Background
ITU is hosting the quadrennial World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) scheduled in Delhi, India, from 15-24 October 2024. As the flagship conference of ITU's standardization (ITU-T) sector, WTSA defines the general policy for the ITU-T Sector, establishes the study groups, approves their expected work programme for the next four-year period, and appoints chairmen and vice‑chairmen.
As part WTSA 2024, a number of related events will be held that may be of interest to ITU's academia members in the Asia-Pacific region. This includes:
Of note is the ITU Kaleidoscope event from 21-23 October 2024. The Kaleidoscope 2024 - Innovation and digital transformation for a sustainable world is the fifteenth in a series of peer-reviewed academic conferences organized by ITU to bring together a wide range of views from universities, industry and research institutions. The aim of Kaleidoscope is to foster collaboration and discussion on emerging trends in technologies for a digital and sustainable transformation that can benefit humanity.
The theme of the fifteenth edition of the ITU Kaleidoscope academic conference captures the ongoing global efforts to harness the power of technology for positive and sustainable change.
Kaleidoscope 2024 calls for original, academic papers exploring technological innovation and digital transformation's implications for policy, regulation, legal and ethical frameworks, the economy, and society. Emphasis is placed on how international ICT standards contribute to achieving the UN SDGs.
In this context and building on Kaleidoscope 2024, there is a need to deepen the collaboration between ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and ITU academia members and stakeholders. To close the digital divide, it is required to leverage both academia's cutting-edge research opportunities from faculty and researchers, as well as the innovation of youth and students in advancing digital development.
Additionally, under the ITU Development Sector (ITU-D), a number of upcoming activities and new projects are being organized at the global and regional levels that can harness academia participation. This includes (but is not limited to):
Therefore, it is proposed to convene 1st Meeting of ITU Academia Informal Working Group Meeting in Asia and the Pacific to highlight potential partnerships linked to the work of the ITU throughout Asia-Pacific. Specific partnership modalities could include (but are not limited to):
- Creating a youth competition for ITU Academia member students
- Partnering with ITU Academia to develop courses, including through ITU's Academy platform (https://academy.itu.int/)
- Partnership modalities with ITU Regional Office, including research and internship opportunities.
Meeting objectives
This meeting is being organized to update the ITU academia members about upcoming events, projects, and potential academia collaboration with ITU Regional Office.
The meeting will also allow for the Academia Informal Working Group contact lists to be refreshed should there be interest in joining this meeting.
