Page 82 - SAMENA Trends - November-December 2022

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

REGULATORY NEWS

ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) Study Groups Address

Meaningful Connectivity and Digital Transformation

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

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