• The World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA-24) opened in New Delhi on October 15, where policymakers, industry leaders and tech experts meet to consider global actions to reinforce the standardisation work of International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated WTSA-24 alongside India Mobile Congress at a joint opening ceremony.

• The opening ceremony highlighted the push for universal connectivity, the need for ethical artificial intelligence (AI), the critical importance of consensus, and how digital inclusion can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Significance of WTSA

• The first WTSA ever held in the Asia-Pacific region will run from October 15 to 24.

• Held every four years, WTSA sets out priorities for experts from around the world who work year-round to develop the international standards established by ITU.

• ITU’s standardisation work is driven by the contributions and consensus decisions of ITU’s membership, including 194 Member States and over 1,000 member companies, universities, and international and regional organisations.

• WTSA reviews the strategy, structure and working methods of ITU’s standardisation arm (ITU-T) every four years. The conference also approves the mandates and appoints the leadership teams of ITU-T expert groups for international standardisation.

International Telecommunication Union

• The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs.

• ITU was founded in Paris in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union.

• It took its present name in 1932, and in 1947 became a specialised agency of the United Nations.

• ITU is the oldest agency in the UN family, connecting the world since the dawn of telegraph in 1865.

• The headquarters is situated in Geneva, Switzerland.

• ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. 

• From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world.

• ITU’s global membership includes 194 Member States as well as some 1,000 companies, universities, and international and regional organisations. 

Role of ITU

• ITU makes phone calls possible. ITU standards, protocols and international agreements are the essential elements underpinning the global telecommunication system.

• ITU coordinates the world’s satellites through the management of spectrum and orbits, bringing television, vehicle GPS navigation, maritime and aeronautical communications, weather information and online maps, and enabling communications in even the remotest parts of the planet.

• It makes Internet access possible. The majority of Internet connections are facilitated by ITU standards.

• It helps support communications in the wake of disasters and emergencies – through on-the-ground assistance, dedicated emergency communications channels, technical standards for early warning systems, and practical help in rebuilding after a catastrophe.

• ITU works with the industry to define the new technologies that will support tomorrow’s networks and services.

• It powers the mobile revolution, forging the technical standards and policy frameworks that make mobile and broadband possible.

• ITU works with public and private sector partners to ensure that ICT access and services are affordable, equitable and universal.

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