Issue No.7, 2​ June​ 2016​

Council 16 wraps up!

Standing Committee on Administration and Management (ADM)

​The Standing Committee on Administration and Management (ADM) continued in the first half of Wednesday afternoon, working on the basis of the established time management plan C16/TD/3, and completed its work; congratulations to all involved, and especially the Chair and Vice Chairs!

The Secretariat presented a list of Information Documents: C16/INF/6, C16/INF/2, C16/INF/11, and C16/INF/12+Add.1. ADM recommended that Council note these documents.

EG-ITRs (cont.)

Following the Council approval of document C16/DT/8 on the establishment of EG-ITRs (See Council Highlights Issue #6), the Secretariat presented document C16/DT/15 on the budgetary financial aspects of the organization of the EG-ITRs meetings. A comparison of costs was presented by the Secretariat for the 2017 and 2018 meetings, with and without interpretation. Several Councillors expressed the need for the documents to be available in all six official languages, considering the importance of the topics discussed. Funding will be available for the 2017 meetings. However provisions for interpretation will have to be allocated in the budget for the 2018-2019 biennium.

DONA (cont.)

Following the divergent views expressed during earlier ADM meetings (see Council Highlights Issue #4 and Council Highlights Issue #5), and the offline consultation between the United States and TSB to discuss the clarifications expressed in US contribution C16/78, the United States gave an oral presentation of the revised points, taking into account clarification provided by TSB, explained that its revised proposal provides a way forward in ending the discussion on the MoU with DONA Foundation, and does not include supporting the termination of the Master Framework Agreement (MoU) between ITU and the DONA Foundation. The meeting concluded that the US proposal be added to the summary records of the meeting without discussion as the statement from USA and Canada.

INRs (cont.)

Caroline Greenway from Australia reported that a meeting of the Ad Hoc Group on INRs had taken place, without however reaching consensus on the topics of divergence during ADM (see Council Highlights Issue #4 and Council Highlights Issue #5). Further discussion by Councillors in ADM also failed to find consensus. ADM recommended that Council request CWG-FHR to further study the matter and report to Council 2017 with a proposal.

Conclusion of ADM

The Chair concluded the Standing Committee on Administration and Management, thanking the Vice Chairs and the Secretariat, and Councillors for their constructive spirit throughout ADM. The ADM Chair's Report will be presented for approval by Council during its final plenary session on Thursday afternoon (see below).

Ninth Plenary Meeting

The ninth plenary meeting took place after the coffee break on the afternoon of Wednesday 1 June.

Space assets (cont.)

The informal consultations held by the Chair over the coffee break (see Council Highlights Issue #6) resulted in the 'delicate compromise' found in document C16/DT/13R1. Council approved the proposal.

Conformance and interoperability

TSB presented document C16/24 on the conformance and interoperability programme, and gave a live demonstration of the online ITU Product Conformity Database. The database comprises products that have been tested to comply with ITU-T Recommendations; current product categories are e-health devices, mobile phones connected to hands-fee terminals in vehicles, and Ethernet services. Councillors expressed support for the programme which comprises four pillars (conformity assessment, interoperability events, capacity building, establishment of test centres and C&I regimes in developing countries) and noted the document.

The Internet of Things (IoT)

TSB presented document C16/23, summarizing ITU's activities on IoT.

The work of ITU-T's Focus Group on Smart Sustainable Cities (FG-SSC) was published in January in a flip book ​– a great resource. The work is carried forward in the newly-created ITU-T Study Group 20 (SG20). Various ITU standards on key performance indicators for smart sustainable cities are in the approval process; this work is gaining significant traction, and UNECE has joined ITU's work on this topic. In June 2015, ITU and UNECE launched a global initiative (U4SSC) to advocate for public policy to ensure a prominent position for ICTs in strategies to enable the transition to smart sustainable cities. Some 15 UN agencies have already agreed to join the Advisory Board.

