilateral Meeting, 19 July 2024
Meeting with the Government of Kiribati
Bilateral Meeting, 18 July 2024
Meeting with the Government of Japan
Bilateral Meeting, 16 July 2024
Meeting with BRICS Institute of Future Networks
Bilateral Meeting, 10 July 2024
Meeting with the Government of Lesotho
Bilateral Meeting, 10 July 2024
Meeting with the Government of Zimbabwe
Bilateral Meeting, 10 July 2024
Meeting with Smart Africa Secretariat
Bilateral Meeting, 10 July 2024
Meeting with Huawei
Bilateral Meeting, 10 July 2024
Meeting with Cairo University
Bilateral Meeting, 10 July 2024
Meeting with RubiTron Labs
Bilateral Meeting, 04 July 2024
Meeting with Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações
Bilateral Meeting, 04 July 2024
Meeting with Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd
News, 04 July 2024
Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-24)
The BDT Director opened and concluded the 23rd edition of the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-24) in Kampala, Uganda, which ran from 1-4 July. Regulators at GSR-24 noted that equal, global access to existing digital services would help countries leverage transformative technologies.The “
GSR-24 Best Practice Guidelines" agreed by ICT regulators include a series of considerations for balancing innovation with regulation to create a positive impact on societies and economies from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
- Read the BDT Director's blog, Regulating for impact: A personal perspective, on ITU News.
- Read the GSR-24 closing press release, Digital regulators embrace strategy to unlock benefits of transformative technologies, here.
- Read the GSR-24 Best Practice Guidelines here.
Bilateral Meeting, 04 July 2024
Meeting with the Communications Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 03 July 2024
Meeting with the Government of Burundi
Bilateral Meeting, 03 July 2024
Meeting with Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes
Bilateral Meeting, 03 July 2024
Meeting with Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation
Bilateral Meeting, 03 July 2024
Meeting with Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
Bilateral Meeting, 03 July 2024
Meeting with Unidad Reguladora de Servicios de Comunicaciones
Bilateral Meeting, 03 July 2024
Meeting with the Government of Uganda
Bilateral Meeting, 03 July 2024
Meeting with Autorité de Régulation des Communications Electroniques et de la Poste
Bilateral Meeting, 03 July 2024
Meeting with National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 02 July 2024
Meeting with SBA Communications
News, 02 July 2024
Announcement of Africa’s National Broadband Mapping Systems project
The BDT Director announced the Africa-BB-Maps, the Africa's National Broadband Mapping Systems project, supported by the European Commission, which will help establish broadband mapping systems to foster investment and digital transformation in Africa. With a budget of 15 million Euros over 4 years, the project will initially benefit 11 countries, namely Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Bilateral Meeting, 02 July 2024
Meeting with Autorité de Régulation des Communications électroniques et des Postes
Bilateral Meeting, 01 July 2024
Meeting with Ooredoo Group
Bilateral Meeting, 01 July 2024
Meeting with Communications, Space and Technology Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 01 July 2024
Meeting with World Mobile Group Ltd.
Bilateral Meeting, 01 July 2024
Meeting with Powertel Communications
In the News, 28 June 2024
GSR-24: Regulation for the next stage of digital transformation
News, 28 June 2024
GSR-24: Regulation for the next stage of digital transformation
Global regulators and policy-makers will meet over the coming week to exchange knowledge and experiences on advancing 'regulation for impact'. This year's Global Symposium for Regulators, GSR-24, taking place in Kampala, Uganda, between 1 and 4 July, explores regulating for impact in ground-breaking fields of regulation such as artificial intelligence (AI), the space economy, and climate change. The annual symposium, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has brought regulators together and continually kept in step with emerging technologies since the year 2000.
Bilateral Meeting, 27 June 2024
Meeting with Microsoft Philanthropies
Bilateral Meeting, 26 June 2024
Meeting with the Government of Azerbaijan
Bilateral Meeting, 26 June 2024
Meeting with the Government of Niger
Bilateral Meeting, 24 June 2024
Meeting with Intelsat
Bilateral Meeting, 19 June 2024
Meeting with Statistics Finland
News, 18 June 2024
Agreement with the Government of Australia
The BDT Director signed an agreement with the Government of Australia to support Member States in Asia and the Pacific region to strengthen their engagement in ITU's global conferences, including WTDC.
Bilateral Meeting, 14 June 2024
Meeting with the Government of the Philippines
Bilateral Meeting, 14 June 2024
Meeting with Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications
Bilateral Meeting, 14 June 2024
Meeting with the Government of Tanzania
Bilateral Meeting, 14 June 2024
Meeting with the Government of Japan
Bilateral Meeting, 14 June 2024
Meeting with Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 13 June 2024
Meeting with ZTE Corporation
Bilateral Meeting, 12 June 2024
Meeting with International Center For Promotion Of Enterprises
Bilateral Meeting, 12 June 2024
Meeting with Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones
Bilateral Meeting, 12 June 2024
Meeting with the Government of Mauritius
Bilateral Meeting, 12 June 2024
Meeting with the Government of Greece
Bilateral Meeting, 12 June 2024
Meeting with the Government of Bahamas
News, 12 June 2024
Acknowledgement of contribution from Czech Republic
The BDT Director acknowledged new contribution of 2,500,000 CZK from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Czech Republic to ITU in support of ITU's work on bolstering efforts in the realm of cybersecurity, protection of critical infrastructure against cyber-attacks, and enhancing capacity building and resilience alongside promoting the use of Artificial Intelligence (Al) for cyber security and disaster risk reduction initiatives.
Bilateral Meeting, 11 June 2024
Meeting with DoT India
Bilateral Meeting, 11 June 2024
Meeting with Communications Authority of Kenya
Bilateral Meeting, 10 June 2024
Meeting with African Telecommunication Union
Bilateral Meeting, 10 June 2024
Meeting with the Government of Rwanda
News, 10 June 2024
Collaboration agreement with Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of UAE
The BDT Director signed a collaboration agreement with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of UAE to jointly accelerate Digital Innovation through the I-CoDI initiative and ITU's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development.
Bilateral Meeting, 07 June 2024
Meeting with Communications Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 07 June 2024
Meeting with Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
Bilateral Meeting, 07 June 2024
Meeting with the Government of China
Bilateral Meeting, 07 June 2024
Meeting with the Government of Morocco
Bilateral Meeting, 06 June 2024
Meeting with the Government of Korea (Republic of)
Bilateral Meeting, 05 June 2024
Meeting with Uganda Communications Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 04 June 2024
Meeting with Rohde & Schwarz
News, 04 June 2024
Acknowledgement of contribution from Australia
The BDT Director acknowledged a contribution of CHF 591,000 from the Government of Australia to support ongoing ITU projects and future collaborations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Bilateral Meeting, 31 May 2024
Meeting with World Meteorological Organization
Bilateral Meeting, 31 May 2024
Meeting with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
Bilateral Meeting, 31 May 2024
Meeting with Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the Kingdom of Bahrain
Bilateral Meeting, 31 May 2024
Meeting with Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 31 May 2024
Meeting with the Government of Burundi
Bilateral Meeting, 31 May 2024
Meeting with UN Development
Bilateral Meeting, 31 May 2024
Meeting with the Government of Australia
In the News, 31 May 2024
Views from the Summit: Dr Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau
Bilateral Meeting, 31 May 2024
Meeting with the Government of Barbados
Bilateral Meeting, 31 May 2024
Meeting with the Government of Cuba
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2024
Meeting with the Government of The Gambia
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2024
Meeting with Cybersecurity Council
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2024
Meeting with Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2024
Meeting with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization
Bilateral Meeting, 30 May 2024
Meeting with the Government of Namibia
News, 30 May 2024
The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda
The BDT Director attended the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) under the theme Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity, in Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda from 27-30 May 2024. At the conference, he also moderated the ITU high-level session titled Accelerating universal meaningful connectivity in SIDS: Partner2Connect Digital Coalition. During the discussions, the BDT Director highlighted the importance of digital technology in carrying out the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, as well as the use of technology to promote resilience in the Eastern Caribbean, particularly in disaster management.
In the general debate, he said “We believe that digital plays a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by SIDS and has the potential to accelerate the pace of SIDS to achieve the 2030 development agenda. Since the last SIDS conference held in 2014 in Samoa, ITU has implemented a plethora of projects in a number of critical areas."
During the conference, he also engaged in stakeholder conversations focused on collaboration and sustainability in digital activities, including the youth representative from Antigua and Barbuda. He emphasized the critical role of digital solutions in promoting resilience and development in Small Island Developing States.
Read the Statement for General Debate by the International Telecommunication Union at the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4).
Podcast, 30 May 2024
Agreement between ITU and INDOTEL
The BDT Director signed an agreement with the Instituto Dominicano de las Telecommicaciones (INDOTEL), Dominican Republic to renew the collaboration between ITU and INDOTEL. This renewal will focus on enhancing regulatory standards and implementing best practices in telecom regulation in the Dominican Republic's telecommunications industry. The agreement underscores a shared commitment to implementing regulatory reforms that promote efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.
News, 30 May 2024
Agreement with the Ministry of Digital Economy of Gabon
The BDT Director announced a cooperation agreement with the Ministère de l'Economie Numérique of Gabon to create an ITU Acceleration Centre, one of the vehicles of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development. This cooperation aims to strengthen national innovation, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote digital transformation in Gabon.
Bilateral Meeting, 28 May 2024
Meeting with UN Environment Programme New York
Bilateral Meeting, 28 May 2024
Meeting with the Government of Barbados
Bilateral Meeting, 28 May 2024
Meeting with the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Bilateral Meeting, 28 May 2024
Meeting with United Nations Development Programme
Bilateral Meeting, 28 May 2024
Meeting with UN World Food Programme
In the News, 28 May 2024
SIDS4 seeks to accelerate Universal Meaningful Connectivity in Small Island Developing States
Bilateral Meeting, 27 May 2024
Meeting with Pacific Islands Forum
Bilateral Meeting, 27 May 2024
Meeting with Caribbean Community
Bilateral Meeting, 27 May 2024
Meeting with Office for South-South Coorporation
Bilateral Meeting, 27 May 2024
Meeting with the Government of Guyana
Bilateral Meeting, 27 May 2024
Meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator in Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau
Bilateral Meeting, 27 May 2024
Meeting with UN Trade and Development
Bilateral Meeting, 23 May 2024
Meeting with the Office of the Regulator
News, 23 May 2024
The 31st meeting of the Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG)
The 31st meeting of the Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 20 to 23 May 2024. The annual meeting helps to guide the work of the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D). The 2024 meeting reviewed the outcomes of the 2022 World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-22) and provided advice to guide the work of ITU-D.
TDAG welcomed 172 participants – virtual and physical – representing 134 Member States + Resolution 99. The number of participants showed almost equal participation of women and men, 84 and 88 people, respectively.
“I would like to thank the membership for such rich contributions, active engagement and guidance to help us achieve impactful results as we implement the outcomes of the World Telecommunication Development Conference of 2022 (WTDC-22), and for providing us with forward-looking ideas and strategies for successful preparations towards the next WTDC in 2025," said Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. “It is inspiring to see our diverse membership rallying around a shared vision to make our work relevant and results-oriented leading to affordable universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation aimed at accelerating the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of the people we serve. We also celebrate that we reached gender parity at this TDAG in terms of the participants."
Watch the video on Connecting people and the planet for prosperity – realizing the Kigali Action Plan
Read the Communiqué
Bilateral Meeting, 22 May 2024
Meeting with the Government of Indonesia
Bilateral Meeting, 21 May 2024
Meeting with the Government of China
Bilateral Meeting, 17 May 2024
Meeting with the Government of Ukraine
News, 17 May 2024
World Telecommunication & Information Society Day (WTISD) 2024
During ITU's celebrations to mark World Telecommunication & Information Society Day (WTISD) 2024, the BDT Director presented ITU-D's work in scaling up global digital innovation and highlighted key initiatives including the Innovation4Digital Alliance, the Digital Innovation Board, 17 ITU Acceleration Centers, the ITU Global Innovation Centre in India, and a series of national Digital Innovation Profiles. He also emphasized the importance of ITU's efforts to foster innovation for an inclusive and sustainable digital future for all.
Bilateral Meeting, 16 May 2024
Meeting with Huawei
Bilateral Meeting, 16 May 2024
Meeting with Government of the United States of America
Bilateral Meeting, 13 May 2024
Meeting with Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority
News, 13 May 2024
SAMENA Council Leaders' Summit 2024
The BDT Director attended the SAMENA Telecommunications Council Leaders' Summit in Dubai. In his opening remarks, the BDT Director highlighted the critical importance of digital transformation, AI, the digital economy, and cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for collaboration, sustainability, and investment in these areas. The Director also moderated a session on 'Digital Innovation & Choice,' at the summit which examined the role of regulation in promoting innovation, the development of policy and legal frameworks, financing to support innovation and scaling, and ensuring consumer choice and affordability.
News, 09 May 2024
AI Summit and Mauritius Emerging Technologies Exhibition (METX) 2024
The BDT Director attended the 1st Edition of the AI Summit and Mauritius Emerging Technologies Exhibition (METX) and participated in the Expert Panel Discussion regarding how international organizations are shaping AI's future. The Director underscored the importance of international collaboration, including with organizations like UNHCR, in advancing AI and digital technologies for an inclusive and sustainable digital future. During the event, he toured the exhibition with the Vice-President of Mauritius and met with the President at the State House to discuss the impact of AI on worldwide digital transformation.
Bilateral Meeting, 30 April 2024
Meeting with Expresso Senegal
In the News, 26 April 2024
Boosting connectivity and closing the digital divide - Discussion with Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau
News, 25 April 2024
Girls in ICT Day 2024
The BDT Director opened the global ITU celebrations for Girls in ICT Day 2024, hosted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) of the Philippines. He inaugurated the official celebrations and co-moderated an Inter-generational Dialogue, a key highlight of the event.
During the occasion, he convened with the UN Resident-Humanitarian Coordinator and heads of other UN agencies in the Philippines, engaging in discussions on the significance of connectivity for digital development and the need to bridge the gender digital divide. Additionally, he held discussions with the Secretary of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) of the Philippines.
As part of the visit, the Director inaugurated a Digital transformation Centre in Pampanga contributing to the ITU-CISCO Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) Initiative aimed at boosting Digital Skills in the region.
Read BDT Director's blog: Amplifying progress on International Girls in ICT Day
Bilateral Meeting, 23 April 2024
Meeting with Cyber Security Agency
In the News, 08 April 2024
The world generated 62 million tonnes of electronic waste in just one year and recycled way too little, UN agencies warn
Bilateral Meeting, 27 March 2024
Meeting with the Government of Kazakhstan
Bilateral Meeting, 27 March 2024
Meeting with the Government of Belarus
News, 27 March 2024
Regional Development Forum for CIS
The ITU Regional Development Forum for CIS (RDF-CIS) took place from 26 to 27 March in Astana, Kazakhstan. Hosted by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, RDF-CIS provided an opportunity for ITU and stakeholders in the region to exchange views on how to achieve universal, affordable, and meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Over 100 participants from 10 countries and partner organizations from across the region came together to identify ways to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region through digital transformation.
News, 27 March 2024
Announcement of new cooperation with the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the National Information Technology JSC (NITEC), Republic of Kazakhstan
The BDT Director announced a new cooperation with the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the National Information Technology JSC (NITEC) of Kazakhstan to implement a GovStack regional project for the Central Asia and Caucasus countries.
News, 27 March 2024
Joint declaration with the Kostanay Engineering and Economics University
The BDT Director signed a Joint Declaration with the Kostanay Engineering and Economics University named after M.Dulatov (KenEU) regarding the “Creation of smart education ecosystem in Kostanay” (the “Project”) to cooperate and collaborate in areas of common interest, including, inter alia: Telecom networks and infrastructure; cybersecurity and digital skills.
Bilateral Meeting, 26 March 2024
Meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan
Bilateral Meeting, 26 March 2024
Meeting with UNICEF Kazakhstan
News, 26 March 2024
Agreement signed between the Regional Commonwealth in the field of Communications (RCC) and ITU 26 March 2024, Astana, Kazakhstan
The BDT Director signed a Framework Cooperation Agreement with the Regional Commonwealth in the field of Communications (RCC) for the implementation of projects within the framework of the Regional Initiatives for the CIS region.
News, 22 March 2024
Better data needed to green the digital transformation
Artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies have piqued global excitement with their promise to drive economic growth and opportunity, unlock scientific breakthroughs, and build better services.
But as we race to close the global digital divide, we must also ask ourselves some tough questions.
What does all this digital progress mean for the planet? Can we have digital transformation that is also sustainable?
The rapid expansion of digital technology has already resulted in a major rise in energy consumption. This underscores the urgent necessity to address the environmental consequences associated with this sector.
Furthermore, approximately 2.6 billion individuals, primarily in lower and middle-income nations, still do not have access to digital technology and need to be connected. This will add to the environmental strain.
In the News, 21 March 2024
E-waste from trashed electric devices is piling up and recycling isn’t keeping pace, UN says
Bilateral Meeting, 20 March 2024
Meeting with the Government of Gabon
Bilateral Meeting, 20 March 2024
Meeting with the Government of the Philippines
Bilateral Meeting, 20 March 2024
Meeting with the Government of Bahrain
In the News, 20 March 2024
Less than half of the 17.6 kg of e-waste generated by each European is recycled, according to the UN
In the News, 20 March 2024
Flooded with electronic waste: waste is growing five times faster than its recycling
In the News, 20 March 2024
Electronic Waste Accumulating Worldwide, UN Report Warns
In the News, 20 March 2024
World 'losing the battle' against electronic waste, UN finds
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2024
Meeting with the Government of India
Bilateral Meeting, 19 March 2024
Meeting with the Government of El Salvador
Bilateral Meeting, 18 March 2024
Meeting with the Government of The Gambia
Bilateral Meeting, 18 March 2024
Meeting with the Government of Japan
Bilateral Meeting, 14 March 2024
Meeting with UN Development Coordination Office
News, 14 March 2024
Agreement signed between the Government of Montenegro and ITU
The BDT Director signed an agreement with the Government of Montenegro to deliver a ‘National plan for development of networks for broadband internet access in Montenegro’ which will help support universal and meaningful connectivity
News, 06 March 2024
Second Rising for Industry Sustainability & Efficiencies (RISE) Roundtable
The BDT Director visited Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to attend the second Rising for Industry Sustainability & Efficiencies (RISE) Roundtable organized by the SAMENA Council as part of the LEAP24 Tech Conference. During the roundtable, he spoke about the importance of industry, innovation, and consumer choice for inclusive digital transformation.
