ITU Workshop “Securing Telephone Networks: Toward collaborative approach for combating fraudulent communications using Digital Certificate”
Geneva, Switzerland, 17 November 2025
Contact:
tsbevents@itu.int
11:45 – 12:00
| Opening Ceremony
Welcome Address
|
12:00 – 13:15
| Session 1: The Current Landscape of Fraudulent Communications in ICT Networks
This session will provide an in-depth overview of the evolving threat landscape of fraudulent communications across Information and Communication Technology (ICT) networks. Experts and stakeholders from regulatory bodies, network operators, and cybersecurity organizations will share insights into the most prevalent types of telephone fraud, such as number spoofing, robocalling, to name but a few. The discussion will highlight emerging trends, the socio-economic implications of these malicious activities, and the vulnerabilities within global telecommunication infrastructures that are being exploited. The session aims to establish a common understanding of the scale and urgency of the problem, setting the stage for collaborative action.
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13:15 – 14:30
| Lunch Break
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14:30 – 15:45
| Session 2: Industry Dialogue: Impact and Mitigation Strategies
This session will serve as an interactive platform for representatives from the telecommunications and financial sectors to exchange perspectives on the operational and economic impact of fraudulent communications. Participants will explore how telecom fraud intersects with financial crime, including banking fraud and identity theft. The dialogue will focus on shared challenges, case studies of cross-sector collaboration, and the identification of practical mitigation strategies. The session will also examine how regulatory frameworks, customer awareness, and technological solutions can be aligned to protect consumers and businesses alike.
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15:45 – 16:15
| Coffee Break |
16:15 – 17:30
| Session 3: Leveraging Standardization: The Role of ITU Digital Certificate Standards to be Used to Secure Telephone Networks
Standardization is a cornerstone in the fight against fraudulent communications. This session will explore how international standards, particularly those developed under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), can enhance the security and trustworthiness of telecommunications. Special attention will be given to ITU digital certificate standards and their potential to authenticate caller identities, secure signaling pathways, and enable global interoperability. Experts will discuss current initiatives, challenges in adoption, and opportunities for further development and harmonization of standards. The session will encourage stakeholder engagement in standardization efforts to build a resilient and secure communication ecosystem.
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17:30 – 18:00
| Roundtable
Toward a Unified Strategy for Combating Fraudulent Communications Objectives: The roundtable discussion will bring together key stakeholders from government agencies, telecom operators, financial institutions, standards bodies, and cybersecurity experts to engage in an open and solutions-oriented dialogue. Building on insights from the previous sessions, this interactive forum aims to identify synergies and gaps in current approaches to combating telephone fraud and other types of fraudulent communications. Participants will explore the potential for stronger cross-sector collaboration, policy alignment, and global adoption of digital certificate standards. The discussion will also seek to outline a shared vision and actionable roadmap for enhancing trust in telephone communications through technological innovation and cooperative frameworks. This session will be critical for generating consensus and fostering commitment toward a collective action.
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| 18:00 | Closing Remarks |
