• Sets new four-year strategic plan
As the world looks for solutions to pressing global challenges, where digital is taking centre stage, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) member states have set two clear strategic goals for the union going forward.
Targeted at leaving no one behind, these strategies are universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation, which ITU described as a fit-for-purpose and fit-for-the-future initiative.
On universal connectivity, ITU explained that this is to enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs.
To advance universal connectivity, ITU will make efforts to achieve universally accessible, affordable, high-quality, interoperable, and secure telecommunication/information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, services and applications.
The United Nations body said it will coordinate efforts to prevent and eliminate harmful interference to radiocommunication services, facilitate the worldwide standardisation of telecommunications, and leverage existing and emerging technologies, connectivity solutions and business models to close the digital divide in access in all countries, regions and for all humanity.
On the sustainable digital transformation, ITU, which Nigeria is a strategic member of, said it will foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development.
By leveraging telecommunications/information and communication technologies (ICTs), ITU said it will strive to facilitate digital transformation to help build an inclusive society and economy for sustainable development.
ITU will thereby work to close the digital divide in the use of telecommunications/ICTs in all countries and for all peoples, including women and girls, youth, indigenous peoples, older persons, persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs.
The telecoms body said it will work to promote and enable digital transformation across spheres of life and activity, to address the dual climate and environmental crisis, and to foster the advancement of science, sustainable exploration of Earth and space, and the use of their resources for the benefit of all.