Bilateral Meeting, 05 March 2024
Meeting with Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority
News, 05 March 2024
Joint Declaration between the Cyber Security Council of United Arab Emirates and ITU
During a visit to the United Arab Emirates the BDT Director signed a Joint Declaration with the Cyber Security Council (CSC) to reaffirm the common vision between the organisations to bridge the cybersecurity gap through innovative solutions, developing capacity, and supporting policy formulation.
Bilateral Meeting, 04 March 2024
Meeting with Cybersecurity Council
News, 04 March 2024
United Arab Emirates
The BDT Director went to the United Arab Emirates from 4 - 5 March 2024 to participate in the I-CoDI Global Workshop and the First Meeting of ITU Acceleration Centres.
A highlight of the visit was a presentation of five Guinness World Records to ITU Development and CSC for record-breaking achievements during the 11th Regional Cybersecurity Week, held from 9-12 October 2023 in Abu Dhabi.
While in the UAE, he also took the opportunity to visit the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) warehouse where ITU’s equipment for rapid deployments is stored.
Bilateral Meeting, 01 March 2024
Meeting with the Government of Indonesia
Bilateral Meeting, 29 February 2024
Meeting with the Government of Ethiopia
Bilateral Meeting, 28 February 2024
Meeting with the Government of Burundi
Bilateral Meeting, 26 February 2024
Meeting with Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones
In the News, 22 February 2024
Moscow's Digital Sovereignty Summit: A Step Towards Global Cooperation or Isolation? Explore the conversation with BDT Director
In the News, 22 February 2024
Creation in AI has to stay human-revolved. BDT DIrector on the significance of safeguarding privacy and effective data management in the era of AI development
Bilateral Meeting, 21 February 2024
Meeting with the Government of Russia
Bilateral Meeting, 20 February 2024
Meeting with Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 15 February 2024
Meeting with the Government of Pakistan
Bilateral Meeting, 15 February 2024
Meeting with the Government of Ghana
Bilateral Meeting, 09 February 2024
Meeting with Communications Authority of Kenya
Bilateral Meeting, 08 February 2024
Meeting with African Telecommunication Union
Bilateral Meeting, 08 February 2024
Meeting with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
News, 08 February 2024
1st African Preparatory Meeting for World Telecommunications Development Conference (WTDC-25) 2025
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The BDT Director took part in the 1st African Preparatory Meeting for the upcoming World Telecommunications Development Conference (WTDC-25) 2025, which took place from 8 - 9 February in Nairobi, Kenya. The BDT Director reported on the main outcomes of WTDC-22 and presented the highlights of accomplishments of the ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), with a specific focus on the African Region. Furthermore, insights were shared regarding the strategic direction leading towards WTDC-25.
During the preparatory meeting, the BDT Director engaged in bilateral discussions with key stakeholders, including the Government of Kenya, the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), and the office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, represented by the Country Director of UNAIDS in Kenya.
While in Kenya, the BDT Director paid a visit to the i-Lab Africa at Strathmore University, Nairobi, a pioneering center propelling Research and Innovation in ICT that immensely contributes to the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Kenya's Vision 20230.
The BDT Director also participated in the prestigious award ceremony for the 3rd Edition of the ATU Africa Innovation Challenge, underscoring ITU's dedication to recognizing and promoting innovative solutions in the telecommunications sector across the African continent.
Bilateral Meeting, 07 February 2024
Meeting with the Government of Kenya
Bilateral Meeting, 02 February 2024
Meeting with European Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 02 February 2024
Meeting with European Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 02 February 2024
Meeting with European Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 02 February 2024
Meeting with UNDP
Bilateral Meeting, 02 February 2024
Meeting with Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications
Bilateral Meeting, 31 January 2024
Meeting with the Government of Mauritius
Bilateral Meeting, 31 January 2024
Meeting with the Government of South Africa
News, 31 January 2024
ITU Signed Two Agreements with the Government of Australia
The BDT Director signed two new projects with the Government of Australia, under the Framework of the MoU between ITU and the Government of Australia.
Bilateral Meeting, 30 January 2024
Meeting with Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of UAE
Bilateral Meeting, 29 January 2024
Meeting with the Chair of ITU-D TDAG
Bilateral Meeting, 29 January 2024
Meeting with the Government of Canada
Bilateral Meeting, 25 January 2024
Meeting with National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 24 January 2024
Meeting with the Government of India
Bilateral Meeting, 24 January 2024
Meeting with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Bilateral Meeting, 23 January 2024
Meeting with the Government of Australia
Bilateral Meeting, 18 January 2024
Meeting with the Government of Egypt
News, 18 January 2024
Promoting the Development of Smart Sustainable Cities & Communities Telecom Infrastructure in Egypt
The BDT Director signed a new project with the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) of Egypt under the Framework of the Cooperative Agreement between ITU and NTRA in the areas of Telecommunications and ICTs. The project titled “Promoting the Development of Smart Sustainable Cities & Communities Telecom Infrastructure in Egypt", aims to promote standard innovation of Smart Sustainable Cities & Communities (SSC&C) in Egypt. Specifically, this project will aim at supporting SSC&C in standardizing the ICTs infrastructure requirements. In addition, the project will also collect, analyze, and measure SSC&C sustainability and smartness of project indices/KPIs progress through the implementation of ITU-T recommendations that will enable smart sustainable cities and communities in Egypt to become more greener and smarter.
The overall objective is to accelerate the urban transformation towards SSC&C, while considering the aspects of smartness and sustainability based on ITU technical standards or Recommendations for SSC&C in order to ultimately contribute to the achievement of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Egypt 2030 vision, Egypt Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) as well as the New Urban Agenda (NUA) in the Arab Region.
News, 21 December 2023
Agreement signed between ITU and CST
The BDT Director signed a new project with the Communication, Space and Technology Commission (CST) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the Framework of the Cooperative Agreement between ITU and CST.
The project titled 'Building a network of women leaders', aims to build a community where female delegates support each other, expand their network, advocate and share experience and knowledge. The objectives include promoting the active participation of women in the participation of women in the telecommunication development sector, giving visibility to women and empowering them for larger responsibilities in their respective delegations, at WTDC and in other similar platforms, and encouraging experienced female delegates to mentor ICT professionals in order to create a stronger base for women in the digital space.
News, 18 December 2023
BDT Year in Review 2023
The 2023 BDT Year in Review unveils some of the key highlights of BDT's work to advance Universal and Meaningful Connectivity and shows impactful digital transformation it is bringing to the world.
Bilateral Meeting, 13 December 2023
Meeting with Powertel Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 12 December 2023
Meeting with Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York
Bilateral Meeting, 06 December 2023
Meeting with Mozilla Corporation
Bilateral Meeting, 04 December 2023
Meeting with European Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 24 November 2023
Meeting with Société Européenne des Satellites
Bilateral Meeting, 24 November 2023
Meeting with the Government of China
Bilateral Meeting, 24 November 2023
Meeting with the Government of Japan
Bilateral Meeting, 24 November 2023
Meeting with Verizon Communication Corporation
Bilateral Meeting, 24 November 2023
Meeting with Permanent Mission of Vanuatu to the UN and other International Organisations
Bilateral Meeting, 24 November 2023
Meeting with Agence de Régulation des Postes et des Communications Électroniques
Bilateral Meeting, 23 November 2023
Meeting with the Government of Burkina Faso
Bilateral Meeting, 23 November 2023
Meeting with Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation
Bilateral Meeting, 23 November 2023
Meeting with Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 22 November 2023
Meeting with ZTE Corporation
Bilateral Meeting, 22 November 2023
Meeting with Satcom Industry Association
Bilateral Meeting, 22 November 2023
Meetng with Autorité de Régulation de la Poste et des Communications Electroniques
Bilateral Meeting, 22 November 2023
Meeting with Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 21 November 2023
Meeting with the Government of Samoa
Bilateral Meeting, 21 November 2023
Meeting with Federal Telecommunications Institute
Bilateral Meeting, 21 November 2023
Meeting with the Government of India
Bilateral Meeting, 21 November 2023
Meeting with the Government of Ghana
Bilateral Meeting, 21 November 2023
Meeting with Global Satellite Operator's Association
Bilateral Meeting, 20 November 2023
Meeting with National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 20 November 2023
Meeting with Communications Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 20 November 2023
Meeting with the Government of The Gambia
Bilateral Meeting, 20 November 2023
Meeting with National Regulation Authority of Information and Communications Technology
Bilateral Meeting, 19 November 2023
Meeting with the Government of Nigeria
Bilateral Meeting, 19 November 2023
Meeting with the Government of Gabon
Bilateral Meeting, 19 November 2023
Meeting with International Telecommunications Satellite Organization
Bilateral Meeting, 15 November 2023
Meeting with Internet Society
Bilateral Meeting, 14 November 2023
Meeting with the Government of Dominican Republic
Bilateral Meeting, 13 November 2023
Meetng with Avataa
News, 13 November 2023
BDT Director's briefing on ITU-D's work supporting Digital Transformation of SIDS
The BDT Director provided a briefing to Geneva-based Permanent Missions on ITU-D's work in supporting the digital transformation of Small Island Developing States. The meeting was held in preparation for the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) taking place from 27-30 May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda.
Bilateral Meeting, 09 November 2023
Meeting with Smart Africa Secretariat
News, 06 November 2023
Regional Development Forum for the Arab States
The Regional Development Forum for the Arab States (RDF-ARB) was held from 6-7 November 2023 in Bahrain to discuss priority development issues for the region, and identify avenues to scale-up implementation of country and regional priorities to advance meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation. The Forum was organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) and hosted by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The event welcomed over 100 participants from 19 countries and the State of Palestine.
Bilateral Meeting, 05 November 2023
Meeting with the Government of Bahrain
Bilateral Meeting, 05 November 2023
Meeting with Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
News, 01 November 2023
BDT Director's briefing on ITU Development Projects
The BDT Director provided a briefing to Geneva-based Permanent Missions on ITU-D's work with a focus on ITU Development projects, showcasing the impact of BDT's efforts to transform lives and communities with ICTs.
Bilateral Meeting, 31 October 2023
Meeting with Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport
Bilateral Meeting, 31 October 2023
Metting with the Government of Rwanda
Bilateral Meeting, 27 October 2023
Meeting with National Telecommunications Agency of Brazil
Bilateral Meeting, 26 October 2023
Meeting with United States Agency for International Development
Bilateral Meeting, 25 October 2023
Meeting with Chair of ITU-D Study Group 1
Bilateral Meeting, 17 October 2023
Meeting with Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
Bilateral Meeting, 17 October 2023
Meeting with National Telecommunications Agency of Brazil
Bilateral Meeting, 12 October 2023
Meeting with Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of UAE
Bilateral Meeting, 11 October 2023
Meeting with Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 10 October 2023
Meeting with Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society
News, 10 October 2023
Joint Declaration between the International Telecommunication Union and Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society (MFWS)
A Joint Declaration regarding Strengthening Child Online Protection in Malta between ITU and Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society (MFWS) was signed on 10 October 2023 by Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, and H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Chair of the Foundation.
Bilateral Meeting, 05 October 2023
Meeting with the Government of Ethiopia
Bilateral Meeting, 05 October 2023
Meeting with Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
Bilateral Meeting, 04 October 2023
Meeting with Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 04 October 2023
Meeting with the African Telecommunication Union
Bilateral Meeting, 04 October 2023
Meeting with the Government of Burundi
Bilateral Meeting, 04 October 2023
Meeting with Nigerian Communications Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 04 October 2023
Meeting with Information Network Security Administration
Bilateral Meeting, 04 October 2023
Meeting with International Telecommunications Satellite Organization
Bilateral Meeting, 04 October 2023
Meeting with National Communications Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 04 October 2023
Meeting with United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Bilateral Meeting, 03 October 2023
Meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia
Bilateral Meeting, 03 October 2023
Meeting with Organization Internationale de la Francophonie
Bilateral Meeting, 03 October 2023
Meeting with the Government of Ethiopia
News, 03 October 2023
Regional Development Forum for Africa
The annual ITU Regional Development Forum for Africa (RDF-AFR) was held from 3 to 5 October 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the theme “Digital transformation for a sustainable and equitable digital future: Accelerating the implementation of the SDGs in Africa through digital transformation". Organized by the International Telecommunication Union and hosted by the Government of Ethiopia, the event outlined the priorities, challenges, and opportunities to advance digital transformation in Africa. The event welcomed around 300 participants from 41 countries.
Bilateral Meeting, 28 September 2023
Meeting with Malta Communications Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 28 September 2023
Meeting with Agency for Electronic Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 28 September 2023
Meeting with Office of Electronic Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 28 September 2023
Meeting with National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology
Bilateral Meeting, 28 September 2023
Meeting with Agency for Electronic Communications and Post
Bilateral Meeting, 28 September 2023
Meeting with the Office of the Commissioner of Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 28 September 2023
Meeting with Information and Communication Technologies Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 28 September 2023
Meeting with Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services
Bilateral Meeting, 27 September 2023
Meeting with Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services
Bilateral Meeting, 27 September 2023
Meeting with Crnogorski Telekom
Bilateral Meeting, 27 September 2023
Meeting with the Government of Montenegro
Bilateral Meeting, 25 September 2023
Meeting with Regulatory Authority for Posts and Telecommunications
Bilateral Meeting, 25 September 2023
Meeting with Permanent Mission of Morocco to UNOG
Bilateral Meeting, 25 September 2023
Meeting with Beijing Institute of Technology
Bilateral Meeting, 22 September 2023
Meeting with the Government of Peru
Bilateral Meeting, 19 September 2023
Meeting with Republican Telecommunications Management Centre
In the News, 19 September 2023
BDT Director shared the latest ITU Data as well as his thoughts on the urgency to make universal and meaningful connectivity a reality.
Bilateral Meeting, 18 September 2023
Meeting with the chairs of EGTI and EGH
Bilateral Meeting, 18 September 2023
Meeting with DoT India
Bilateral Meeting, 15 September 2023
Meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand
Bilateral Meeting, 15 September 2023
Meeting with SAP
Bilateral Meeting, 15 September 2023
Meeting with Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association
Bilateral Meeting, 15 September 2023
Meeting with SENKO
Bilateral Meeting, 15 September 2023
Meeting with Kacific
Bilateral Meeting, 15 September 2023
Meeting with the Government of Kiribati
Bilateral Meeting, 14 September 2023
Meeting with UN Development Coordination Office
Bilateral Meeting, 14 September 2023
Meeting with NBTC
Bilateral Meeting, 14 September 2023
Meeting with the Government of Japan
Bilateral Meeting, 14 September 2023
Meeting with the Government of India
Bilateral Meeting, 14 September 2023
Meeting with Welchman Keen
Bilateral Meeting, 14 September 2023
Meeting with the Digital Government Center
Bilateral Meeting, 14 September 2023
Meeting with Amazon Web Services
Bilateral Meeting, 14 September 2023
Meeting with Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development
Bilateral Meeting, 13 September 2023
Meeting with the Government of Papua New Guinea
Bilateral Meeting, 13 September 2023
Meeting with the Government of the Philippines
Bilateral Meeting, 13 September 2023
Meeting with Indosat
Bilateral Meeting, 13 September 2023
Meeting with Intelsat
Bilateral Meeting, 13 September 2023
Meeting with the Government of Cambodia
News, 13 September 2023
Regional Development Forum for Asia and the Pacific
News, 13 September 2023
Joint Declaration between PT Indosat Tbk (“Indosat”) and ITU regarding Collaboration on Capacity and Digital Skills Development
The BDT Director signed a Joint Declaration regarding
Collaboration on Capacity and Digital Skills Development between the PT Indosat
Tbk (“Indosat”) and ITU. Indosat and ITU will strengthen digital literacy and
skills of citizens in underserved communities, and promote digital inclusion in
Indonesia, primarily through the Digital Transformation Centres Initiative
(DTCI)
News, 13 September 2023
Joint Declaration between Indonesia-ITU Concern Forum (IICF) and ITU regarding Strengthening Digital Transformation
The BDT Director signed a Joint Declaration regarding
Strengthening Digital Transformation between Indonesia-ITU Concern Forum (IICF)
and ITU to cooperate on digital transformation and inclusion.
News, 13 September 2023
Joint Declaration between Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and ITU regarding Digital Development Collaboration
The BDT Director signed a Joint Declaration regarding
Digital Development Collaboration between Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co.,
Ltd., and ITU. Huawei and ITU will strengthen their partnership on digital
development in the Asia and the Pacific region, and, in particular, they will
collaborate in the area of digital inclusion, conduct ICT research, and
organize events that foster the digital ecosystem.
Bilateral Meeting, 05 September 2023
Meeting with the Government of Mauritius
Bilateral Meeting, 04 September 2023
Meeting with the Government of China
Bilateral Meeting, 04 September 2023
Meeting with China Academy of Information Communications Technology
Bilateral Meeting, 04 September 2023
Meeting with Shenzhen Municipal People's Government
Bilateral Meeting, 04 September 2023
Meeting with Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
Bilateral Meeting, 04 September 2023
Meeting with the Government of Papua New Guinea
News, 01 September 2023
Launch of the Network of Acceleration Centers to unlock innovation for sustainable digital transformation.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has selected 17 centers from around the world to join its new flagship Network of Acceleration Centers – one of the primary vehicles of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development.
The Acceleration Centers will drive digital transformation through a unique ecosystem-thinking approach, and enhance capabilities to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and the digitalization of economies.
Bilateral Meeting, 30 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Slovenia
Bilateral Meeting, 30 August 2023
Meeting with the Agency for Communication Networks and Services
Bilateral Meeting, 29 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bilateral Meeting, 29 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Estonia
Bilateral Meeting, 29 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Slovakia
Bilateral Meeting, 29 August 2023
Meeting with UNESCO
Bilateral Meeting, 29 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Türkiye
Bilateral Meeting, 29 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Poland
Bilateral Meeting, 29 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Georgia
Bilateral Meeting, 28 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Albania
Bilateral Meeting, 28 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Serbia
Bilateral Meeting, 28 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Czech Republic
Bilateral Meeting, 28 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of North Macedonia
Bilateral Meeting, 28 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Portugal
News, 22 August 2023
Regional Development Forum for the Americas
The ITU
Regional Development Forum for the Americas (RDF-AMS), held from 16-18 August 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador, welcomed over 250 participants from 22 countries, to discuss priority development issues for the region and identify avenues to scale-up implementation of country and regional priorities including the ITU Regional initiatives for the Americas.
Bilateral Meeting, 18 August 2023
Meeting with COMTELCA
Bilateral Meeting, 17 August 2023
Meeting with Fortinet
Bilateral Meeting, 17 August 2023
Meeting with the Communications Regulation Commission of Colombia
Bilateral Meeting, 17 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Bahamas
Bilateral Meeting, 17 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of El Salvador
News, 17 August 2023
Agreement with Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd
The BDT Director signed an agreement with Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd Latin America and the Caribbean to welcome a voluntary contribution of 150,000 USD from Huawei to the ITU in support of the implementation of Regional Initiatives for the Americas Region. BDT Director recognized the contribution as the operationalisation of Huawei’s Partner2Connect pledge to address ICT priorities through partnerships & resource mobilization.