Within ITU-R, spectrum management studies have focused on the international harmonization of frequency bands for the operation of short-range radio devices, measurement techniques and the technical characteristics of radio frequency identification devices. In September, ITU-R finalized its 'Vision' of IMT-2020 in the '5G' mobile broadband connected society as detailed in Recommendation ITU-R M.2083. This vision was recognized by RA-15 which issued Resolution ITU-R 65 on IMT-2020. RA-15 also approved Resolution ITU-R 66 on the Internet of Things.

ITU‑D discussion papers at GSR-15 focused on the Internet of Everything and interoperability in the digital ecosystem. The Theme of GSR-16 was Be Empowered, Be Included: Building Blocks for Smart Societies in a Connected World, and addressed technology developments as well as enablers for smart societies, cities, and individuals, including the impact of the Internet of Things. Work progresses in the new ITU-D Study Group question on "Creating the smart society: social and economic development through ICT applications".

Responding to a question from a Councillor, Chaesub Lee, Director of TSB, explained that ITU-T is not dealing with IoT governance, but instead focusing on technical aspects to achieve interoperability.

Council noted the report.

WTSA-16

TSB presented document C16/52 reporting on WTSA-16 and GSS-16 preparations. WTSA-16 will take place in Tunisia, from 25 October to 3 November, preceded by the GSS on 24 October. Preparations continue smoothly. The host country agreement between ITU and Tunisia was signed on the first day of Council. Invitation letters for WTSA-16 and GSS-16 have been sent. Numerous regional preparatory meetings have taken place and continue to take place. The deadline for submitting Contributions to WTSA-16 is basically four weeks, but definitely two weeks prior to the opening of WTSA-16. Fellowships per eligible Member State for the WTSA-16 preparatory meetings will be awarded based on available funding to qualified countries. Council noted the report.

Improvements to PP

Following a request by Council 2015, the Secretariat presented document C16/4, outlining a series of possible improvements for ​holding the Plenipotentiary Conference (PP), including strengthening regional preparation, improving electoral processes, as well as the promotion of paperless documentation and the revision of interpretation needs.

The United Arab Emirates, the host country of PP-18, presented document C16/100, proposing to carry out the elections of PP-18 through a modern electronic voting system, and requesting the Secretariat to conduct a relevant study to be presented at Council 2017.

Following several comments by Councillors, the Chair invited the Secretariat to continue consultations with Member States and present its proposals to Council 2017, noting in particular the general support for the e-voting system for elections and the lack of agreement in reducing interpretation services for PP Committees. The Chair encouraged Member States to provide their inputs to the consultation.

Official languages (cont.)

Following the creation of an Ad Hoc Group (see Council Highlights Issue #2), the Chair of the group presented a modified draft revision of Resolution 1372, as found in document C16/DT/9, requesting Council to take note of the Secretariat's observations on the difficulties associated with full implementation included in the document. Council endorsed the document with the inclusion of the Secretariat's disclaimer in the summary record.

Internet (cont.)

The Chair presented document C16/DT/10 containing the package of documents to be transmitted to the UN Secretary-General. As no written comments were received (see Council Highlights Issue #3), the package contains the Secretariat's report on ITU Internet Activities (C16/33) and the summary record of the relevant Council discussions, as well as a note that no comments were received. Council approved the document for transmission to the UN Secretary-General.

The Chair of CWG-Internet presented document C16/DT/12 on the results of the informal discussions convened with regard to the CWG's work (see Council Highlights Issue #3). Council agreed on the points included in the document, which will be reflected in the summary record of the plenary session.

WSIS & SDGs (cont.)

The Chair of the Ad Hoc Group set up to discuss WSIS and the SDGs (see Council Highlights Issue #3) presented the draft resolution found in C16/DT/11, thanking the Secretariat for its support. Following an intervention with regards to the text being potentially restrictive for the ITU's implementation of the 2030 Agenda, a slightly modified version was approved by Council. Following the approval, the Chair of WG-WSIS requested clarifications with regard to the legal validity of the WSIS+10 High Level Event Outcome documents, which will be provided by the Secretariat.

