Syllabus: GS2/ Governance
Context
- Recently the International Telecommunications Union – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (ITU-WTSA 2024) concluded in New Delhi.
What is WTSA?
- WTSA is the governing conference for the standardization work of the International Telecommunication Union, organized every four years.
- It is for the first time that the ITU-WTSA is being hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific.
- It is a pivotal global event that has brought together more than 3,000 industry leaders, policy-makers and tech experts from over 190 countries, representing telecom, digital, and ICT sectors.
| International Telecommunications Union (ITU) – It is the United Nations specialized agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). – Founded in 1865 to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks. 1. India has been a member of ITU since 1869. – Functions: It allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits. 1. It develops the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and strive to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide. |
Significance
- These initiatives not only bolster India’s role as leader in the areas of telecommunication/ Information & Communication Technology (ICT), but also align seamlessly with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a robust Digital Public Infrastructure, as articulated during India’s G-20 Presidency.
- This emphasis on creating a global framework for digital technology underscores the importance of these resolutions for global governance.
- These resolutions are also aligned with PM Modi’s four pillars of Digital India – Low-priced devices, extensive reach of digital connectivity to every nook and corner of the country, easily accessible data and goal of ‘Digital First’.
Key Highlights of the Event
- Bharat 6G Alliance: Key MoUs were signed with international stakeholders, a step towards the promise of India’s contribution to 10% of global 6G patents.
- Academic Engagement: The 15th ITU Kaleidoscope Conference saw record paper submissions, reflecting global interest in the future of digital infrastructure.
- Championing Gender Balance: The event celebrated unprecedented female participation, advancing gender equity in telecommunications with the highest female participation of 26% for the WTSAs held outside Geneva (in Geneva 2022, it was 32%)
| Kaleidoscope 2024 Conference – The 15th Kaleidoscope Academic Conference stands out as a key platform for fostering innovation and collaboration in digital transformation and telecommunications. – It is organized by ITU, and brings together the brightest minds in academia, industry, and government to discuss cutting-edge developments in 5G, AI, IoT, quantum communications, and other transformative technologies. – Themed: Innovation and Digital Transformation for a Sustainable World. |
Resolutions adopted at ITU-WTSA 2024
- Key proposals by India;
- A new Resolution on Enhancing the standardization activities on Digital Public Infrastructure,
- A new Resolution on Standardization activities of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector on AI technologies in support of telecommunications/ Information & Communication Technology (ICT).
- Other new ITU-T Resolutions include;
- Enhancing the standardization activities on sustainable digital transformation,
- Promoting and strengthening metaverse standardization,
- Promoting and Strengthening Standardization Activities for Vehicular Communications.
Source: PIB
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