Bilateral Meeting, 16 August 2023
Meeting with Caribbean Telecommunications Union
Bilateral Meeting, 16 August 2023
Meeting with the Government of Argentina
Bilateral Meeting, 16 August 2023
Meeting with INDOTEL
Bilateral Meeting, 28 July 2023
Meeting with the Joint SDG Fund
Bilateral Meeting, 28 July 2023
Meeting with the Universal Postal Union
Bilateral Meeting, 24 July 2023
Meeting with the National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 21 July 2023
Meeting with the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
Bilateral Meeting, 19 July 2023
Meeting with INDOTEL
Bilateral Meeting, 17 July 2023
Meeting with Coursera
Bilateral Meeting, 17 July 2023
Meeting with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Sudan to the United Nations
Bilateral Meeting, 14 July 2023
Meeting with the Government of Cuba
Bilateral Meeting, 14 July 2023
Meeting with the Government of Indonesia
News, 13 July 2023
ITU News blog: Disseminating early warnings through connectivity for all
After Typhoon Haiyan made landfall in the Philippines in 2013, I was on the ground, providing emergency telecommunications support from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to aid recovery.
Sadly, extreme weather events and natural hazards are becoming more frequent. With the onset of climate change, communities are at ever increased risk.
Digital technologies play a critical role in disaster risk reduction and management. They are key for environmental monitoring and analysis, delivering early warnings, and ensuring timely flow of vital information in the aftermath of disasters. All these digital services can minimize the impact of climate-related hazards for people and communities.
Learn more about ITU-D’s disaster response, supporting countries before, during and after disaster strikes,
here.
Bilateral Meeting, 13 July 2023
Meeting with the Türkiye-Information and Communication Technologies
Bilateral Meeting, 13 July 2023
Meeting with the Office of the Commissioner of Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 13 July 2023
Meeting with the Government of China
Bilateral Meeting, 13 July 2023
Meeting with the Government of Panamá
Bilateral Meeting, 12 July 2023
Meeting with the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy
Bilateral Meeting, 12 July 2023
Meeting with the Government of Korea (Republic of)
Bilateral Meeting, 12 July 2023
National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications
Bilateral Meeting, 11 July 2023
Meeting with the Government of Kenya
Bilateral Meeting, 11 July 2023
Meeting with the Government of Azerbaijan
Bilateral Meeting, 10 July 2023
Meeting with the Government of Tanzania
Bilateral Meeting, 07 July 2023
Meeting with Ernst & Young
Bilateral Meeting, 07 July 2023
Meeting with Enhanced Integrated Framework
Bilateral Meeting, 07 July 2023
Meeting with the Government of Venezuela
Bilateral Meeting, 04 July 2023
Meeting with the Office of UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology
Bilateral Meeting, 04 July 2023
Meeting with the Government of Uzbekistan
News, 03 July 2023
Dashboard for Universal and Meaningful Connectivity
The BDT Director launched the Dashboard for Universal and Meaningful Connectivity at the 2023 World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Symposium (WTIS-23). Through simple visualizations and tables, the Dashboard allows to track progress of countries towards the Universal and Meaningful Connectivity (UMC) Targets and to benchmark performance across countries. Launched as a 'beta' version, the Dashboard for Universal and Meaningful Connectivity will be further developed in the coming years.
The Dashboard is part of the recent ITU-EU project on promoting and measuring universal and meaningful connectivity which is funded by the European Union.
Bilateral Meeting, 03 July 2023
Meeting with World Bank
Bilateral Meeting, 27 June 2023
Meeting with the Government of Pakistan
Bilateral Meeting, 26 June 2023
Meeting with AST SpaceMobile
Bilateral Meeting, 23 June 2023
Meeting with the Government of The Gambia
News, 23 June 2023
Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG)
The 30th meeting of the Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19 to 23 June 2023. The annual meeting helps to guide the work of the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D). The 2023 meeting reviewed the outcomes of the 2022 World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-22), which took place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 6 to 16 June 2022 and provided advice to guide the work of ITU-D.
In his opening address to the meeting of the Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG), the BDT Director said that: “The lively and positive discussions at this TDAG is a pointer to the collective progress in the implementation of the ITU-D priorities set out at WTDC-22. Building a BDT4Impact is the pivot and the driving motivator for our work in implementing the aspiration of members expressed as ITU-D priorities. We remain steadfast and continue to count on TDAG guidance to achieve the set goals and BDT’s pathway to unmask technology and show a human face so that we may impact the lives of people.”
Read the Communiqué:
Recommendations and contributions shared to strengthen the work and growth of ITU-D’s activities
Bilateral Meeting, 22 June 2023
Meeting with the Government of Australia
Bilateral Meeting, 22 June 2023
Meeting with Reseaux IP Europeens Network Coordination Centre
Bilateral Meeting, 21 June 2023
Meeting with Wireless World Research Forum
Bilateral Meeting, 21 June 2023
Meeting with the Government of Côte d'Ivoire
Bilateral Meeting, 20 June 2023
Meeting with the Government of Argentina
Bilateral Meeting, 15 June 2023
Meeting with the Government of Portugal
News, 08 June 2023
Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR 23)
The BDT Director closed the 22nd edition of the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR 23) with the highest number of participants in the event's history: 757 participants – heads of regulatory authorities, ministers and captains of industry gathered in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
GSR 23 concluded with a strong message to regulate and connect for people, for the planet and for prosperity.
Read the BDT Director's blog,
Regulation matters: for the people, the planet and prosperity, on
ITU News.
Read the GSR-23 closing press release,
Regulatory leaders agree on new approaches for trustworthy and resilient digital infrastructure,
here.
Read the
GSR-23 Best Practice Guidelines here.
News, 07 June 2023
New Collaborative Digital Regulation Country Reviews
During the Heads of Regulators' Executive Roundtable at the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-23), the BDT Director launched the Collaborative Digital Regulation Country Review for Egypt.
The Collaborative Digital Regulation Country Reviews for Brazil, Colombia and Kenya were also launched at GSR-23.
The reports provide an authoritative analysis of the national regulatory landscape and outline a clear and practical direction for achieving G5 regulation and digital transformation.
News, 05 June 2023
ITU-EMERG-EaPeReg Joint Declaration on mapping broadband infrastructure and services
The BDT Director signed a Joint Declaration between ITU, the European Mediterranean Regulators Group (EMERG) and the Eastern Partnership Electronic Communications Regulators Network (EaPeReg) to build national and regional capacities in the field of mapping broadband infrastructure and services, fostering the rollout of meaningful and universal connectivity at the Global Symposium for Regulators 2023.
News, 05 June 2023
Memorandum of Understanding with EMERG
The BDT Director signed a Memorandum of Understanding between ITU and the European Mediterranean Regulators Group (EMERG) to establish a high-level framework of digital cooperation in the area of electronic communications, including regulation for a sustainable digital future at the Global Symposium for Regulators 2023.
News, 05 June 2023
Digital Regulation Network (DRN)
The BDT Director launched the Digital Regulation Network (DRN) at GSR-23 during the Regional Regulatory Associations Meeting. The Network will benefit Regional Regulatory Associations through twinning capacity building programmes and information sharing on good practices. It aims to accelerate sustainable digital transformation by strengthening cooperation at the global and regional level to identify common approaches to collaborative digital policy, regulation and governance across economic sectors and across borders.
The work of the DRN will focus on three main building blocks: thought leadership, capacity development, and regulatory experimentation and innovation.
News, 05 June 2023
Project on Developing and Implementing E-waste Policy and Regulation for a Circular Economy
At GSR-23, the BDT Director signed a new project on developing and implementing E-waste policy and regulation with Saudi Arabia's Communications, Space and Technology Commission to advance a green and sustainable future.
Bilateral Meeting, 04 June 2023
Meeting with the African Telecommunication Union
Bilateral Meeting, 04 June 2023
Meeting with the National Telecom Regulatory Authority of Egypt
Bilateral Meeting, 25 May 2023
Meeting with ZTE Corporation
Bilateral Meeting, 23 May 2023
Meeting with the Government of Romania
Bilateral Meeting, 22 May 2023
Meeting with the Electronic Communications Office of Latvia
Bilateral Meeting, 22 May 2023
Meeting with the Government of Ukraine
Bilateral Meeting, 22 May 2023
Meeting with the Government of Slovenia
Bilateral Meeting, 22 May 2023
Meeting with the Government of Serbia
News, 22 May 2023
Regional Development Forum for Europe
From 22-23 May, the BDT Director attended the Regional Development Forum for Europe in Timisoara, Romania, which provided an opportunity and platform for focused multi-stakeholder discussions on digital development and Partner2Connect matchmaking, forging meaningful partnerships to propel regional digital transformation. During the event, he signed a Joint Declaration between ITU and the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) to tackle cybersecurity challenges collectively and reinforce cooperation in the Western Balkans and beyond, including through the Her Cyber Track initiative. He announced a new partnership with 5GTechritory to strengthen joint work on 5G technologies and further advancement of 5G implementation in Europe. He also held several bilateral meetings during the event.
At the CEPT Committee for ITU Policies meeting on 24 May, the BDT Director presented ITU-D's achievements and results since January 2023 and reaffirmed his commitment to provide timely support and response to membership needs.
Bilateral Meeting, 19 May 2023
Meeting with the Government of Hungary
News, 18 May 2023
Visit to Hungary as part of WTISD celebrations
The BDT Director was in Hungary to participate in World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2023 celebrations at the University of Győr (Széchenyi István University) and explore opportunities to advance cooperation for digital development. He was joined at the event by Ferenc Friedler & Gábor Borbély from the University of Győr (Széchenyi István University), András Lapsánszky and Péter Vári from National Media and Infocommunications Authority Hungary (NMHH) and Kornélia Radics from WHO Europe.
He visited the Space Communication Laboratory, Telecom Laboratory, and the University of Gyor to see the work and research done to advance innovative digital transformation. He also had the opportunity to plant a memory tree on the campus of University of Győr (Széchenyi István University) as a symbol of growth, knowledge sharing and impactful memories that resonates with ITU's work to engage meaningfully with Academia around the globe.
He congratulated the Government of Hungary for the great work done to advance connectivity in the country and in the region.
During his visit, the BDT Director signed a new Joint Declaration with the National Media and Infocommunications Authority Hungary (NMHH) on 'The development of frequency management information system'.
ITU and NMHH will work together to:
- Facilitate knowledge transfer in the area of spectrum management, in particular on how to create a software ensuring the transformation of the national frequency management information stipulated in the national legislation into a relational database;
- Provide capacity building on how the database can be used for different analyses, data editing and selection;
- Share best practices / legislation with regards to the frequency management in a given country.
During the visit, he also met Péter Sztáray, Hungary's State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to exchange views on digital cooperation to advance sustainable development, including through space as a new frontier.
Bilateral Meeting, 17 May 2023
Meeting with the Permanent Mission of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
News, 17 May 2023
World Telecommunication & Information Society Day (WTISD) 2023
During ITU's celebrations to mark World Telecommunication & Information Society Day (WTISD) 2023, the BDT Director presented some of ITU's work to empower least developed countries (LDCs) through ICTs and digital transformation.
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIj0X84ehgs&ab_channel=ITU
Bilateral Meeting, 09 May 2023
Meeting with the Federal Communications Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 05 May 2023
Meeting with the Government of Ethiopia
News, 05 May 2023
Mission to Burundi and Ethiopia
The BDT Director went to Burundi to promote ITU-D's partnership with the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) to advance the economic empowerment of women with tech and digital skills. During the visit, he visited the Technical Girl's Agritech Boarding School, Muzinda, and participated in Girls in ICT Day celebrations. He also handed over the ITU-EIF research on Gender Equality in Digital Policy in Burundi for the consideration of the Ministère de la Communication, des Technologies de l'Information et des Médias, highlighting progress and providing recommendations to address gender issues in Burundi's digital policies, strategies and regulation.
The BDT Director was in Ethiopia to launch the ITU-EIF country report on Gender equality in digital policy. During the launch event, he heard inspiring testimonies from beneficiaries and local partners of the impactful ITU-EIF partnership, empowering female entrepreneurs in Ethiopia's textile and apparel sector with digital skills and opportunities. He met with country officials, stakeholders, and colleagues in the ITU Regional Office.
Bilateral Meeting, 27 April 2023
Meeting with the European Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 27 April 2023
Meeting with Ministers of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea and Rwanda
News, 27 April 2023
ITU-EC project on ‘Promoting and measuring universal and meaningful digital connectivity’
The BDT Director and Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships, European Commission, announced a new project from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the European Commission (EC) to promote Internet services and skills for everyone worldwide over the next three years.
The ITU-EC project, 'Promoting and measuring universal and meaningful digital connectivity', will leverage EUR 3 million (about USD 3.3 million) over three years to advance holistic policy approaches and provide recommendations on boosting good-quality Internet and mobile access.
“The potential of the Internet for social and economic good remains largely untapped today: one-third of humanity remains offline, and many users only enjoy basic connectivity," said Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau. “This new ITU-EC project will mainstream universal and meaningful connectivity and encourage countries to adopt a holistic approach, which is a necessary condition for a prosperous and inclusive society."
The project aims to make universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC) a top policy priority; generate more and better UMC data; and improve evidence-based policymaking, fund sourcing and project implementation.
News, 26 April 2023
Transform Africa Summit
The BDT Director took part in the Transform Africa Summit (TAS2023) between 26 and 28 April in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
He spoke at various Ministerial-level events over the three-day event, including:
During the event, the BDT also made several major announcements.
Following the event, he launched and toured a
new E-Learning Project at the Ndlovu Secondary School. He witnessed the power of digital transformation in education and its potential to create more equitable access to learning opportunities.
Bilateral Meeting, 25 April 2023
Meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe
In the News, 20 April 2023
African School Of Economics Launches 5G Mobile Technology Spaces For Distributed Learning And Remote Work
The satellite model of the ASE’s tech spaces can help prevent various African regions and remote areas from falling behind in.
Bilateral Meeting, 17 April 2023
Meeting with the Government of Mauritius
Bilateral Meeting, 13 April 2023
Meeting with Rohde & Schwarz
Bilateral Meeting, 05 April 2023
Meeting with the Government of Russian Federation
Bilateral Meeting, 05 April 2023
Meeting with Welchman Keen
Bilateral Meeting, 05 April 2023
Meeting with the Autorité de Régulation des Communications Electroniques et de la Poste
Bilateral Meeting, 04 April 2023
Meeting with Intelsat
Bilateral Meeting, 04 April 2023
Meeting with the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office
Bilateral Meeting, 04 April 2023
Meeting with Holistic Innovations
News, 03 April 2023
WSIS Forum 2023, Geneva
The BDT Director attended the WSIS Forum 2023, held from 13 – 17 March in Geneva, Switzerland.
He gave remarks and interventions at various sessions and also moderated others
Bilateral Meeting, 03 April 2023
Meeting with the General Authority for Communications and Informatics
Bilateral Meeting, 03 April 2023
Meeting with OneWeb
Bilateral Meeting, 03 April 2023
Meeting with the Government of India
Bilateral Meeting, 03 April 2023
Meeting with the Expresso Telecom
News, 03 April 2023
Joint Declaration of Intent on Digital Transformation and Technology Innovation
The BDT Director and Mr Bernardo Mariano Jr., Assistant Secretary-General and Chief Information Technology Officer of the Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) signed a Declaration of Intent on Digital Transformation and Technology Innovation.
“The Declaration of Intent on Digital Transformation and Technology Innovation will go a long way towards unlocking digital potential for countries building capabilities in innovation and positively transform individuals, communities and economies throughout the world," said Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau. “Our cooperation with the UN Office of Information and Communications Technology will play a pivotal role in bringing innovation to the forefront of digital development and ensuring that the benefits of technology are leveraged to create a more inclusive and equitable future."
The Declaration will ensure close cooperation and collaboration in several areas of interest, including:
- the development of global digital innovation ecosystems in support of digital inclusion;
- the scale-up of innovative homegrown solutions to address the challenges of developing countries;
- knowledge-sharing and best practices;
- the development of innovation platforms that brings innovation and entrepreneurship capacity at the national level;
- development and implementation of emerging technology tools;
- joint private/public partnerships; and
- the work of the ITU's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development
Bilateral Meeting, 30 March 2023
Meeting with the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission
News, 29 March 2023
5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), Doha
The BDT Director attended the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha, Qatar, from 5-9 March, where he reiterated that one of his priorities is to address the challenges of LDCs through digital technology in support of the Doha Programme of Action.
Bilateral Meeting, 29 March 2023
Meeting with the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations
Bilateral Meeting, 29 March 2023
Meeting with the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations
Bilateral Meeting, 29 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Azerbaijan
Bilateral Meeting, 28 March 2023
Meeting with the UN Resident Coordinators from Europe and Central Asia
Bilateral Meeting, 28 March 2023
Meeting with the Global Satellite Operator's Association
Bilateral Meeting, 28 March 2023
Meeting with the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations
Bilateral Meeting, 28 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of China
Bilateral Meeting, 27 March 2023
Meeting with the Permanent Misson of Sweden to the United Nations
Bilateral Meeting, 23 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Maldives
Bilateral Meeting, 23 March 2023
Meeting with the Telecommunications Standards Development Society of India
News, 22 March 2023
Opening of ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre in New Delhi, India
The ITU Secretary-General and the BDT Director opened the ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre in New Delhi, India, to help ITU to promote technology and sustainable development in South Asia.
The ITU Area Office and Innovation Centre brings together government, industry, academia and others in an entrepreneurial environment so that digital technology advancements in sectors such as agriculture, health, and education can reach the communities that need them most.
“ITU's new office in India will help us address the opportunities and challenges in the South Asia region," said Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau. “Innovation coupled with digital access, affordability, and skills should equate to transformational impact on communities in all the countries ITU serves."
