ITU adopts five keys to foster tech for sustainable development - ITREALMS

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Delegates at the sixth World Telecommunications/ICT Policy Forum (WTPF-21) have approved a set of five (5) guidelines shaping future technology policy, reports ITREALMS.

These covered areas from inclusive connectivity and digital skills to using new and emerging technologies and services for sustainable development, fostering an effective enabling environment, and how tech can support effective COVID-19 response and recovery.
These guidelines, set out in non-binding policy documents known as “Opinions", were approved in the Chairman's report at the close of the WTPF-21, which took place online between 16 and 18 December. The Opinions reflect common views among ITU's membership of countries, companies, institutions, academia and civil society, as refined and set down during a highly collaborative two-year Multistakeholder preparatory process.

“The ITU family came together at WTPF-21 to discuss the new and emerging technologies that show so much promise for all humanity," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “The output of this Forum sends a clear, strong and positive message to the world that these technologies and ICTs in general are essential to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and address some of the world's most pressing opportunities and challenges, from COVID-19 to the digital divide."

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ghana and WTPF-21 Chair, said: “As ITU members, we owe it to ourselves to do our utmost to harness better the emerging technologies and ICTs to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Because when poverty is on the rise, when our children's education is on the line, when our planet is suffering and when our health is impaired with existing and new diseases, we believe that these technologies can and will make a big difference."

She further said: “These Opinions will now provide guidance and support to ITU Member States in formulating future policy, and the task ahead for ITU members as stakeholders is to work towards implementing them."

WTPF-21, ITREALMS gathered, brought together policy-makers from across the globe, providing a venue for exchanging views and knowledge to create shared vision on issues arising from the emergence of new telecommunication/ICT services and technologies.