The first meetings of Study Groups 1 and 2 in the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) for the 2022-2025 study period took place in Geneva, Switzerland, and online, with focus on meaningful connectivity and digital transformation.
The study groups addressed 14 new study Questions adopted at WTDC that range from deploying broadband in developing countries to considering ICTs for the environment. The meetings for Study Groups 1 and 2 took place from 28 November to 2 December and from 5 to 9 December respectively.
“ITU-D study groups provide the opportunity to consider the most pressing issues related to telecommunication and development," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “Participants at these meetings are doing their part to ensure that technology is used for the greatest possible human benefit."
ITU-D study groups allow ITU members focused on digital development to share knowledge, experiences, and innovative ideas on how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can help meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The study groups produce reports, guidelines, and recommendations to help countries, companies and other organizations implement telecommunication/ICT policies, strategies, projects and initiatives.
“Study groups are an integral part of ITU's work to promote digital transformation for all," said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau and ITU Secretary-General-elect. “These pivotal meetings help steer the conversation about the future of information and communication technologies and help us explore new possibilities for a brighter and more inclusive world for all."
Discussions hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) focused on each group's designated topics: “Enabling environment for meaningful connectivity" for Study Group 1 and “Digital transformation" for Study Group 2.
The new study Questions for the two ITU-D study groups were adopted at the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) in Kigali, Rwanda, from 6 to 16 June 2022. Each study group addressed seven of the new study Questions.
Key decisions taken during the meetings included:
. The appointment of ITU-D Study Group 1 and 2 rapporteurs, co-rapporteurs, and vice-rapporteurs and approval of work plans for study Questions.
. Assignment of specific coordination roles in order to address cross-cutting items in line with WTDC Resolutions.
. Development of initial workplans and table of contents (living documents), which will help guide future work of the rapporteur groups.
A balanced presence
Advancing toward gender parity priorities for the meetings, ITU-D Study Group 1 and 2 comprised 48 per cent and 42 per cent female participants respectively.
To ensure younger participation and perspectives, two groups of six youth envoys from ITU's Generation Connect initiative participated in the meetings of both study groups. The youth envoys, sponsored by the United States Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI), engaged in the ITU-D study group process and received on-site training from their respective national delegations.
Two intergenerational dialogues on the side-lines of the meetings let the youth envoys share thoughts on the topics being discussed. Study Group 1 featured a discussion on “Youth Advancing Meaningful Connectivity," while Study Group 2 featured “Youth Empowerment for Digital Transformation."
ITU-D study groups are open to all ITU-D members.
The archive of the meetings is available via this link for Study Group 1, and this link for Study Group 2.