Bilateral Meeting, 21 March 2023
Meeting with the Delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan
Bilateral Meeting, 21 March 2023
Meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team in India
Bilateral Meeting, 21 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Bhutan
Bilateral Meeting, 17 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Cuba
Bilateral Meeting, 17 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Greece
Bilateral Meeting, 17 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Tanzania
Bilateral Meeting, 17 March 2023
Meeting with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of UAE
Bilateral Meeting, 17 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Senegal
Bilateral Meeting, 17 March 2023
Meeting with the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 17 March 2023
Meeting with the Permanent Mission of Malawi to the United Nations
Bilateral Meeting, 17 March 2023
Meeting with the Postal & Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe
Bilateral Meeting, 16 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Somalia
Bilateral Meeting, 16 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Lithuania
Bilateral Meeting, 16 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Thailand
Bilateral Meeting, 16 March 2023
Meeting with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization
Bilateral Meeting, 16 March 2023
Meeting with the Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Mauritius
Bilateral Meeting, 16 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Estonia
Bilateral Meeting, 15 March 2023
Meeting with the National Communications Authority of Portugal
Bilateral Meeting, 15 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of South Africa
Bilateral Meeting, 15 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Germany
Bilateral Meeting, 15 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Cyprus
Bilateral Meeting, 14 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Germany
Bilateral Meeting, 14 March 2023
Meeting with UNDP
Bilateral Meeting, 14 March 2023
Meeting with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
Bilateral Meeting, 14 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Japan
Bilateral Meeting, 14 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Poland
Bilateral Meeting, 14 March 2023
Meeting with the Georgian National Communications Commission
Bilateral Meeting, 14 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Mauritania
Bilateral Meeting, 14 March 2023
Meeting with the e-Governance Agency of Moldova
Bilateral Meeting, 14 March 2023
Meeting with the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 14 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Tanzania
Bilateral Meeting, 13 March 2023
Meeting with the Chairperson Designate of the WSIS Forum 2023
Bilateral Meeting, 13 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Nigeria
Bilateral Meeting, 13 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of France
Bilateral Meeting, 13 March 2023
Meeting with the Office of Electronic Communications of Poland
Bilateral Meeting, 13 March 2023
Meeting with the AFRINIC
Bilateral Meeting, 13 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Timor-Leste
Bilateral Meeting, 13 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Gambia
Bilateral Meeting, 13 March 2023
Meeting with the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications
News, 09 March 2023
Mobile World Congress 2023
The BDT Director attended Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, from the 27 February to 1 March, 2023. He had several one-on-one meetings with various stakeholders to discuss BDT’s work, spoke at a GSMA Ministerial Programme session Connectivity for Humanitarian Impact, and at an ITU-Cisco roundtable with Mobile Network Operators on the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) Initiative.
Together with the other ITU elected officials, he toured the MWC exhibition and held a special session to engage industry and government leaders at MWC.
Follow the ITU BDT Director on Twitter (
@ITUBDTDirector) to learn more and stay up to date on future activities.
Bilateral Meeting, 06 March 2023
Meeting with the Viasat
Bilateral Meeting, 06 March 2023
Meeting with the Accenture
Bilateral Meeting, 05 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Lebanon
Bilateral Meeting, 05 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Bhutan
Bilateral Meeting, 05 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Zambia
Bilateral Meeting, 04 March 2023
Meeting with the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries
Bilateral Meeting, 01 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of South Africa
Bilateral Meeting, 01 March 2023
Meeting with the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications
Bilateral Meeting, 01 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Ecuador
Bilateral Meeting, 01 March 2023
Meeting with the Government of Malawi
Bilateral Meeting, 01 March 2023
Meeting with the National Telecommunications Agency of Brazil
Bilateral Meeting, 28 February 2023
Meeting with the Government of Somalia
Bilateral Meeting, 28 February 2023
Meeting with the Digital Cooperation Organization
Bilateral Meeting, 28 February 2023
Meeting with the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation
Bilateral Meeting, 27 February 2023
Meeting with Netflix
Bilateral Meeting, 27 February 2023
Meeting with the Autoridad Nacional de los Servicios Públicos
Bilateral Meeting, 27 February 2023
Meeting with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
Bilateral Meeting, 27 February 2023
Meeting with the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
Bilateral Meeting, 27 February 2023
Meeting with the Government of Colombia
Bilateral Meeting, 27 February 2023
Meeting with the Office of UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology
Bilateral Meeting, 27 February 2023
Meeting with the SAMENA Telecommunications Council
Bilateral Meeting, 27 February 2023
Meeting with the World Mobile
Bilateral Meeting, 27 February 2023
Meeting with Smart Africa and Autorité de Régulation des Communications Electroniques et de la Poste of Benin
Bilateral Meeting, 24 February 2023
Meeting with the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute
Bilateral Meeting, 24 February 2023
Meeting with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
Bilateral Meeting, 23 February 2023
Meeting with the Telecommunications and Posts Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Guinea
Bilateral Meeting, 21 February 2023
Meeting with the National Telecom Regulatory Authority of Egypt
Bilateral Meeting, 21 February 2023
Meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt
Bilateral Meeting, 20 February 2023
Meeting with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of UAE
Bilateral Meeting, 20 February 2023
Meeting with the Cyber Security Council of UAE
Bilateral Meeting, 19 February 2023
Meeting with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission of Saudi Arabia
Bilateral Meeting, 19 February 2023
Meeting with the National Cybersecurity Authority Of Saudi Arabia
Bilateral Meeting, 19 February 2023
Meeting with the Digital Government Authority of Saudi Arabia
Bilateral Meeting, 17 February 2023
Meeting with the Government of Finland
Bilateral Meeting, 17 February 2023
Meeting with the Government of the Republic of Slovenia
News, 09 February 2023
Digital skills development must keep evolving
Before I became the Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), I spent some of my career as an educator.
Almost 20 years ago to the day, I began giving lectures to MBA students at Nottingham Trent University in the UK. This included a class on Information Systems, a wide field of study that bridges business and computer science.
Bilateral Meeting, 06 February 2023
Meeting with the German Environment Agency (UBA)
Bilateral Meeting, 31 January 2023
Meeting with the African Telecommunication Union (ATU)
Bilateral Meeting, 31 January 2023
Meeting with Universidad Nacional de La Plata
Bilateral Meeting, 31 January 2023
Meeting with the Executive Office of the Secretary-General
Bilateral Meeting, 30 January 2023
Meeting with Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority
Bilateral Meeting, 27 January 2023
Meeting with the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations
Bilateral Meeting, 25 January 2023
Meeting with Libya Telecom and Technology
It was a pleasure to meet with Ahmed Eshakruni, Head of Networks & Service Quality Department at Libya Telecom and Technology, to discuss ways to support Libya's rebuilding efforts, including assistance for telecommunication network restoration and emerging opportunities to drive sustainable growth in the region through partnerships for digital development.
Bilateral Meeting, 25 January 2023
Meeting with Permanent Representative of Mauritius to UNOG
I had an insightful meeting with Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady, Permanent Representative of Mauritius to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), to discuss collaboration in particular on capacity development in cybersecurity. I am excited to explore innovative ways to advance meaningful connectivity in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) together.
Bilateral Meeting, 25 January 2023
Meeting with UNDP
Bilateral Meeting, 25 January 2023
Meeting with Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations
Bilateral Meeting, 23 January 2023
Meeting with Cable Bahamas
I had a great meeting with Franklyn Butler, President and Group CEO of Cable Bahamas to discuss collaboration on capacity development, emergency telecom & innovation. BDT is ready to lend its expertise to foster digital transformation in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Bilateral Meeting, 23 January 2023
Meeting with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
I had exciting discussions with Paul Blaker, Head of Digital Standards Engagement at the Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), United Kingdom, on how to strengthen our cooperation on digital for development, including scaling up digital innovation, capacity building, as well as cybersecurity efforts to accelerate sustainable digital transformation at the global level.
Bilateral Meeting, 20 January 2023
Meeting with MIC and the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations
I had the opportunity to meet the delegation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan, and the Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva, to discuss our continued collaboration on capacity building, digital innovation, secure use of ICTs, as well as Japan's contribution to ITU-D Study Groups and Connect2Recover.
Bilateral Meeting, 18 January 2023
Meeting with UNDP
It was great to speak to Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer at UNDP, to explore opportunities for partnership in digital development and advancing whole of society digital transformation.
Bilateral Meeting, 12 January 2023
Meeting with Immersion4
I had a very nice conversation with Serge Conesa, CEO and Founder and Guardian of Immersion4 on the role and importance of e-waste management and green ICTs. During the meeting, we emphasised that embracing digital transformation will help us shape a more sustainable, equitable and connected world - for us and future generations.
Bilateral Meeting, 11 January 2023
Meeting with ARCROTGIS
I was delighted to meet with Rotimi Omolohunnu, CEO of ARCROTGIS, to identify cooperation pathways on building cybersecurity capacity, developing digital skills in the field of emerging technologies and advancing affordable connectivity in remote & rural areas.
Bilateral Meeting, 10 January 2023
Meeting with the Asian Development Bank
It was a great pleasure to meet Shixin Chen, Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank to discuss innovation, partnerships for sustainable development, affordable meaningful connectivity and digital transformation, particularly in remote areas and developing countries.
Podcast, 21 December 2022
Year in Review 2022
What has ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau achieved over 2022? Check out the ''Year in Review'', to learn about the progress made to connect the unconnected.
News, 02 December 2022
BMZ’s [digital.global] Launch
Ms Bogdan-Martin highlighted the importance of digital gender equality; nurturing digital public goods and infrastructure; and finding ways to ''green'' our digital transformation.
News, 28 November 2022
Internet Governance Forum 2022
At the opening ceremony, BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin observed that the world finds itself at an inflection point. Recalling the international goodwill that was born at the Tunis Phase of the World Summit on Information Society - when the IGF was born - she said that 20 years later, ''The networks and services that we shaped, collectively, through that digital cooperation are now, in turn, reshaping our world. We have a duty to future generations to guide that evolution, and to ensure outcomes that are beneficial…''
Podcast, 21 November 2022
Digital Cooperation- UNconnected podcast with Amandeep Singh Gill
In this episode, Doreen Bogdan-Martin speaks with Amandeep Singh Gill, after his recent appointment as the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology. Listen here to find out more about his vision, the concept of the ''digital commons'', the proposed Global Digital Compact, and more!
Bilateral Meeting, 25 October 2022
Discussions on the Global Digital Compact, Geneva Internet Platform
‘’To make progress, we need to work together to nurture, extend and safeguard the benefits of an accessible, affordable and open Internet, for the benefit of all,’’ stated Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 29 September 2022
Member States elect Doreen Bogdan-Martin as ITU Secretary-General
In historic elections, Doreen Bogdan-Martin received the majority of Member State votes, pledging meaningful connectivity as her goal. She will be the first woman to lead the UN specialized agency in its 157-year history.
Event, 21 September 2022
UNGA 77: Future of Digital Cooperation- Building resilience through safe, trusted, and inclusive digital public infrastructure
Ms Bogdan-Martin underscored the role of connectivity, a whole-of-government approach, and collaboration, to build inclusive digital public infrastructure. ITU is working towards these goals through the GovStack initiative and Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.
Event, 18 September 2022
Partner2Connect Digital Coalition @ Twitter
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin reflected on the achievements made by the Digital Coalition in just one year since its launch, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in 2021 – including having amassed over 450 pledges worth around $27 billion, from over 230 entities and more than 100 countries around the globe.
Event, 17 September 2022
EQUALS Annual Meeting
Attending the first ‘’in-person’’ annual meeting in three years, BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin commended partners across the 107 member network for their commitment and work across the four EQUALS coalitions on Access, Skills, Leadership and Research.
Event, 17 September 2022
UN Transforming Education Summit- Giga initiative
''Imagine a world where no child’s future prospects need be compromised simply because of lack to access to education and information. That’s the Giga dream, and we hope that many more of you will join us in making it a reality’’, said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Podcast, 08 September 2022
Digital technology towards transforming education- UNconnected Podcast with H.E. David Moinina Sengeh
H.E. David Moinina Sengeh, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and Chief Innovation Officer, speaks with BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin on his country’s approach towards using technology in education. He shares that more girls are now enrolled in school, than before the COVID-19 pandemic, in Sierra Leone. Listen here!
Event, 07 September 2022
PRIDA- Signing of HCM4A agreement
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin noted that the HCM4A agreement ''marks another important step forward in delivering on the vision enshrined in the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy – that of an ‘integrated and inclusive digital society and economy that improves the quality of life of Africa’s citizens’’’.
Event, 06 July 2022
WTDC Outcomes Briefing for Ambassadors
After the successful World Telecommunication Development Conference 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda, BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin briefed Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to the UN in Geneva on the outcomes of the Conference.
Event, 01 July 2022
Forum of Small States (FOSS) Briefing on “Digital Accessibility, Connectivity and Engagement”
The Republic of Singapore as the Chair of the Forum of Small States (FOSS) hosted BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin, along with the newly appointed UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology Dr Amandeep Singh Gill, to address the Forum on the topic of “Digital Accessibility, Connectivity and Engagement”.
Event, 07 June 2022
Partner2Connect Digital Development Roundtable at WTDC
As the Roundtable opened, P2C had already received around 250 pledges from entities in 80 countries, which represented an estimated financial value of US$ 15.8 billion. As the Roundtable progressed, the number of pledges grew by 44%, and it closed with 360 pledges worth US$ 18.55 billion.
Event, 06 June 2022
World Telecommunication Development Conference 2022
WTDC-22 welcomed 2,152 delegates from 150 Member States, along with 340 Sector members and partners. Throughout the Conference delegates worked hard to build consensus and agreement on a Kigali Declaration and Action Plan, that will shape the work of ITU's Development Sector.
Event, 06 June 2022
Network of Women for ITU-D at WTDC
''As technology advances quickly, we must work to ensure that women's perspectives are reflected as quickly at all levels. This means women's equal representation in digital related matters in government, the private sector, academia, or otherwise - so that they play a role in creating the policies, frameworks and strategies that are shaping tomorrow's digital landscape,'' said BDT Director Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 02 June 2022
Generation Connect Global Youth Summit
Over the course of an energized, action-packed three days, young people drew upon their experiences as digital natives, and shared and deliberated their ideas to build a better digital future for all.
Event, 11 May 2022
Partner2Connect Web Dialogue 4- Accelerate: Incentivizing Investments
The conversation focused on ways to support innovative financing models that ensure that connectivity projects are viable and bankable, and attract new donors and investors.
Event, 09 May 2022
SAMENA Council Leaders’ Summit 2022
Having observed that the international community has arrived at an inflection around its thinking around ICT policy, Ms Bogdan-Martin emphasized the importance of ensuring a right mix of old and new approaches towards regulation. She also outlined different strategies that policy-makers and regulators can adopt to navigate the complex process of digital transformation.
Podcast, 30 April 2022
I am the code podcast- Access and Safety
Ms Bogdan-Martin took part in a podcast episode in conversation with Lady Marieme Jamme, on the 2022 International Girls in ICT Day theme of ''Access and Safety''.
Event, 28 April 2022
International Girls in ICT Day 2022
‘’We need to inspire women and girls to step up and become designers, creators, and leaders in this fast-evolving field, so that we build a gender-equitable digital future that meets everybody’s needs,’’ said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 25 April 2022
USTTI-CTU Training Programme
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin spoke on the importance of regulatory frameworks to support digital cooperation.
Podcast, 21 April 2022
Women in STEM – UNconnected Podcast with Nisreen Deeb
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin speaks with Executive Director of the Lebanese League for Women in Business, Nisreen Deeb, on the importance of encouraging more women and girls to follow STEM and how to get around roadblocks that might be in their way.
Event, 20 April 2022
Partner2Connect Web Dialogue 3- Value Creation: Building Digital Ecosystems
Partner2Connect pledges were made by Airtel, towards digital financial inclusion in India; from the Digital Impact Alliance, towards digital public goods; from Evercomm Singapore, towards tapping into the power of youth, grassroots organizations and data; and from the Government of the Dominican Republic towards the country's social digital basket, expanding digital infrastructure, regulation and 5G implementation.
Event, 16 March 2022
P2C Web Dialogue on Focus Area 2- ADOPTION: Empowering communities
''We call on all players across the ICT ecosystem and beyond to step up and work with us to connect those 2.9 billion still unconnected, and bring meaningful, life-changing connectivity to the hundreds of millions more who need better access to transform their lives. We cannot wait for another crisis. We need action now,'' urged Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 16 March 2022
66th CSW side event: Gender Equality at the Center of ICT Solutions to Environment Disaster Risks and Climate Change
Ms Bogdan-Martin emphasized that ''women need to be central to the process – from the very outset when designing policies for preparedness, to responding and recovering from disasters – so that solutions are designed in a way that meet their needs. This includes, for example, the development of multi-hazard early warning systems and the delivery of alerting messages to communities at risk.''
Podcast, 11 March 2022
Digital technologies for development and the role of connectivity- UNconnected podcast with Robert Piper
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin speaks with Robert Piper, Assistant Secretary-General for Development Coordination, United Nations, on digital technologies for development and the role of connectivity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Listen here!
Event, 10 March 2022
3rd Inter-Regional Meeting for WTDC
Ms Bogdan-Martin underscored that such solid preparation, ''will ensure that our efforts deliver maximum impact, through clear, concrete, implementable and measurable outcomes that transform not just tomorrow's digital landscape, but the lives of us all.''
Event, 08 March 2022
International Women’s Day Panel: ‘’Inclusion of Women in the Technological World of Work”
Panelists shared their insights and experiences on the challenges faced by women in tech, and discussed ways forward to enable women to be equal players in this space. As moderator, Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that increasing the role of women as co-creators of the technologies that underpin every aspect of our world today, is vital to achieving a digitally inclusive future.
Event, 08 March 2022
Women in Cyber Mentorship programme: 2nd Edition Launch
With mentees willing to return as mentors, Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that indeed the goal is to create a virtuous cycle of women helping women, so that women become equal contributors to the field of cybersecurity.
Event, 28 February 2022
Mobille World Congress 2022
Ms Bogdan-Martin opened the stage of the Ministerial Programme at GSMA's Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain.
Event, 17 February 2022
EU-AU Summit Side Event: The Open Internet for Inclusive and Resilient Human-Centered Digital Partnerships
Ms Bogdan-Martin conveyed to delegates that ITU and the broader UN family ''look forward to working even more proactively and productively alongside all of you, to build the digital bridges that will, at long last, put opportunity in the hands of all.''
Event, 16 February 2022
CITEL High-Level Forum
''I am very proud of our collaboration, as well as the tireless work of the Commission in presenting joint proposals from the region in the many ITU working groups,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Podcast, 10 February 2022
The Space Policy Show
In an episode of the Space Policy Show on ''Bridging the Global Digital Divide'', BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin shared her thoughts on the subject with Audrey Allison, Senior Policy Analyst of the Center for Space Policy and Strategy.
Bilateral Meeting, 09 February 2022
Bilateral Meeting with Member of European Parliament
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Ms Marina Kaljurand, Member of the European Parliament on 9 February 2022.
Podcast, 09 February 2022
The UNconnected Podcast with Ronald Jackson- Emergency Telecommunications and Disaster Management
Emergency telecommunications are critical for disaster risk reduction and management. Oftentimes, telecommunication networks themselves are among the first casualties of extreme weather events. Doreen Bogdan-Martin speaks with Ronald Jackson, head of the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery team, on opportunities for technology and connectivity for better disaster preparedness and management.
Listen to the full episode here!
