The ITU Plenipotentiary policy highlights
The Romanian capital Bucharest was the host for this year’s edition of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, which brought together more than 3,000 delegates from 183+ countries from 26 September to 14 October. The Youth IGF was at the conference to cover the main events and the discussions that will further shape the digital transformation over the next few years. The 2022 conference was marked by the adoption of several new resolutions.
One of these was a historical resolution on artificial intelligence. The International Telecommunication Union has already highlighted its role in exploring this technology. It launched AI for Good, a platform for innovators sharing practical applications for AI in different areas. It is important to mention that AI has been used by telecom companies for several years already.
Its application in the telecom market is said to bring a number of benefits, such as improving the parameters of a radio signal, saving power on mobile networks, optimising network quality based on traffic information, preventing telecom-related fraudulent activities, etc. As a result, a question arises about the regulation of AI in the telecom and ICTs sectors. Will the adoption of this strategic resolution reinforce the ITU’s role in regulating AI?
AI also brings a number of challenges for the telecom industry, including those related to cybersecurity and data protection. The Global Cybersecurity Agenda, launched by the ITU, could be a framework for international cooperation on the secure implementation and use of AI.
Finally, there is the question of the development of skills that would be transferrable between AI, telecommunications and ICTs. Will the ITU serve as a platform to bring together member states and relevant organisations to discuss issues related to artificial intelligence? And will the telecom sector move a step closer to the development of specific standards concerning the application of AI?
A new resolution on mitigating global pandemics was also enacted by the Plenipotentiary Conference. This document was much needed, considering the vital role that telecommunications and ICTs played from the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we were forced to shift our studies and work online, the lack of internet access led to the exclusion of a certain part of the world population. For this reason the new resolution underscores the necessity for digital inclusion, as well as the skills needed to prepare and respond adequately to epidemics.
The ITU already plays a role in mitigating the consequences of COVID-19, such as reducing the digital divide worldwide. The Union may have to reinforce existing partnerships and initiatives, like the ITU-WHO-UNICEF project on providing updated COVID-19 information. Closer cooperation with UNICEF could help to ensure the preparedness of the education sector for emergency situations like pandemics through the use of digital technologies. Engagement with the International Labor Organisation and telecom/ICT providers would bring job opportunities, especially for young people and vulnerable groups.
A resolution on the use of telecommunications and ICTs to bridge the digital divide sparked heated debates within the Working Group of the ITU Plenary. One group of countries advocated for the inclusion of a separate provision on connecting women and girls, the young, indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities. Certain countries did not support the idea of singling out different groups of people, because the digital divide constitutes a threat to society as a whole. The resolution was adopted without the new provision proposed. Now it will be especially important to ensure that the decisions provided in the ITU’s resolutions on gender equality, youth empowerment and digital accessibility for persons with disabilities cover all the necessary measures required to bridge the digital gap among these groups.
A new resolution on ITU’s role in implementing the Space2030 Agenda was also approved. The Agenda was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2021 on space as a driver for sustainable development. Space technologies can contribute to sustainability, namely environmental protection, better emergency response in crisis situations, and the security of energy infrastructure.
It is worth noting the fast development of satellite communications and their benefits for people’s lives. For instance, mobile satellite communications and satellite internet are already being used to bring connectivity to remote areas with underdeveloped telecom infrastructure. The advantage of satellites in providing 5G coverage is that satellites can provide network coverage in places where it is impossible to build cellular towers. These and many more advancements will require the ITU’s participation in the Space2023 Agenda, giving its unique role in facilitating access to satellites and orbit spectrum.
Finally, the ITU Plenary revised the resolution on youth empowerment through telecommunication/ICT. For the first time, this year’s Plenipotentiary Conference involved the participation of Generation Connect Youth Envoys. Young people had a chance to engage with ITU leadership and take part in discussions.
As newly elected Deputy Secretary General Tomas Lamanauskas said during a conversation with Youth IGF leaders, the ITU will not only have to include young people in the organisation’s work, but also ensure there is succession and that the youth of today will become the future generation of specialists working in the ITU’s priority areas.