Interpol

BDT presented document C16/71, providing background information on a cooperation agreement between ITU and Interpol. Council was invited to provisionally approve the agreement, and to authorize the Secretary-General to sign it, noting that it has already been signed by Interpol.

Although Councillors supported the relationship between the two organizations, questions were raised concerning the agreement's provisions. The United States proposed that a Council Decision be drafted to commence collaboration, while discussion on the cooperation agreement continues until Council in 2017. The United States was iinvited to set up a drafting group to discuss the matter further, based on the comments of interested countries, and report back to plenary.

Child Online Protection (COP)

Elayne Whyte Gómez, Ambassador of Costa Rica and Vice-Chair of CWG-COP presented document C16/15, summarizing the main results of the tenth and eleventh CWG meetings. Following a question raised by a Councillor, the Vice-Chair commented positively on current stakeholder engagement in the CWG's work, and further encouraged Councillors' support in enhancing the Group's geographical representation, as well as the participation of youth. Council endorsed the report with thanks expressed by Councillors for ITU's work on the issue.

ICTs and youth

The Secretariat presented document C16/20, summarizing ITU's main activities in the area of Youth and ICTs over the 12 months to February 2016, and particularly the inauguration of Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís as ITU Patron for Youth and ICT. Council noted the document.

Council dates

The Secretariat presented document C16/2, concerning the dates and duration of the 2017, 2018, and 2019 sessions of Council. Considering this year's heavy workload, several Councillors favoured extending future sessions by one day, while some recalled budgetary constraints. The Secretariat will present an updated proposal taking into account all comments received in the next plenary on Thursday morning (see below).

Tenth Plenary Meeting

The tenth plenary meeting took place on the morning of Thursday 2 June.

Interpol (cont.)

Following discussions in the ninth plenary meeting (see above), the United States presented the revised draft decision in document C16/TD/14, summarizing cooperation between ITU and Interpol, and instructing the Secretary-General to consult with Interpol to explore ways and means to update the cooperation agreement. The updated agreement should be brought back to Council 2017, where it can be provisionally endorsed, although cooperation with Interpol can still proceed in the interim. Council approved the draft decision.

Council dates (cont.)

Following discussions in the ninth plenary meeting (see above), the Secretariat presented document C16/DT/16, with revised dates for the next sessions of Council (Monday, 15 May to Thursday, 25 May 2017; Wednesday, 18 April to Friday, 27 April 2018; and Monday, 10 June to Thursday, 20 June 2019), extending the 2017 and 2019 sessions by one working day. The budget for 2017 already allows for nine working days for Council, so there is no additional financial impact to extending the Council days in that year. Many Councillors called for enhanced efficiency in Council's working methods to avoid extending the duration of Council sessions. Council approved the document and asked the Secretariat to take into account the comments made in this session in the preparation of the Time Management Plan for Council 2017.

WRC-19

The Secretariat presented document C16/27 on the dates and venue for WRC-19. The United States presented contribution C16/76, concerning CPM dates in particular, and a number of Councillors took the floor to discuss the issue, and notably the dates of CPM19/2. The Chair noted that the dates of the CPM are not part of the decision to be taken by Council; they are only noted in the document. During the following discussion, some Councillors suggested that the time gap between CPM and WRC should be maintained to allow sufficient time to adequately prepare for WRC-19.

Council acknowledged the generous offer by Egypt to host WRC-19. François Rancy, Director of BR, requested certainty on the dates, if not the venue, in order to be able to plan the work of the BR Study Groups most effectively. Council approved the dates and adopted the draft Resolution in Annex B, without the square brackets. Houlin Zhao, Secretary-General, undertook to continue consultations to explore WRC-19 venue possibilities, and will report back to Council in 2017.