Bilateral Meeting, 02 February 2022
Bilateral Meeting with Czech Republic
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Vaclav Balek, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva.
Event, 01 February 2022
UNFPA Roundtable: ''Innovation to Accelerate Progress for Women and Girls''
Noting how ''A smartphone, tablet or laptop puts the whole world in a girl's or a woman's pocket,'' Ms Bogdan-Martin stated, ''I believe promoting access to digital technologies for women and girls is the single most powerful intervention we can make in breaking down barriers, and giving women and girls more agency over the shape of their lives.''
Bilateral Meeting, 27 January 2022
Bilateral Meeting with the European Union
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Belen Martines Carbonell, Director of the European Union External Action Services and H.E. Lotte Knudsen, Ambassador and Permanent Obsersver of the European Union to the United Nations Office in Geneva on 27 January.
Bilateral Meeting, 26 January 2022
Bilateral with the Slovak Republic
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H. E. Dušan Matulay, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva on 26 January.
Bilateral Meeting, 19 January 2022
Bilateral Meeting with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Khalil Hashmi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on the occasion of the signing of the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) Cooperation Agreement between ITU and the Virtual University of Pakistan.
Bilateral Meeting, 19 January 2022
Bilateral Meeting with Netflix
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Ms Sohni Kaur, Director, Strategic Engagement and Analytics, Netflix on 19 January.
Event, 17 January 2022
Meeting with Global Satellite Operator's Association (GSOA)
Ms Bogdan-Martin encouraged CEOs representing satellite operators to expand existing cooperation with ITU's Development sector, including through the bold new Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.
Bilateral Meeting, 11 January 2022
Bilateral Meeting with the Republic of Estonia
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Katrin Saarsalu-Layachi, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Estonia to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.
Bilateral Meeting, 11 January 2022
Bilateral Meeting with the CyberPeace Institute
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Mr Stéphane Duguin, CEO, CyberPeace Institute.
Bilateral Meeting, 10 January 2022
Bilateral Meeting with UNITAR
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin along with BDT officials met with UNITAR officials Ms Mihoko Kumamoto, Ms Judit Kozenkow and Ms Charlene Chambron.
Event, 10 January 2022
9th meeting of the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group
Ms Bogdan-Martin underscored the importance of delegates' work to ITU's Development sector, given that their efforts to ensure global interoperability are part and parcel of the mission to achieve 'connectivity for all'.
Podcast, 07 January 2022
‘’It Takes a Global Crisis’’ Podcast- Digitization and Connectivity
In the first episode of the ''It Takes a Global Crisis'' podcast series launched by the UN SDG Lab and UN Office in Geneva, BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin spoke on digitization and connectivity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event, 16 December 2021
Sixth World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum (WTPF-21)
''We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to use the technologies and services at the heart of this Forum, combined with the power of multistakeholder partnership, to re-energize sustainable development and drive social and economic prosperity for all the world's people. Let's seize that opportunity with both hands," urged Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 13 December 2021
2nd Inter-Regional Coordination Meeting for WTDC
Ms Bogdan-Martin reflected on the solid progress achieved in many critical areas and urged active participation in the third and final IRM, scheduled for 14-15 March 2022.
Event, 06 December 2021
U.S.-India Business Council West Coast Digital Summit
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin praised the initiative's aim to foster closer collaboration and cooperation between two of the world's great tech powerhouses, noting that partnerships will be key to finding solutions to the many challenges we face today.
Event, 06 December 2021
Internet Governance Forum 2021
Ms Bogdan-Martin participated virtually in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2021, held in Katowice, Poland from 6-10 December.
Bilateral Meeting, 30 November 2021
Bilateral with the Republic of Costa Rica
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Mr Christian Guillermet Fernández, Ambassador and Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs of the Republic of Costa Rica.
Event, 29 November 2021
Accessible Americas 2021
''Building fully inclusive digital societies will take commitment, cooperation, and close collaboration between all stakeholders… Let's work together, to ensure that everyone gets their chance to be a full participant in the digital future,'' urged Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 24 November 2021
Launch of 2nd edition of the Guide to Developing a National Cybersecurity Strategy
''As with the first edition, I am confident that this new Guide will serve as an invaluable tool for policymakers, regulators, and every stakeholder with an interest in building a safe and robust digital environment,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 24 November 2021
5G Techritory
''Our challenge now is to ensure that an enabling regional regulatory environment sustains strong 5G deployment, so that the benefits of cutting-edge connectivity can be leveraged by all, and for all,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Podcast, 22 November 2021
The UNconnected Podcast with Louise Marie Hurel & Angela Matlapeng
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin, spoke with Louise Marie Hurel and Angela Matlapeng, who participated as a mentor and mentee respectively in the Women in Cyber mentorship programme organized by ITU, EQUALS and FIRST.
Listen to the episode here!
Event, 18 November 2021
Kofi Annan Changemakers Week – Digital Challenges and Opportunities
In an intergenerational dialogue on digital development, Ms Bogdan-Martin shared experiences from her career and ITU's work to connect the unconnected, and the Changemakers shared their thoughts on digital challenges and digital opportunities for young people.
Event, 16 November 2021
Network of Women for WTDC Advisory Board Meeting
Ms Bogdan-Martin welcomed the newly appointed board members and expressed her enthusiasm for the growth of the Network of Women for WTDC.
Event, 12 November 2021
Meeting with Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL)
BDT and DIAL staff members discussed areas of joint work and cooperation to advance digital transformation.
Bilateral Meeting, 10 November 2021
Bilateral Meeting with United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Mr Chris Philp MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Bilateral Meeting, 09 November 2021
Bilateral Meeting with GIZ
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Mr Bjorn Richter, Head of Digital Cluster of Global and Sector Programmes, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Event, 08 November 2021
Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG) 2021
Ms Bogdan-Martin remarked, ''Together, and only together, can we ensure that we make WTDC the game-changing moment for connectivity and a landmark event for digital development.''
Bilateral Meeting, 03 November 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the Republic of Suriname
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Mr Mike Antonius, CEO, Telesur, Republic of Suriname and Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Caribbean Association of National Telecom Operators (CANTO).
Bilateral Meeting, 02 November 2021
Bilateral Meeting with Trinidad and Tobago
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Mr Hassel Bacchus, Minister of Public Administration and Digital Transformation of Trinidad and Tobago.
Event, 01 November 2021
ITU-USTTI Training: Empowering Women Leaders to Bridge Digital Divides and Promote Inclusive Connectivity
''There's not only an urgent need to address the gender digital divide that hinders women's access to tech, but empowering women's leadership will also be critical to our success in overcoming other inequalities that pervade the digital sphere,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 28 October 2021
Women in Cyber Mentorship Programme
''With the growing importance of cybersecurity to every nation's digital development, we are working to remove the obstacles that are preventing women from entering and thriving in the field, through targeted capacity building efforts,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Bilateral Meeting, 27 October 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the Smart Africa
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Mr Lacina Koné, Director-General of Smart Africa .
Event, 27 October 2021
ITU-AU-EU Ambassadors Meeting
To further the connectivity agenda, Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that ''long-term successful alliances between committed partners, such as our collaboration with the European Commission and the African Union, are absolutely instrumental.''
Event, 25 October 2021
ITU Global Innovation Forum 2021
Ms Bogdan-Martin encouraged participants to be bold and creative in dreaming up how the next decade of digital development could look. ''It is those ambitious, original, 'dare-to-dream' visions that will help us connect the world,'' she said.
Event, 22 October 2021
The Marconi Society: Decade of Digital Inclusion
The BDT Director affirmed that achieving a breakthrough on the critical issues facing the planet and its people will involve putting aside our differences and learning to collaborate and cooperate on a truly unprecedented scale.
Podcast, 19 October 2021
First Network of Women for WTDC Fireside Discussion
''We need you – women who are at intersection of technology and policy that transforms lives – at the helm in leading change,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 13 October 2021
ITU Digital World
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin moderated the Ministerial Roundtable on “Boosting infrastructure: rethinking the role of government in digital transformation''.
Bilateral Meeting, 12 October 2021
Bilateral Meeting with Ukraine
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Permanent Representative of Ukraine Yevheniia Filipenko.
Event, 11 October 2021
ITU-D Study Group 1 and 2 Meetings
''I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the work of the study groups, and I am confident that you will once again steer the work towards a meaningful outcome,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 11 October 2021
ITU-World Bank- WEF-GSMA: Harnessing Digital Opportunities for People and the Planet in the New Normal
Ms Bogdan-Martin described four factors necessary to ensure that no one will be left behind in the global digital transformation: (1) political will (2) sustained and innovative investment (3) strategic partnerships and (4) a mechanism to track progress in a transparent, holistic manner.
Event, 07 October 2021
Ericsson UnBoxed Office Social Series
''There are huge opportunities here. If the global community can come together, we really can leverage broadband and high-speed digital infrastructure to make dramatic progress for the world,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Bilateral Meeting, 06 October 2021
Bilateral Meeting with UN Resident Coordinator in Republic of Cabo Verde
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Cabo Verde Ms Ana Patricia Graça.
Event, 06 October 2021
Meeting with European Women Permanent Representatives in Geneva
''As we start to map out the shape of some kind of 'new normal', now is the moment to make sure that women and girls are prepared to take part in the wave of digital transformation sweeping our world,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Bilateral Meeting, 05 October 2021
Bilateral Meeting with UN Office of the Secretary-General’s Technology Envoy
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Ms Maria Francesca Spatolisano, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, UN DESA and Officer in Charge, UN Office of the Secretary-General's Technology Envoy.
Event, 05 October 2021
OECD Ministerial Council Meeting 2021
“If women were digitally empowered with fast affordable home connectivity, with education and digital skills, and with the confidence that education and connectivity bring… imagine what could be achieved!" urged Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 05 October 2021
3rd APT Preparatory Meeting for WTDC
Ms Bogdan-Martin acknowledged the invaluable support provided by APT Members in important inter-regional coordination in the lead up to the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC).
Bilateral Meeting, 04 October 2021
Bilateral with the Republic of Moldova
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Iurie Turcanu, Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization of the Republic of Moldova.
Event, 04 October 2021
TDAG Working Group on Strategic and Operational Plans 2021
Ms Bogdan-Martin told delegates “your guidance will provide key insights into how BDT should improve its products, services, positioning and value proposition to help connect the 3.7 billion people who are offline and build a better world."
Event, 01 October 2021
Meeting with the Members of the EU Political and Security Council
Ms Bogdan-Martin praised Europe's commitment to support for digital development efforts, including close collaboration with ITU on many fronts to connect the unconnected.
Event, 30 September 2021
World Benchmark Alliance Government-Investor Roundtable on Digital Inclusion at the UNGA
''Building back better with broadband'' will be imperative to get the world back on track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, explained Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 29 September 2021
BEREC-EaPeReg-EMERG-Regulatel Summit
A window of opportunity to fast-track global digital development has been opened up by global attention on the critical role of connectivity. To make use of this, Ms Bogdan-Martin encouraged the adaptation of policy and regulatory frameworks to the 'new normal', and for regulators and policy makers to work hand-in-hand, across economic sectors and across borders.
Bilateral Meeting, 28 September 2021
Bilateral Meeting with Eutelsat
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Mr David Bertolotti, Director for Institutional and International Affairs, Eutelsat.
Event, 28 September 2021
UN Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator: “Joining forces to drive change”
ITU is joining hands with Women's Entrepreneurship Accelerator and Mary Kay on a high-quality digital skills training programme. ''We truly look forward to collaborating with you to further unlock women entrepreneurs' contributions to the digital economy,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 24 September 2021
5th Caribbean Regulators Virtual Forum
Ms Bogdan-Martin praised Caribbean regulators' “swift leadership'' to adapt and keep networks running, and to contend with new regulatory demands brought about by the pandemic.
Interview, 22 September 2021
GSMA Digital Declaration Leadership Series
Ms Bogdan-Martin shared her thoughts on how collaboration and partnerships can contribute to closing the digital divide, the role of businesses in advancing digital cooperation, and the relevance of the mobile industry during the COVID-19 crisis.
Event, 22 September 2021
UNIDO Learning and Knowledge Development Facility (LKDF) Forum 2021
“Universal connectivity and the need for associated digital capacities have never been more urgent, nor the time more ripe. Let's work together and empower everyone, everywhere with skills to participate in the digital future,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 20 September 2021
SDG Moment 2021
Ms Bogdan-Martin emphasized that ''connectivity is the thread that ties all the SDGs together''. While connectivity was previously seen as a ''nice to have'', the COVID crisis has revealed it's crucial role in social and economic development.
Event, 20 September 2021
Road to Addis: Partner2Connect Meeting
Ms Bogdan Martin launched the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition – a multi-stakeholder alliance to foster meaningful connectivity and digital transformation in the hardest-to-connect communities, including in Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
Event, 20 September 2021
High-Level meeting on 'Reimagining Education in Africa'
Ms Bogdan-Martin provided an update on ITU-UNICEF Giga school connectivity initiative's work on the African continent, and described active engagement with the governments of Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Niger.
Event, 20 September 2021
49th Research Conference on Communications, Information and Internet Policy (TPRC 2021)
Ms Bogdan-Martin recognized the conference’s multidisciplinary character and its involvement of a broad plurality of participants as unique strengths, and called for people-centric multistakeholder partnerships to prevent the digital divide from becoming the new face of inequality.
Event, 17 September 2021
EQUALS Annual Partners Plenary Meeting
Underscoring the importance of accelerating women and girls' digital inclusion all over the world, Ms Bogdan-Martin remarked “EQUALS partners demonstrate every day that finding common ground, agreeing on goals, and leveraging diverse strengths is the best way to tackle complex, global issues."
Event, 15 September 2021
GZero-Microsoft Global Stage
Ms Bogdan-Martin called for ''all hands on deck'' to work creatively and cross-sectorally to achieve meaningful connectivity for all.
Bilateral Meeting, 09 September 2021
Bilateral with the United Arab Emirates
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Director of the National Cyber Security Council of the United Arab Emirates.
Event, 09 September 2021
14th Seoul ODA International Conference
While digital remains out of reach in some of the poorest parts of the world, this is where it could have its most transformational effect. To achieve this, Ms Bogdan-Martin explained the importance of progress in the interlocking areas of partnerships, regulatory reforms and capacity-building.
Event, 09 September 2021
Briefing on ‘Smart Islands’ concept in PSIDS
Ms Bogdan-Martin emphasised the need to shift from traditional siloed approaches to a more holistic approach, and noted that that the Smart Islands draw inspiration from ITU's Smart Villages model, ''taking an integrated approach to realize the benefits of digital transformation at the community level."
Event, 07 September 2021
Tallinn Digital Summit 2021
Ms Bogdan-Martin urged universal connectivity to be every nation's new benchmark. ''Digital IS our new normal, but for all of us to benefit fully, we need everyone to benefit equally,'' she said.
Bilateral Meeting, 02 September 2021
Bilateral with the Republic of Botswana
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Botswana to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva.
Event, 02 September 2021
Ministerial Meeting of the LLDCs, UNCTAD-15 Pre-event
Ms Bogdan-Martin stated that “digital technologies can play a powerful role in getting the SDGs back on track, and helping the LLDCs meet the goals and aspirations of the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014–2024."
Event, 01 September 2021
Arab Regional Preparatory Working Group for WTDC
The BDT Director noted the important work of the group and encouraged discussions based on past achievements, to build up to an impactful conference.
Bilateral Meeting, 31 August 2021
Bilateral with UN Technology Bank for LDCs
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Mr. Joshua Phoho Setipa, Managing Director, UN Technology Bank for LDCs
Bilateral Meeting, 31 August 2021
Bilateral with UN-OHRLLS
ITU Secretary-General Mr Houlin Zhao and BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Mr. Courtenay Rattray.
Event, 12 August 2021
The Road to Addis: Youth2Connect
''Engaging in a 'dialogue of equals' will help each generation understand the challenges the other faces, and what each needs from tomorrow's technologies, so that we can ensure that digital remains a positive and catalytic force in building 'the world we want' '', said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Interview, 05 August 2021
Interview with the Marconi Society
The Marconi Society interviewed BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin about the challenges and opportunities of the next decade of connectivity, ahead of her keynote address at the Marconi Society's upcoming master class and symposium in connecting the next billion, ''The Decade of Digital Inclusion''.
Event, 29 July 2021
36th CANTO Conference and Exhibition
Noting the enduring effects of the COVID pandemic on the ICT sector, Ms Bogdan-Martin affirmed that digital will be at the heart of every nation's social and economic recovery.
Event, 22 July 2021
Briefing for Ambassadors of LLDCs in Geneva
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin presented on various initiatives aimed at leveraging ICTs for development. Given that only 27% of the population in LLDCs is using the internet, LLDCs are a key focus for ITU in its mission to connect the unconnected.
Event, 22 July 2021
Building the Bandwidth: Accelerating Girls’ Digital Access, Skills & Online Learning
Ms Bogdan-Martin stated, ''Empowering women and girls to become equal co-creators of their – and our – digital future, is one of today's most urgent global imperatives.''
Bilateral Meeting, 21 July 2021
Bilateral Meeting with Afghanistan
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with the H.E. Khawari Masooma, Minister of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) of Afghanistan on 21 July.
Event, 21 July 2021
Road to Addis: Innovate2Connect
''The populations of the world's poorest nations often lack access to opportunities, even formal education, but they do not lack ingenuity, talent or entrepreneurial drive… If we pair this huge store of entrepreneurial energy with the power and reach of digital, this can be the transformational force we need to advance global development by leaps and bounds,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Bilateral Meeting, 20 July 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the Republic of Slovenia
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Ambassador Anita Pipan, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Slovenia to the UN Office and other International Organisations in Geneva.
Podcast, 15 July 2021
The UNconnected Podcast with Tara Mulhare & Rebekah Daniel
In conversation with the BDT Director, Tara Mulhare and Rebekah Daniel share advice to young women who want to use digital tools to expand their businesses, and describe the transformative role of digital skills from their first-hand experiences, including through ITU and the Enhanced Integrated Framework's joint project on digital skills for women.
Listen to the episode here!
Event, 14 July 2021
Internet Governance Forum USA
Ms Bogdan-Martin expressed commitment to work with all stakeholders towards the goals of digital inclusion and universal affordably connectivity, as envisioned in the UN Secretary General's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation. She said, ''With our exceptionally diverse membership, ITU embodies the WSIS principles of multistakeholderism, and I can assure you we are not going to step back from that commitment to inclusivity.''
Bilateral Meeting, 13 July 2021
Bilateral Meeting with Grenada
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Senator the Honorable Norland Cox, Minister, and Ms Patricia Clarke, Permanent Secretary, of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Public Utilities, Transport & Implementation, Grenada.
