ITU (International Telecommunication Union)
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ITU
ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs. Originally founded in 1865 to promote cooperation among international telegraphy networks of the day, it predates many other standardization bodies. Members from the public and private sectors are working together to help shape the future ICT policy and regulatory environment, global standards, and best practices to help spread access to ICT services. Public-private collaboration has always been at the centre of ITU’s work. Now more than ever, businesses realize that the path to sustainable growth can be found by working closely with governments, academia, as well as other stakeholders, in a common effort to put in place the right rules to drive investment, innovation and widely shared opportunities. (Source: www.ITU.int)
Our benefits
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) offers several benefits, including:
- Global Standards: ITU helps establish international standards for telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT), ensuring interoperability and compatibility between systems worldwide.
- Regulatory Guidance: It provides regulatory frameworks and guidelines to help countries develop and manage their telecommunications policies and regulations effectively.
- Capacity Building: ITU offers training and capacity-building programs to help member states and organizations improve their ICT infrastructure and skills.
- Global Connectivity: By promoting the development of communication networks and services, ITU supports efforts to enhance global connectivity, especially in underserved areas.
- Technical Assistance: It provides technical assistance and expertise to help countries address challenges and implement ICT solutions for development.
- Research and Data: ITU conducts research and publishes data on global telecommunications trends, helping policymakers and businesses make informed decisions.
- Collaboration: ITU facilitates international cooperation and partnerships among governments, private sector, and civil society to address global ICT challenges and opportunities.
- Innovation Promotion: It supports innovation in ICT through initiatives, conferences, and forums, fostering the development of new technologies and solutions.
- Emergency Communication: ITU plays a role in coordinating emergency communication efforts and ensuring that communication networks remain functional during crises and disasters.
ITU & IFGICT
Visit by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for ITU Council 2024
In Q3-2019, the IFGICT board members and ITU-T committee of A.I. study group (ITU-T is The Study Groups of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) assemble experts from around the world to develop international standards known as ITU-T Recommendations which act as defining elements in the global infrastructure of information and communication technologies (ICTs)) agreed to contribute on developing the A.I. Standards as part of official collaboration between IFGICT – A.I. Committee members and the ITU-T A.I. group.
This official contribution would allow IFGICT – A.I. committee group to work closely with ITU-T A.I. Study Group to deliver A.I. Standards towards sustainable development goals.
The future will see large parts of our lives influenced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. Machines can execute repetitive tasks with complete precision, and with recent advances in AI, machines are gaining the ability to learn, improve and make calculated decisions in ways that will enable them to perform tasks previously thought to rely on human experience, creativity, and ingenuity.
AI innovation will be central to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by capitalizing on the unprecedented quantities of data now being generated on sentiment behavior, human health, commerce, communications, migration and more.
ITU will provide a neutral platform for government, industry and academia to build a common understanding of the capabilities of emerging AI technologies and consequent needs for technical standardization and policy guidance.
ITU ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs. Originally founded in 1865 to promote cooperation among international telegraphy networks of the day, it predates many other standardization bodies. Members from the public and private sectors are working together to help shape the future ICT policy and regulatory environment, global standards, and best practices to help spread access to ICT services. Public-private collaboration has always been at the centre of ITU’s work. Now more than ever, businesses realize that the path to sustainable growth can be found by working closely with governments, academia, as well as other stakeholders, in a common effort to put in place the right rules to drive investment, innovation and widely shared opportunities. (Source: www.ITU.int)
Learn more about IFGICT history and vision