ITU conference schedule

The Secretariat presented document C16/37 on the ITU conference schedule (2016-2019) (Res 77, 111), prepared on the basis of consultations with stakeholders. The Chair noted that it should be possible to reduce the next CWG cluster from two weeks to one week (for CWG-Internet, CWG-COP and CWG-WSIS).

Questions focused on the dates for meetings of the EG-ITRs, WTIS and the RPM for the Americas, and the need to avoid clashes with WTSA, WTDC and the Geneva Motor Show (in spring 2017), and the possibility of only holding one cluster of CWG meetings, rather than two. The Chair clarified that EG-ITRs will begin its work in 2017. Council noted the document, taking into account the need to avoid the Motor Show; the need to avoid overlap between RPM and the CWGs; and the proposal for a single cluster of CWG meetings as a long-term goal (although it is too early to reflect this in the schedule).

Special Envoys and Goodwill Ambassadors

The Secretariat presented document C16/10R1 on the feasibility of establishing a programme for Goodwill Ambassadors and Special Envoys. The document gives a general overview of the UN Goodwill Ambassador programme, including existing UN guidelines from 2003 and JIU evaluation from 2006. Such a programme could engage high-profile personalities to raise awareness and improve ITU's profile.

Councillors expressed appreciation for the report, but also noted some concerns over the financial implications of the programme and the lack of cost estimates in the document. Russia suggested that this needed to be decided at the Plenipotentiary level. No decision was taken with regards to the Goodwill Ambassador Programme at Council 2016.

Obsolete Council Resolutions

The Secretariat presented document C16/3 concerning obsolete Council Resolutions and Decisions; Council approved the document.

Eleventh Plenary Meeting

The eleventh and final plenary meeting took place on the afternoon of Thursday 2 June.​

ADM report

Kirill Oparin, the Chair of ADM, presented his report, C16/115. Council approved the recommendations of ADM and adopted the decisions and resolutions contained in the report, one by one, with changes made on certain items. For full details of ADM's work during the 2016 session of Council see Council Highlightspassim…​ 

CWG Chairs

Information document C16/INF/17R2, containing the current CWG Chairs/Vice Chairs and Chair of the newly established EG-ITRs, was noted by Council, with thanks to the Secretary-General for his related consultations with countries.

Conclusion of Council 2016

With Council's business concluded, the Chair presented a highlights video of the 2016 session of Council.

Houlin Zhao, the Secretary-General, gave a closing speech, noting that he was delighted by the great spirit of cooperation that has prevailed at Council 16 over the past week and a half, and was grateful to Council for providing a clear direction for the year ahead. The Secretary-General also welcomed the many new delegates that participated in this Council Session, particularly appreciating the active role of women delegates and the efforts of the Member States. He further highlighted key resolutions and decisions, and looked forward to the major events in the ITU calendar for the rest of the year. Thanks were given to the Chair and Vice Chair of Council, the Chair and Vice-Chairs of ADM, the Chairs of the ad-hoc groups, and the Chairs of the Council Working Groups. The Secretary-General closed his remarks by thanking all Councillors and Delegations for their active contributions and participation in Council 2016, and thanked the ITU staff and interpreters.

The Secretary-General presented an honorary certificate to Bruce Gracie from Canada for his 30-year contribution in the work of ITU. Bruce Gracie thanked the Secretary-General and thanked the Secretariat for assisting him in his role as CWG-FHR Chair since 1998.

The Secretary-General presented the ITU Gold Medal to the Chair for her outstanding contributions to the Union. In her closing remarks, the Chair noted the tremendous help she had in chairing the Council session from the Vice Chair, and the Chair and Vice-Chairs of ADM in particular.

Many Councillors took the floor to congratulate the Chairs of Plenary and ADM, and ITU on the successful conclusion of the 2016 session of Council.

And with that, the Council Highlights team signs off for another year – thanks to all who helped and contributed, and … see you all at Council in 2017!​

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