Bilateral Meeting, 12 July 2021
Bilateral Meeting with Czech Telecommunication Office
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Ms Hana Továrková, Council Chair of the Czech Telecommunication Office (CTU).
Bilateral Meeting, 08 July 2021
Bilateral Meeting with Costa Rica
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Ms. Paola Vega Castillo, Ministra de Ciencia, Tecnología y Telecomunicaciones and H.E. Mr. Teodoro Willink Castro, Vice Ministro de Telecomunicaciones.
Event, 06 July 2021
UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
Ms Bogdan-Martin reaffirmed that a collaborative approach to leveraging the power of digital technologies will be critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Bilateral Meeting, 05 July 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the Republic of Mauritius
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Mauritius to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva on 5 July 2021
Bilateral Meeting, 05 July 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the World Bank
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Ms Mari Pangestu, Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnerships, World Bank, and Ms Maria Dimitriadou, World Bank's Special Representative to the UN and WTO in Geneva, on 5 July 2021.
Event, 05 July 2021
Emerging Technology for Connectivity Week 2021
Ms Bogdan-Martin explained that emerging technologies could have their most compelling applications in the developing world. She stated the need to collaborate with grassroots entrepreneurs and communities from LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS on new solutions, and empower them with the means to innovate for themselves.
Event, 28 June 2021
Mobile World Congress 2021
Emphasizing that the cost of exclusion is greater than the USD 430 billion cost it would take to connect the unconnected, Ms Bogdan-Martin pointed to the need for digital partnerships to expand connectivity.
Event, 25 June 2021
ITU Global Symposium for Regulators 2021 (GSR-21)
At the outset, Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that the ''role of the 'new generation' regulator is evolving into what we might call an 'architect of fit-for-purpose, collaborative regulation', helping shape and optimize the functioning of the digital markets that are now so vital to every segment of our economies, and our societies.''
Event, 24 June 2021
ITU GSR-21: Network of Women for WTDC
''Gender balance and increasing diversity in digital development is not optional— inclusivity in all its aspects is a precursor to getting meaningful connectivity to all,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Bilateral Meeting, 22 June 2021
Bilateral Meeting with Republic of the Gambia
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Prof. Muhammadou M O Kah, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Republic of the Gambia to the UN Office, WTO and other International Organisations in Geneva, and Chair of the African Group in Geneva.
Event, 22 June 2021
Road to Addis: Lead2Connect
''We look towards leaders – from all walks of life – to provide the vision and guidance that will mobilize global will and direct action towards achieving meaningful, universal connectivity,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 17 June 2021
Launch of GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2021
Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that the 2021 Mobile Gender Gap report highlights digital skills and literacy, and affordability as key areas to address the gender digital divide.
Bilateral Meeting, 17 June 2021
Bilateral Meeting with Republic of Estonia
BDT Director met with H.E. Nele Leosk, Ambassador at Large for Digital Affairs, Republic of Estonia.
Event, 15 June 2021
Africa-Europe Science and Innovation Summit
Ms Bogdan-Martin encouraged further scientific research related to digital connectivity in the nations of Africa, to foster solutions that are best suited to varying local conditions.
Event, 15 June 2021
ITU GSR Regional Regulatory Roundtable and Regional Economic Dialogue for the CIS region
Ms Bogdan-Martin said, ''In the context of the discussions at the upcoming 2021 Global Symposium for Regulators, it may be timely to re-examine and probe how ICT regulations can play a greater role in fast tracking connectivity.''
Event, 14 June 2021
Fair Tech Forum
Recognizing the manner in which the private sector has contributed to extending connectivity during the COVID crisis, Ms Bogdan-Martin encouraged such private-public collaborative efforts to connect the unconnected.
Bilateral Meeting, 14 June 2021
Bilateral Meeting with Delegation of the European Union
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, Head of Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations Office in Geneva.
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Event, 08 June 2021
ITU GSR Regional Regulatory Roundtable and Regional Economic Dialogue for Asia and the Pacific
''The strong growth now exhibited in many Asian markets speaks to a quick transitioning continent, one that recognizes the powerful transformative potential of technology for development, and one that is ready to embrace bold new approaches to drive growth,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 02 June 2021
20th Session of the UN High-Level Committee on South-South Cooperation
Urging the international community to put ''broadband for all'' as a top priority, Ms Bogdan-Martin explained that it is ‘’in the world’s most disadvantaged communities, that digital can have its most powerful transformational effect.''
Event, 01 June 2021
Launch event: ITU Study on the Assessment of Digital Accessibility Policies in the Republic of Serbia
Ms Bogdan-Martin reaffirmed ITU's strong commitment to advancing digital accessibility, and noted that the assessment is an essential component of the Accessible Europe Initiative.
Interview, 01 June 2021
Interview with the Internet Governance Lab, American University
Ms Bogdan-Martin shared advice to students from her own experience at American University's School of International Service, and her career in international relations and technology policy.
Event, 27 May 2021
Conference on International Connectivity and the EU Atlantic Data Gateway Platform
Ms Bogdan-Martin congratulated the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and observed that the important discussions taking place in the Forum would advance the goal of a digitally empowered Europe – one that brings meaningful connectivity for its people by 2030.
Event, 26 May 2021
Connect2Recover Webinar: ''Building back better with broadband''
Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that the Connect2Recover initiative aims to strengthen countries' digital infrastructure ecosystems, and help them remain robust and resilient in times of major crisis.
Event, 24 May 2021
Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG) 2021
''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.
Bilateral Meeting, 19 May 2021
Bilateral with Mongolia
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Lundeg Purevsuren Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the UN and other International Organisations in Geneva.
Podcast, 19 May 2021
The UNconnected Podcast with Andile Ngcaba
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin discussed innovative ways to finance connectivity with Mr Andile Ngcaba, Entrepreneur, Technologist and Founding Partner & Chairman at Convergence.
Listen here!
Event, 18 May 2021
4th ARIN/CTU Public Policy Group Forum- “Caribbean Priorities Within a Changing Global Internet”
Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that ''Caribbean is a diverse region which nonetheless boasts generally high levels of digital penetration.'' She remarked that the Caribbean region has worked hard to prioritize digital development, and that this commitment is bearing fruit.
Event, 18 May 2021
Financial Inclusion Global Initiative Symposium 2021
Ms Bodgan-Martin stated that Digital Financial Services ''can be a powerful driver of development – but we urgently need to put them within reach of the people who need them, and find ways to empower those people to use these transformational services safely, and productively, to improve their own lives, and the lives of their families and communities.''
Podcast, 17 May 2021
The Futurithmic Podcast by Nokia: World Telecommunication and Information Society Day with ITU
While celebrating a day that not only marks ITU's founding anniversary, but the important advances that ICTs have brought society, Ms Bogdan-Martin shared ITU's vision to meaningfully connect the world and bring the potential of digital technologies to underserved communities.
Bilateral Meeting, 13 May 2021
Bilateral with Hungary
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Margit Szucs, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Hungary to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva.
Event, 11 May 2021
Stockholm Internet Forum 2021
Ms Bogdan-Martin highlighted the need to put digital at the heart of COVID recovery efforts, and use connectivity as ''a catalyst, an accelerator, an enabler for each and every SDG.''
Event, 10 May 2021
ITU Briefing for Ambassadors to UN
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin presented updates on the work of ITU's Development sector, particularly in the lead up to the upcoming World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC).
Event, 04 May 2021
Global Digital Development Forum 2021
''Constructive cooperation is the name of the game when it comes to pushing networks out into rural areas where, at first glance, it might not seem profitable to go – because the bottom line is that we all profit from bringing those still unconnected into our global community,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 04 May 2021
STI Forum side-event, “Digital Cooperation to Leave No One Behind: Implementing the Secretary-General’s Roadmap”
Ms Bogdan-Martin recognized that the COVID-19 pandemic ''has brought to the fore our rapidly growing digital dependence and, in so doing, has highlighted our urgent need to come together around digital issues as part of our One UN strategy.''
Podcast, 03 May 2021
The UNconnected Podcast with Vint Cerf
In a discussion that ranged from the Internet Protocol to astrophysics, BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin conversed with Vint Cerf, Google's Internet Evangelist and one of the Fathers of the Internet.
Listen here!
Interview, 30 April 2021
Project Rewrite: A conversation on women’s leadership and the power of connectivity
Ms Bogdan-Martin shared her views on women's leadership and the power of connectivity, including from her personal journey in the Telecommunications field.
Event, 29 April 2021
Global Education Forum 2021 – High Level Meeting
Ms Bogdan-Martin highlighted the unique ability that ICTs have in bringing the transformational power of education to children everywhere.
Event, 29 April 2021
High-Level Thematic Debate on Digital Cooperation and Connectivity
''We need a 'Digital New Deal' for the planet, and the SG's Roadmap on Digital Cooperation shows us a clear way forward,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin. She supported the UN Secretary-General's call for a 'new social contract' based on solidarity and investments in education, jobs, and health systems, and extended that vision to include investment in digital infrastructure.
Event, 28 April 2021
Road to Addis: Finance2Connect
Ms Bogdan-Martin reaffirmed that the resources already exist, and creative, multistakeholder collaboration will be necessary to leverage them innovatively to connect the unconnected.
Event, 27 April 2021
ITU-D TECH TALKS: Scientific and Industrial Organizations (SIO)
Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that as the speed of revolution in science and technology continues to increase, there is much scope to work collaboratively to harness science, technology and innovation to help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
Event, 26 April 2021
Regional Preparatory Meeting for WTDC in Americas region
Ms Bogdan-Martin encouraged delegates to be bold and ''to propose new and thought-provoking recommendations that leverage the unprecedented power of digital to create a more sustainable and inclusive world, and help each and every country achieve its 2030 SDG targets.''
Event, 22 April 2021
Girls in ICT Day 2021
Ms Bogdan-Martin's key message to girls all over the world on Girls in ICT Day was: ''Think about what technology could do for you, and for the world. There is simply no more exciting, dynamic field to work in, and we need young women like yourselves to be co-creators of the technologies that are increasingly shaping our future.''
Event, 21 April 2021
Regional Preparatory Meeting for WTDC in the CIS region (RPM-CIS)
Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that since the last WTDC, the CIS region “has continued to notch up impressive growth in digital infrastructure deployment, access, and uptake.''
Podcast, 16 April 2021
The UNconnected Podcast with Alyssa Carson
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin spoke with Ms Alyssa Carson, the youngest NASA Astronaut Trainee astrobiology student, on her dreams and thoughts on female role models and bringing more girls into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.
Listen here!
Event, 15 April 2021
Know Your Members Series- Academia and Research Institutes
Ms Bogdan-Martin welcomed suggestions from members from academia and research institutes, on how BDT could bring more value and strengthen their participation in the work of ITU-D.
Event, 14 April 2021
ITU GSR+ Regional Regulatory Roundtable for Europe and Africa
In the lead up to the 21st Global Symposium for Regulators, Ms Bogdan-Martin encouraged building stronger digital connections between Europe and Africa as ''a win-win strategy that will drive growth, boost resiliency, improve livelihoods, and help us deliver on the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda.''
Event, 14 April 2021
Bilateral with the Federal Republic of Somalia
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Ahmed Abdi Sheik, Minister of Communications and Technology, Federal Republic of Somalia on 14 April 2021.
Event, 14 April 2021
Generation Connect Visionaries Board
‘’The participation of young leaders alongside high-profile appointees to this board is emblematic of what Generation Connect is all about. The diverse ideas that I hope will come out of our discussions will directly influence how ITU engages young people, and will further champion the voices of youth in advancing inclusive digital development,’’ said Ms. Bogdan-Martin.
Bilateral Meeting, 12 April 2021
Bilateral with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU)
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Mr Rodney Taylor, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), on 12 April 2021.
Bilateral Meeting, 12 April 2021
Bilateral with ANATEL, Federative Republic of Brazil
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Mr Leonardo Euler de Morais, President of the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) of the Federative Republic of Brazil on 12 April 2021.
Bilateral Meeting, 12 April 2021
Bilateral with the Commonwealth of Dominica
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Senator Hon. Oscar George, Minister of State with responsibility for Telecommunications and Broadcasting, Office of the Prime Minister, Commonwealth of Dominica on 12 April 2021.
Event, 12 April 2021
G20 DEFT Meeting- Connectivity and Social Inclusion
Ms Bogdan-Martin made the case for universal affordable broadband connectivity to move to the very top of every country's agenda. She noted that, ''Innovative thinking, a willingness to experiment, an openness to learning, broad collaboration, and a strong vision are all essential.''
Event, 09 April 2021
TDAG Working Group on Resolutions, Declaration, and Thematic Priorities- 5th Meeting
Ms Bogdan-Martin noted the tremendous progress in the TDAG Working Group, and thanked delegates for already having covered so much ground in the lead up to the upcoming World Telecommunication Development Conference.
Event, 07 April 2021
Regional Preparatory Meeting for WTDC in the Arab States Region (RPM-ARB)
Ms Bogdan-Martin recognized the Arab States region's growing competence as a leader in digital innovation and development, and described various concrete projects underway to deliver on regional priorities on connectivity.
Podcast, 01 April 2021
The UNconnected Podcast with Joanne O’Riordan
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin spoke with Ms Joanne O'Riordan, Irish Activist and Sports Journalist, in an ''UNconnected'' podcast episode focused on Inclusion and Accessibility.
Listen here!
Bilateral Meeting, 31 March 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the Kingdom of Bahrain
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Event, 29 March 2021
ITU-ATU Africa Regional Preparatory Meeting for WTDC-21 (RPM-AFR)
Ms Bogdan-Martin commended the gathering momentum, as ambitious new infrastructure projects and new technologies drive ever-faster digital transformation across the 54 countries of the African continent.
Event, 26 March 2021
Fourth Meeting of ITU-D Study Group 1
Ms Bogdan-Martin emphasized the need for an enabling environment as a precursor to telecommunications/ICT development. She praised Study Group 1's outcome reports, and encouraged their wide dissemination to support stakeholders worldwide with their goals to deliver meaningful connectivity.
Interview, 26 March 2021
Millicom Empowering Women Webinar
Advising women entering technology-related fields, Ms Bogdan-Martin said ''Don't be afraid to speak up…make sure you are armed with the knowledge you need to succeed in whatever endeavour you are engaged in.''
Event, 25 March 2021
Signing Ceremony of MoU between ITU and ARCO
Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that Framework of Cooperation Agreement marks another milestone in strengthening collaboration to increase disaster preparedness at country and regional levels. She added that it ''reaffirms ICTs as uniquely powerful tools that can help to significantly reduce the risk of hazards.''
Event, 25 March 2021
1st Giga Africa Ministerial Round Table
Ms Bogdan-Martin said ''I am confident that together we can not only deliver on individual country goals, but achieve our collective vision to scale Giga to serve the entire African continent, and finally realize our dream of a connected and empowered Africa.''
Event, 24 March 2021
SPIDER DINE Digital Impact and Networking Event
Ms Bogdan- Martin shared her insights on ‘’the impact of digital transformation on equity, opportunity & access to information’’, and emphasized that a post-COVID normal needs to include broadband access for all.
Event, 24 March 2021
ITU- FCDO DAP Project
As ITU and FCDO entered into an MoU to promote school connectivity and digital inclusion, Ms Bogdan-Martin stated ‘’Our mission remains anchored on collaboration, cooperation, and sharing with win-win arrangements that benefit government, industry, and users. I am thrilled that these values very much resonate with FCDO’s approach, and our broader goal of digital inclusion.’’
Event, 23 March 2021
Accessible Europe: ICT 4 ALL
Ms Bogdan-Martin underlined that technological advancement and innovation must prioritize people, the users of technology, and their diverse needs. She noted that this goes in line with Europe's human-centred digital agenda.
Event, 23 March 2021
IANYD Annual Meeting
Ms Bogdan-Martin highlighted the critical need for young people to be given platforms to innovate, drive change, and co-create solutions, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Event, 23 March 2021
Techonomy Digitally United Conference
Ms Bogdan-Martin described how digital technologies can serve as a very powerful accelerant of social and economic transformation, and how they will play a vital role to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Event, 23 March 2021
WSIS High-Level Policy Session 3- Bridging Digital Divides
''Bringing partners together around shared connectivity goals is what the WSIS process is all about'', said Ms Bogdan-Martin, as she underscored the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders to achieve global connectivity goals.
Event, 22 March 2021
Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development Spring Meeting
Ms Bogdan-Martin stated her belief that the role of the Commission has never been more critical. She stressed, ''In you, our distinguished Commissioners, we have a powerhouse of industry know-how, talent and hands-on experience. You are all leaders in your fields, creative thinkers and problem-solvers who know how to get things done.''
Event, 19 March 2021
Fourth meeting of ITU-D Study Group 2
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin addressed the fourth meeting of ITU-D Study Group 2. She commended the consensus adoption of high-quality reports for the 2018-2021 study period.
Event, 18 March 2021
The Road to Addis, ‘’Connect to Include. Include to Connect.’’
Ms Bogdan-Martin invited participants to join ITU and work together to make ''universal digital inclusion a reality.'' This latest event in the Road to Addis series focused on addressing the specific needs of marginalized groups in order to achieve true and meaningful universal connectivity.
Event, 17 March 2021
“Championing Women’s Leadership In Tech”, CSW65 Side Event
While sharing her insights on various strategies to bridge the digital gender divide, Ms Bogdan-Martin stated ''There is no single or quick fix to the gender gap…we all need to work together and bring our respective strengths and perspectives to the table.''
Bilateral Meeting, 16 March 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Dr. Sidi Ould Salem, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, Information and Communication Technologies, of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
Event, 15 March 2021
Connect2Recover Webinar
Ms Bogdan-Martin highlighted the role that ITU's Connect2Recover initiative is playing in supporting countries to ''build back better'', by leveraging the transformative potential of digital technologies.
Event, 11 March 2021
1st Inter-Regional Coordination Meeting for WTDC-21
''With digital solutions increasingly recognized as the key to the SDGs, all eyes are on us to make this next WTDC a truly landmark conference that delivers on its vision of universal connectivity, universal opportunity, and universal prosperity. We must not disappoint,'' urged Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Bilateral Meeting, 09 March 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the Sultanate of Oman
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Dr Ali Al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) of the Sultanate of Oman.
Event, 09 March 2021
Regional Preparatory Meeting for Asia and the Pacific (RPM-ASP)
Ms Bogdan-Martin emphasized that ITU's mandate to ''connect the world'' is more important than ever before, and reaffirmed her belief that the next WTDC has the potential to be hailed as a landmark development conference in rewriting the global connectivity agenda.
Event, 08 March 2021
Promoting Gender Equality for the Use of ICTs in Disaster Management
Urging for greater efforts to increase access to digital technologies for women, girls and marginalized groups, Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that ''The incredible growth in ICT networks and services, including radio, satellite, and mobile, shows us that the opportunity is there.''
Event, 08 March 2021
Women in Cyber Mentorship Programme Launch
''With digital now such a central part of our lives, the world is waking up to the positive impact empowering women would have on boosting the cybersecurity workforce and increasing the talent pool for the rapidly growing number of cybersecurity jobs,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 08 March 2021
WSIS Opening of the ICTs and Gender Mainstreaming Special Track
Ms Bogdan-Martin stated, ''The new leadership models emerging in our increasingly digital age favour transparency, inclusiveness, dialogue and consensus building – qualities that many women naturally demonstrate, but which were once considered obstacles to their leadership success.''
Event, 08 March 2021
3rd Women’s Enablement Summit in ICT Sector
''We need women to be co-creators of the technologies that are increasingly shaping our future. And we need women leaders and the outstanding female role models I like to call 'shining stars' to light the way towards a more egalitarian world, where every single individual gets his or her own chance to shine,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 08 March 2021
EIF Empower Women, Power Trade Initiative
''The gender-friendly digital policies we create today, can increase women's engagement and participation in the digital economy in the future,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin, as she described ITU's work to support women entrepreneurs in LDCs.
Event, 08 March 2021
Training on Women's Leadership in the field of Telecommunications and ICT
Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that the training will provide women with tools to further develop management skills, opportunities to meet other inspiring women in the sector, and allow them to exchange experiences and information on conscious leadership.
Event, 08 March 2021
ITU Regional Forum for Europe on Meaningful Connectivity
''I believe we will pay a high price if we do not take urgent action to redress our chronic failure to attract young women into the world's fastest-growing sector,'' stated Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Bilateral Meeting, 01 March 2021
Bilateral meeting with the Republic of Belarus
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Konstantin Shulgan, Minister of Communications and Informatization of the Republic of Belarus.
Event, 23 February 2021
Africa Regional Review Meeting in preparation for LDC5
Ms Bogdan-Martin said, ''Digital technologies hold great promise for breaking down old barriers. But digital access – or its lack – also brings with it the risk of widening social and economic gaps between those who are connected, and those who are not.''
Event, 18 February 2021
ITU-D Tech Talk with Recognized Operating Agencies (ROA)
Ms Bogdan-Martin gave opening remarks to the first session of BDT's ''Tech Talks"— a series of events organized to strengthen BDT engagement with ITU-D Sector Members, and increase opportunities for exchange and interaction.
Event, 16 February 2021
CSocD59 Online Global Dialogue on Digital Inclusion for All
Ms Bogdan-Martin said, ''the bottom line is that we all profit enormously from bringing that half of our planet still unconnected into our global digital community. We need their voices, their participation, and their engagement, if we are truly to harness the potential of digital to achieve our SDGs.''
Event, 15 February 2021
Women in Tech- 2030 Digital Fasttrack Studios
''The internet is the most powerful tool for personal empowerment the world has ever seen – and it could dramatically change the picture for billions of girls and women around the world'', said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Bilateral Meeting, 11 February 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the Republic of Indonesia
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Mira Tayyiba, Secretary General, Ministry for Communications and Informatics, Republic of Indonesia.
Podcast, 11 February 2021
‘’The Unconnected’’ Podcast Launch, in Conversation with Princess Dr Nisreen El-Hashemite
In the very first episode of ''The UNconnected'', Ms Bogdan-Martin conversed with Princess Dr Nisreen El-Hashemite, Founder President of Women in Science International League and the Executive Director of the Royal Academy of Science International Trust.
Listen here!
Bilateral Meeting, 10 February 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the Republic of Cameroon
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with H.E. Minette Libom Li Likeng, Minister of Posts and Telecommunication, Republic of Cameroon.
Event, 10 February 2021
ITU All Staff Meeting
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin joined other ITU elected officials to address staff on priorities for 2021, and the ongoing ITU Culture Diagnosis and Skills Analysis aimed at strengthening ITU's ability to deliver on its mandate in service of Member States.
Event, 10 February 2021
Launch of CIRT Bahamas
Ms Bogdan-Martin said, ''This new CIRT will enable the Bahamas to build local capability to more effectively and rapidly respond to cyber threats, while promoting a national culture of cybersecurity and raising awareness of the risks and consequences of cyberattacks.''
Bilateral Meeting, 04 February 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the Republic of Rwanda
Ms Bogdan-Martin met with Ambassador of Rwanda H.E. Marie-Chantal Rwakazina.
Event, 04 February 2021
The 7th ITU Economic Experts Roundtable
Ms Bogdan-Martin described that although ''there may be no 'silver bullet' that will solve the universal connectivity problem'', it is possible, with the right enabling regulatory and policy frameworks and combination of business models and financing approaches tailored to specific economic and social conditions.
Bilateral Meeting, 03 February 2021
Bilateral with the Republic of Panama
Ms Bogdan-Martin met with Mr Armando Alonso Fuentes Rodríguez, General Administrator of National Authority of Public Services, Republic of Panama.
Event, 03 February 2021
WB-SDG Lab joint event on Africa’s Pulse: Charting the Road to Recovery
Ms Bogdan-Martin emphasized the crucial role of multi-stakeholder partnership in solving Africa's connectivity challenges. She also noted that the Africa's Pulse report findings corroborate her belief that ''digital technologies offer us a light at the end of what can seem like a very long and dark tunnel.''
Bilateral Meeting, 03 February 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin met with Mr Syed Amin ul Haque, Federal Minister, IT and Telecommunication and Mr Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, Federal Secretary, IT and Telecommunication of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Pakistan.
Event, 02 February 2021
The Road to Addis: Partner2Connect
Ms Bogdan-Martin explained that the new Partnership Track at WTDC is designed not just to engage ITU's traditional development constituencies, but to expand ITU's reach, bring in a host of new players, and provide all stakeholders with a place to forge alliances and make deals for concrete actions towards bridging the digital divide.
Bilateral Meeting, 01 February 2021
Bilateral Meeting with Finland
Ms Bogdan-Martin met with Ambassadors of Finland to discuss work on
bridging the gender digital divide.
Event, 26 January 2021
Council Working Group on Child Online Protection
''We need to consult, listen and hear from our youth. We need to understand their challenges and demands, to ensure that we develop and deliver effective and relevant measures that respond to those challenges,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 25 January 2021
International Day of Education – UNESCO and Global Partnership for Education
Ms Bogdan-Martin emphasized ''Education systems need to be transformed to become more agile, more resilient, and more innovative. We need school systems to be shock absorbent and crisis respondent, and we believe Giga provides the global platform that will help us achieve that goal.''
Bilateral Meeting, 22 January 2021
Bilateral Meeting with the Republic of Guatemala
Officials from BDT and Guatemala discussed preparations for the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2021 (WTDC-21) and ongoing work to bridge the digital divide.
Interview, 20 January 2021
KfW Conference: Fragile Contexts, Digitalization, Remote Management, Monitoring and Verification
''It's that impact of connectivity that really drives me: the promise that technology holds for education, healthcare, agriculture and more. It's the hope that we can achieve an equitable digital future for all, where everyone has the chance to follow their dreams and realize their potential'', shared Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 19 January 2021
Unveiling the Network of Women (NoW) in ITU-D
''NoW is about the power of community. That's the real game changer'', stated Ms Bogdan-Martin. She expressed hope that ''this network will help us in our efforts to close not only the gender gap in ITU's Development Sector, but in the digital development arena at large.''
Event, 19 January 2021
Pacific Telecommunications Council 2021
''I believe we are at an inflection point, because work to define new digital policies and regulatory frameworks work over the next year or so will be critical to achieving our goal of a connected planet,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 18 January 2021
ITU WTDC Regional Preparatory Meeting – Europe
Ms Bogdan-Martin stated, ''I believe the next WTDC has the potential to be hailed as a landmark conference in rewriting the global connectivity agenda'', and noted that the enhanced preparatory process has been developed to support this ambitious vision.
Event, 18 January 2021
Wireless World Research Forum Hyperconnectivity: Beyond 5G, Opportunities and Challenges
Ms Bogdan-Martin underscored that ''5G can be a cornerstone of post-COVID recovery, and digitally-led development, but we need everyone to benefit equally. We need a strong, shared focus on bridging the digital divide, so that we can put affordable, accessible 5G mobile broadband within reach of all.''
Event, 13 January 2021
Generation Connect – Europe Youth Group Meeting
''There is no doubt. To move forward on a robust digital development agenda— we need you'', BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin told the Generation Connect- Europe Youth Group as they presented the region's Youth Declaration.
Event, 22 December 2020
Plenary Session @RewirEdX: The future of connectivity and education
Nearly a quarter of a billion students worldwide are still affected by COVID-19 school closures, forcing hundreds of millions of young people to rely on virtual learning. Ms Bogdan-Martin said, ''It is a global catastrophe, and probably the largest mass disruption of education in modern history. Because the reality is that those who still lack internet access risk getting no education at all.''
Event, 17 December 2020
AI for Development Challenge
In the wake of the global pandemic, the economies of all regions face increasingly complex challenges that will demand highly creative, innovative solutions. Ms Bogdan-Martin observed that ''emerging technologies will drive the next wave of digital disruption, and have enormous potential to finally break through chronic connectivity barriers.''
Bilateral Meeting, 17 December 2020
ITU Agreement with National Cybersecurity Agency (NCA) of Saudi Arabia a to support the implementation of the ITU Child Online Protection (COP) initiative
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin participated in a signing ceremony with the Governor of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as ITU and the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched a global programme on “Creating a Safe and Prosperous Cyberspace for Children".
Event, 16 December 2020
ITU and USTTI Webinar on Building Disaster Resilience through Emergency Telecommunications
Highlighting the disastrous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms Bogdan-Martin stated ''At times like these, ICTs have proved themselves uniquely powerful tools, and we have a moral imperative to ensure that such tools are within reach of all.''
Event, 14 December 2020
Regional Development Forum for the CIS Region (RDF-CIS)
Ms Bogdan-Martin highlighted progress made on the connectivity agenda in the CIS region in 2020. Looking forward, she also considered priority areas for work in 2021- while digital transformation and digital skills will continue to be overarching objectives, there will be more initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and affordability.
Event, 13 December 2020
Africa-Arab Regions Emerging Technologies Week 2020
Ms Bogdan-Martin affirmed ITU's hope that the Emerging Technologies Week would help Member States develop their preparedness to embrace new technologies to meet a range of development challenges. She recounted, ''from physical meeting rooms to virtual 'Zoom Rooms', we now hear affirmed far and wide the critical role that ICTs will play in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by our deadline of 2030.''
Event, 10 December 2020
BCIU- Connectivity: An Enabler of Digital Transformation & Inclusion
Ms Bogdan-Martin highlighted digital technology as THE critical enabler or social and economic development. She mentioned that emerging technologies hold great promise for overcoming many of the barriers that have blocked significant progress in connecting the world.
Event, 09 December 2020
‘’The Role of Digital Technologies in the Covid-19 Crisis: From Emergency Response to Resilient Recovery’’- High-Level Roundtable co-hosted by the World Bank/ITU/WEF/GSMA
Ms Bogdan-Martin highlighted that recovery this time is not about rebuilding destroyed infrastructure, but ''about making sure that everyone has access to the meaningful broadband connectivity – necessary to survive this crisis, but also to live and prosper in the 'new normal' – a new normal that is posed to be more reliant on digital technologies.''
Event, 07 December 2020
9th Smart Africa Board Meeting
Ms Bogdan-Martin drew attention to the fact that out of 3.7 billion people who remain unconnected to the internet, 960 million people are in Africa. Furthermore, 9 out of 10 school-age children in Africa – aged 3 to 17 years old – do not have Internet access at home.
Event, 01 December 2020
17th World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Symposium (WTIS-20), Closing Remarks
Ms Bogdan-Martin reiterated ITU's commitment to providing constituents with the data and insight they need to better track and understand digital transformations and inform decision-making. She stressed the importance of good quality data as ITU pursues its mission to connect the world and said ''data tell us where we were, where we are, and where we ought to be.''
Event, 25 November 2020
Regional Development Forum for the Arab States Opening Session
Noting important steps taken to leverage digital for pandemic response in the Arab region, Ms Bogdan-Martin emphasized “we need this kind of regional leadership and collaboration to continue beyond the immediate COVID response, to ensure that, next time around, everyone, everywhere, benefits from the power of digital.''
Event, 12 November 2020
Official launch of the ITU-Norway partnership on the Digital Transformation Centres Initiative, in cooperation with Cisco and Ghana
Ms Bogdan-Martin explained that ITU’s new partnership with Norway will scale up and strengthen the ongoing digital skills training for underserved communities in developing countries, with a particular emphasis on Ghana. ‘’Ghana has an excellent network of local centers across the country which provide the basic capacity and infrastructure to train thousands of citizens’’ she noted.
Event, 09 November 2020
The Road to Addis: shaping the 2021 digital development agenda Opening remarks
Marking the one-year countdown to WTDC-21, Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that it will be ''a unique opportunity for the global community to develop innovative approaches and new models of collaboration to overcome digital development challenges.''
Event, 06 November 2020
EQUALS in Tech Awards 2020
"Our future is shaping up to be increasingly digital, and women must have a role in shaping that future so that it represents and serves all of humanity’’, underscored Ms Bogdan-Martin.
Event, 03 November 2020
Special Session between ESOA (ITU-D Member) and BDT
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin led the opening of a special session held between satellite association ESOA, an ITU-D sector member, and the Telecommunication Development Bureau. She noted the pivotal role of the satellite industry in contributing to better connectivity, universal access and resilient ICT infrastructure.
Event, 02 November 2020
ITU Regional Development Forum, Asia-Pacific 2020
Asia and the Pacific region is home to around 60 per cent of the world's population, and is equally diverse. Ms Bogdan-Martin noted, ''this diversity is also reflected in the speed and scope of ICT development among countries in the region.''
Event, 26 October 2020
Signing Ceremony, Joint Declaration of Intent to Establish a High-Level Framework of Cooperation in the Area of Powering Digital Transformation
Ms Bogdan-Martin highlighted, ''such a shared digital infrastructure will power future innovations that are centred on citizen's needs, without reinventing the wheel or reinvesting in building backend systems.''
Event, 26 October 2020
Global Innovation Forum 2020
Pointing to multiple ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted people's lifestyles, Ms Bogdan-Martin noted that it has accelerated the need for new solutions from digital innovation ecosystems around the world.
Event, 26 October 2020
2020 Regional Development Forum for Americas (RDF-AMS)
Ms Bogdan-Martin considered 6 areas to tackle digital challenges in the Americas region: inclusion (along the lines of youth, gender, accessibility); safety; education; getting the right regulatory/policy mix; infrastructure; and preparedness.
Event, 22 October 2020
ITU Regional Forum for Europe: 5G strategies, policies and implementation
5G has the potential to bring concrete benefits to all sectors of industry and society. Ms Bogdan-Martin emphasized that while Europe advances rapidly on 5G implementation, we must ensure that these dynamics are shared by all countries, and leave no space for creating new divides.
Event, 21 October 2020
University of Geneva “Parlons numérique” series, Digital Sustainability
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin spoke to students at the University of Geneva on the critical topic of digital sustainability, particularly on how digital technologies can help response to the global climate emergency.
Event, 21 October 2020
Ministerial Roundtable: “The role of digital technologies during and after COVID-19 pandemic”
Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has injected a new urgency into the drive for connectivity, Ms Bogdan-Martin asked, ''how can we harness that unprecedented tide of political will to put digital at the centre of our global recovery, and build back better with broadband?''
Interview, 21 October 2020
Geneva Solutions: Sizing up the environmental cost of digital technologies
Ms Bogdan-Martin shared insights on the role of ICTs in climate change, how ICTs can tackle climate change and the sustainable development goals, and other directions to advance technological development in a sustainable manner.
Event, 19 October 2020
ITU Cybersecurity Webinar: National Cybersecurity Strategies – Implementation and Monitoring
Cybersecurity risks are growing. Ms Bogdan-Martin emphasized that ''digital security in the context of digital transformation, is at the heart of the opportunities and challenges of future digital development.''
Event, 14 October 2020
Digital platforms and value creation in developing countries: Implications for national and international policies’
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin shared her insights on “Digital platforms and value creation in developing countries: Implications for national and international policies", as part of a panel discussion hosted by the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on E-commerce and the Digital Economy (UNCTAD).
Event, 12 October 2020
UNESCO/ITU Mobile Learning Week
The 2020 edition of ITU/UNESCO's Mobile Learning Week ist themed “Beyond Disruption: Technology enabled learning futures". This year, it examined the medium and long-term implications of the unprecedented global educational disruption caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Event, 11 October 2020
1st African Telecommunication Union Preparatory Meeting for WTDC-21
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin delivered the keynote address of the African Telecommunication Union's first Preparatory Meeting ahead of the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference "WTDC-21".
Event, 06 October 2020
Empowering Women in Cybersecurity Webinar
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin delivered the keynote address to the “Empowering Women in Cybersecurity" webinar, a session of the ITU 2020 Global CyberDrill.
Event, 06 October 2020
ITU Regional Development Forum for Africa (RDF-AFR)
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin delivered opening remarks to ITU's 2020 Regional Development Forum for Africa, which featured a strong focus on digital development, partnerships and funding.
Event, 05 October 2020
ITU Americas IPEC 2020: COVID-19: Challenges and opportunities for ICT in the Americas
The ITU Policy and Economic Colloquium for the Americas region focused on connecting the unconnected, the economic and financial issues in a converged broadband environment, and new challenges in the digital ecosystem.
Event, 05 October 2020
12th edition of the South School on Internet Governance in partnership with ARSENIG & University of Buenos Aires
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin delivered a keynote address to the 12th edition of the South School on Internet Governance on “The gender gap in Internet and ICT: present situation and future perspectives". The event was held in in partnership with ARSENIG & University of Buenos Aires.
Event, 05 October 2020
ITU-D Study Group 2 Plenary
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin gave opening remarks to the plenary of ITU-D's Study Group 2.
Event, 02 October 2020
Security Council Arria Formula Meeting, “Universal connectivity and access to digital technology for children in conflict and post conflict contexts”
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin addressed the High Level Security Council Arria Formula Meeting on “Access to education in conflict and post conflict contexts: role of digital technology and connectivity".
Event, 01 October 2020
GSMA Thrive Africa: The Role of Policy in Pandemic Preparedness
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin addressed the GSMA Africa Policy Leaders Forum, and spoke on the vital role of policy and regulation in building national and regional resilience in the face of large-scale emergencies.
Event, 29 September 2020
United States ITU Association: Membership Dialogue with ITU Development Bureau
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin participated in a video dialogue with the United States ITU Association, and shared insights on ongoing work to leverage ICTs for development.
Recorded during UNGA High Level Week, 25 September 2020
Microsoft ‘In Conversation With…’ video series
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin joined Jean-Yves Art, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships, Microsoft, to discuss the importance of broadband access for rural areas and currently underserved populations, and cooperation between public and private sector to close the broadband gap.
Event, 24 September 2020
How Tech Companies Cooperate to Address Threats and Global Crises
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin participated as one of the leaders in the High-Level discussion on “How Tech Companies Cooperate to Address Threats and Global Crises".
Event, 24 September 2020
“Digital Cooperation: Education Connectivity in the Wake of COVID-19”, Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU)/Viasat /Amazon Web Services
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin delivered the keynote address on digital cooperation and education, to a meeting co-hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), Viasat and Amazon Web Services.
Event, 23 September 2020
CTU 4th Caribbean Regulators Forum
The 4th edition of the Caribbean ICT Regulatory Forum aimed to engage representatives of the Caribbean and Latin American National Regulatory Authorities, as well as other stakeholders to advance discussions on regulation for digital transformation.
Event, 21 September 2020
WEF Sustainable Development Impact Summit 2020 Accelerating Digital Inclusion During COVID-19
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin joined expert speakers at WEF's 2020 Sustainable Development Summit on “Accelerating Digital Inclusion During COVID-19".
Geneva, 16 September 2020
Roundtable on the Future of Internet Governance
The Roundtable on the Future of Internet Governance, hosted by the Centre for Trade and Economic Integration (CTEI) and Fondation pour Genève, discussed issues and challenges of Internet governance and the role that Geneva could play in this area.
Event, 06 August 2020
Summer Institute organized by Childhood USA
The need to protect children online has never been so urgent as during the COVID crisis, with millions of additional children joining the online world for the first time. BDT Director, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, led a special session of Childhood USA's Summer Institute programme, focusing on the work of ITU and the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development in child online safety.
Event, 06 August 2020
WSIS High-Level Dialogue: Women and emergency telecommunications: ensuring gender equality in building disaster resilience
In times of crisis, information is life-saving. A woman's ability to access accurate information not only has a direct impact on her own survival and disaster resilience, but also on that of the wider community. Yet right now, women are limited in their ability to access digital technologies, and often excluded from disaster preparedness and planning exercises.
Event, 05 August 2020
IEEE International Microwave Symposium 2020
Addressing hundreds of delegates from across the US and around the world at the opening session of IEEE's prestigious IMS event, Ms Bogdan-Martin gave an overview of the work of ITU and the Telecommunication Development Bureau, and argued for why it is so important to connect the 3.6 billion people who remain totally cut-off from a world the rest of us take for granted.
Event, 30 July 2020
Asia Pacific Regulatory Roundtable
With the theme of 'Digital Transformation for Digital Economies @COVID-19 South-Asia', the Asia Pacific Regulatory Roundtable sought to highlight digital strategies and innovative solutions adopted in response to connectivity challenges emerging amid the COVID crisis.
Event, 28 July 2020
MASHAV International Women Leaders e-Conference 2020
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin joined a distinguished group of global leaders for an important global forum around digital opportunity for women, hosted by Israel's International Agency for Development Cooperation and the Golda Meir MASHAV Carmel International Training Center.
Event, 09 July 2020
SAMENA Leaders Summit: 5G + X – Harnessing 5G Across Industries for Investment Revival
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin was a featured speaker and panelist in Discussion Track 2: Technology, Business, Policy, Regulatory, and Data Landscapes in New Light, at this year's SAMENA Leaders Summit.
Event, 08 July 2020
UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2020 Accelerating action through digital technologies: strengthening digital skills and capacities for human wellbeing
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin helped lead a joint session organized by ITU and UNITAR on the need to accelerate actions around digital skills development, as part of efforts to bring meaningful connectivity to the billions still unable to leverage the full transformational power of digital technologies.
Event, 30 June 2020
GSR-20 Leadership Debate
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin urged participants from around the world joining World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) celebrations on 18 May via remote participation to make digital connectivity a key priority of the UN Decade of Action for the SDGs, and put safe, affordable and accessible access within reach of all.
Event, 24 June 2020
Launch of New Child Online Protection Guidelines
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin joined high-level guests and expert speakers to launch an entirely re-thought and revised set of guidelines for ITU's Child Online Protection (COP) initiative, aimed at helping governments, industry, parents and educators keep children safer online.
Event, 18 June 2020
World Trade Organisation webinar: The Digital Divide & Trade Rules: Making the Connection
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin was a guest speaker at a webinar organized by WTO around new trade rules to promote universal affordable connectivity.
Event, 11 June 2020
Generation Equality Townhall Meeting
The new Generation Equality Process facilitated by UN Women and co-hosted by the Governments of France and Mexico held its first global townhall meeting in June, with Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin participating as one of the leaders of the Tech and Innovation Coalition.
Event, 09 June 2020
World Economic Forum 2030 Vision Virtual Leaders Meeting: Accelerating technology for the UN Global Goals
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin was one of the leaders participating in WEF's virtual 2030 Vision consultation, which seeks to shape an ambitious agenda around specific commitments and actions to harness the power of digital technologies to achieve positive social outcomes in line with the UN Global Goals.
Event, 18 May 2020
World Telecommunication & Information Society Day 2020
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin urged participants from around the world joining World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) celebrations on 18 May via remote participation to make digital connectivity a key priority of the UN Decade of Action for the SDGs, and put safe, affordable and accessible access within reach of all.
Event, 13 May 2020
Webinar Series: Digital Cooperation During COVID-19 and Beyond, Webinar#5: Public Health & Human Rights
The fifth and final webinar in the series on Digital Cooperation During COVID-19 and Beyond brought together a stellar line-up of expert panelists to examine the complex interplay between digital health technologies, like tracking and tracing apps, and the need to guard against systematic prolonged surveillance of citizens by governments or private organizations, or the unauthorized sharing of their private data.
Event, 22 April 2020
Webinar Series: Digital Cooperation During COVID-19 and Beyond, Webinar#2: Best Practices
Kicking off the second in the high-level webinar series on Digital Cooperation, BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin and UN Under-Secretary-General Fabrizio Hochschild stressed the need to look not just at the immediate actions needed to keep digital networks and services up and running, but also at medium- and long-term planning priorities that will help people, communities and countries recover from the unprecedented economic impact of the global shutdown.
Event, 21 April 2020
High-Level Dialogue on Leveraging the Power of Digital Technologies to Tackle COVID-19
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin joined leaders from the World Bank, the GSMA, and the World Economic Forum (WEF) in a high-level dialogue which brought together over 300 finance ministers, ICT ministers, ICT regulators, telecom operators and tech leaders from around the world to discuss immediate and medium-term actions to ensure that digital technologies are fully mobilized to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event, 15 April 2020
Webinar Series: Digital Cooperation During COVID-19 and Beyond, Webinar#1: Situation Assessment
BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin partnered with UN Under-Secretary-General Fabrizio Hochschild to convene and co-Chair the first of a series of five multi-stakeholder dialogues on the vital importance of strengthening global digital cooperation in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event, 01 April 2020
Emergency Session of the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development
In her role as Broadband Commission Executive Director, BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin presided over an Emergency Session of the Commission held to identify urgent actions the Commission and its 50+ Commissioners could take to maximize the social and economic utility of digital networks and optimize their operation at a time of intense strain on infrastructure and technical resources.
Almaty, Kazakhstan, 31 January 2020
@Digital Almaty Forum 2020
Work to advance ITU's exciting new GIGA partnership with UNICEF and others provided a chance to visit the beautiful city of Almaty at the foot of Kazakhstan's Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.
Geneva, Switzerland, 10 January 2020
Futurecasters: Global Young Visionaries Summit
The Futurecasters Global Young Visionaries Summit took place in Geneva. Over 700 students from 23 countries across the world converged at ITU headquarters for three days to discuss how technology can best advance progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Geneva, Switzerland, 20 December 2019
Futurecasters: Global Young Visionaries Summit
From 8 to 10 January 2020, ITU will welcome over 700 high school students from 50 schools in 25 countries worldwide.
Geneva, Switzerland, 18 December 2019
Girls in ICT Day 2020
The ITU annual International Girls in ICT Day celebration will take place in Apia, Samoa on 23 April 2020.
Geneva, Switzerland, 16 December 2019
Global Refugee Forum
The first ever Global Refugee Forum was held in Geneva from 17-18 Dec. ITU, UNHCR and the GSMA co-sponsored a session; that explored challenges around delivering connectivity for refugees and displaced persons.
Stockholm, Sweden, 20 November 2019
World Children Day
On the occasion of World Children Day I attended a roundtable on Child Safety Online in Sweden, which was organized by the World Childhood Foundation and the Global Child Forum.
Riga, Latvia, 15 November 2019
Digital Freedom Festival
I attended the annual Digital Freedom Festival held in Riga Latvia, which provides a platform for digital innovators and policy makers to meet and discuss ways to make the world a better place, and to bring the benefits of the digital revolution to every member of society.
Geneva, Switzerland, 05 November 2019
Measuring Digital Development: Facts and Figures 2019
Data released by ITU reveal that in most countries worldwide women are still trailing men in benefiting from the transformational power of digital technologies.
Asunción, Paraguay, 30 September 2019
Regional Development Forum for the Americas
The Regional Development Forum for the Americas was held on 30 September in Asunción, Paraguay. Discussions at the Forum focused on the Regional Initiatives and ways to enhance the cooperation between the public and private sectors.
New York, United States of America, 23 September 2019
United Nations General Assembly
The annual gathering of the United Nations General Assembly took place in New York in September. During the High-level week, there were five summits that focused on Climate Action, Universal Health Coverage, Sustainable Development Goals, Financing for Development and Small Island Developing States. ITU held several high-level events and engagements. Here are some of the highlights:
Budapest, Hungary, 12 September 2019
Digital Transformation Initiative
At ITU Telecom World 2019, we launched together with CISCO the Digital Transformation Initiative, which aims to equip people with the skills they need to effectively participate in the digital economy and accelerate digital transformation. Lack of digital skills and knowledge have emerged as a major barrier to internet uptake and digital inclusion especially in developing countries. I highlighted our current activities on capacity building through digital skills development including the ITU Academy, our network of Centres of Excellence and our Girls in ICT Day and Equals Initiatives. This initiative plans to set up a network of centres that will further strengthen our work in digital skills development at the local level. Read my speech
Budapest, Hungary, 11 September 2019
Crisis Connectivity Charter
At ITU Telecom World 2019, we joined the Crisis Connectivity Charter, which is a mechanism created between the satellite industry and the wider humanitarian community to make satellite-based communications more readily available to humanitarians and affected communities in times of disaster. Joining this Charter will allow us not only to improve our coordination of response at times of crisis, but also improve our preparedness to respond, by engaging relevant national authorities to facilitate provision of communications equipment and training prior to disasters. In my remarks during the signing of the Charter, I reiterated that ITU has been a long-standing advocate for more effective use of technology in disaster relief efforts, and an important player in disaster response. I believe that this unique and outstanding initiative will put us in an even stronger position to collaborate with our members to provide vital communication services to disaster-hit areas. Read my speech
Budapest, Hungary, 11 September 2019
Innovation Challenges Winners
At ITU Telecom World 2019, I had the pleasure to meet with the winners of the ITU Innovation Challenge. They have what it takes to create a digital world! I am impressed by their transformative ideas and solutions. The ITU Innovation Challenge was an open platform for people to present their ideas and projects which can contribute to the digital transformation of individuals, communities and society through innovation.
Budapest, Hungary, 11 September 2019
EQUALS at ITU Telecom World 2019
On the third day of ITU Telecom World 2019, the first ever Equals delegation attended workshops with experts from IBM, Bamboo Capital, International Trade Centre, Start-Ups without Borders, EUROCHAMBRES and many others, who shared their tech and business management skills to help this group of entrepreneurs take their impressive enterprises to the next level. We also had and EQUALS-exclusive mentoring session. These 24 incredible women from around the world are truly making their mark in the tech industry. The entrepreneurs shared their experiences, hopes and challenges and we learnt so much from them.
Budapest, Hungary, 11 September 2019
5G and Future Networks
At ITU Telecom World 2019, I spoke of the importance of getting the regulatory environment right to facilitate the roll out of 5G technology and its uptake by consumers. The advent of 5G is critically important, not just to the development of the ICT sector, but to global development overall. The performance enhancements offered by this next-generation technology have the potential to enable a whole raft of new services that can play a catalytic, transformative role in accelerating progress towards the 17 SDG. For this to be realized, I emphasized the need to find creative ways for all stakeholders to collaborate. Governments, manufacturers, operators, service providers and consumers – everyone has a huge stake in making this work, because the benefits are going to be exponential.
Budapest, Hungary, 10 September 2019
Ministerial Roundtable: stimulating public-private collaboration on connectivity
At ITU Telecom World 2019, I chaired the third Ministerial Roundtable where we explored emerging models for public private collaborations and multi-sector partnerships. I highlighted the need to adapt a new mantra: cross-sectoral collaboration if we are to make real headway in overcoming some of the major impediments to the realization of our goal of internet for all. By cross-sectoral collaboration, I mean innovative partnerships between the public and private sectors and stakeholders across the digital ecosystem such as NGOs, international organizations, civic groups, communities and academia. I also mean a more holistic, Whole of Government approach by national policy-makers. Together we can build a digital ecosystem that accommodates and benefits everyone.
Budapest, Hungary, 10 September 2019
ITU Telecom World 2019- Bilateral with North Macedonia
I had a great meeting with Meeting with H. E. Mr. Damjan Manchevski, Minister, Ministry of Information Society and Administration, North Macedonia. We discussed how we can further our collaboration to assist the country in the development of policy paper on ICT infrastructure and to support the national programme on Connected Schools. I was delighted to learn of the country’s National Digital Skills strategy that aims to promote the acquisition of skills suitable for the digital economy.
Budapest, Hungary, 09 September 2019
Innovating Together: Connectivity That Matters,
At ITU Telecom World 2019, I spoke of the importance of MEANINGUL connectivity at the forum summit titled Innovating Together: connectivity that matters. In my intervention, I stressed that it is crucial to ensure that those who are online have access to the bandwidth today’s interfaces demand, so that they are empowered to use the Internet in a productive way. Ultimately, the goal of promoting a core level of meaningful connectivity is the goal for everyone.
Read my speech
Budapest, Hungary, 09 September 2019
Accelerating Digital Transformation Through an ICT-Centric
At ITU Telecom World 2019, I emphasized that by promoting dialogue on the challenges and opportunities we face daily in the field of innovation, we can help define solutions and improvements. International dialogues like the one on Accelerating Digital Transformation Through an ICT-Centric Ecosystem, can also help bridge digital knowledge divides, allowing us to learn from one another, and creating a more equitable world where more and more people can benefit from the transformative power of ICTs. Read my speech
Budapest, Hungary, 09 September 2019
ITU Telecom World 2019- Bilateral
It was pleasure to meet Keng Thai Leong, Deputy Chief Executive and Director-General of the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and discuss the challenges faced by existing and new regulators. Regulators need platforms and opportunities to share best practices, learn from one another and discuss challenges of regulation and digital transformation. We both agreed that it is all about INCLUSIVE connectivity!
Geneva, Switzerland, 31 July 2019
CANTO2019: Collaboration for inclusive digital transformation
I attended the 35th Annual CANTO meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad, under the theme “Transitioning to a Digital Region – Opportunities and Challenges”. Over 500 participants including ministers, regulators and the private sector attended the conference.
Geneva, Switzerland, 30 July 2019
GSR-19: Unlocking the full potential of digital technologies
The ITU
Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) took place in Port Vila, Vanuatu, from 9-12 July. Regulators from around the world identified and endorsed a set of regulatory Best Practice Guidelines to fast forward digital connectivity and allow people everywhere to benefit from digital transformation and participate in today's digital economy.
Geneva, Switzerland, 12 June 2019
Girls in ICT Day 2019
On 25 April, the world celebrated International Girls in ICT Day! Thanks to all the colleagues from the regional and areas offices for organizing fantastic events.
Geneva, Switzerland, 07 June 2019
For young women in tech, the power of reaching for the stars
I had an hour-long, informal fireside chat with Anousheh Ansari in front of a packed room at Geneva's Graduate Institute. During our discussion, I was impressed by her enthusiasm, her indomitable spirit, and her commitment to finding new ways to use technology to solve the world's problems.
Geneva, Switzerland, 04 June 2019
Why this year's Global Symposium for Regulators is more important than ever
In the nearly 20 years since I helped set up the very first Global Symposium for Regulators, held in Geneva in the year 2000, the GSR has gone from strength to strength to become the pre-eminent global meeting of the ICT regulatory community. Since its inception, the GSR has encouraged robust discussion and the frank exchange of views.
Geneva, Switzerland, 10 April 2019
Why we need a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to digital investments
The SDG Digital Investment Framework authored by ITU and the Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) encourages a whole-of-government approach and sets out to help governments address key strategic investment questions and choose effective, scalable technology-based solutions – and in particular help them to consider using ICT Building Blocks for economies of scale and maximum return on investment.
Geneva, Switzerland, 03 April 2019
TDAG: innovating ways to engage with ITU-D Members
The Telecommunication Development Group (TDAG) held its annual meeting from 3-5 April in Geneva. It was an amazing and inspiring three days. We all actively engaged through dialogue and discussion. As BDT Director, I appreciate TDAG's role as my advisory board, and the good guidance provided to me and my hard-working team.
Geneva, Switzerland, 29 March 2019
ITU-D Study Groups: aligning our work with the Sustainable Development Goals
ITU-D Study Groups 1 and 2 met from 18-22 March and 25-29 March respectively in Geneva. The work of ITU-D Study Groups is crucial in accelerating the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Balaclava, Mauritius, 06 March 2019
When disaster strikes, it is all about the people: using technologies in disaster management
The Global Forum on Emergency Telecommunications (GET-19) was held in Balaclava, Mauritius from 6-8 March.
Davos, Switzerland, 22 January 2019
Will it be business as usual?
Connecting the remaining 3.7 billion people: will it be business as usual? I asked this question at the Word Economic Forum during a breakout session on the push to 100% connectivity. I was one of the session firestarters, together with Rob Schuter, CEO of MTN Group and Robert Nkuna, DG of the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services of South Africa.
Riyadh, Saudi arabia, 18 January 2019
Visit to Saudi Arabia: innovation and impact!
I just returned from my first mission, as Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, to Saudi Arabia. During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet with the management team of Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC).
Geneva, 01 January 2019
Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin takes office as Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT)
1 January 2019: Ms Bogdan-Martin takes office as Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT). “Today I am starting in my new role as Director of BDT. As we enter this new year, I am excited at the opportunity to explore new ideas, new avenues for collaboration and a new direction to make a difference and improve lives. I look forward to joining forces towards achieving sustainable development for all.”
