Committed to connecting the world

Workshop on Meaningful Connectivity – Regional Actions

Time and place: Wednesday, 10 May 2023 from 09:30 to 10:45 hours, Geneva (Room C, ITU)

This workshop took place in conjunction with ITU-D Study Group 1 Rapporteur Group Question (RGQ) meetings. It was open to non ITU-D Members and the public at large. It addressed the mandate of ITU-D Study Group 1 namely "Enabling environment for meaningful connectivity”. Meaningful connectivity is a level of connectivity that allows users to have a safe, satisfying, enriching and productive online experience at an affordable cost.
More specifically, the workshop looked at how Meaningful connectivity is being achieved at in various regions through innovative approaches by ITU and by other actors. This workshop was facilitated by ITU Regional Offices.

Return to the main ITU-D Study Group 1 page

[09h30 – 09h35 ] Setting the Scene

Speaker/Moderator:
Mr Jaroslaw Ponder, Head of Office for Europe, ITU [Biography]

[09h35 – 09h50] Smart connectivity enabling the access to online services to bridge the digital divide in the Pacific region

This presentation will dive into the relevance of meaningful connectivity, through case studies allowing everyone to utilise key online services - such as medical services, government services, online banking and learning - in their everyday life, and how to guarantee service availability during and after a disastrous event.
Speaker:
Mr Marko Merenheimo, Hexatronics [Biography] [Presentation]

[09h50 – 10h05] Co-creating Solutions for Connecting the Unconnected

The talk will focus on creating sustainable connectivity in underserved areas through regional action. Discover how communities in Colombia, Cape Verde & Cameroon are shaping their own technological future.
Speaker:
Dr Osianoh Glenn Aliu, Defutech [Biography] [Presentation]

Ms Larissa Glidja-Yao, Defutech [Biography]

[10h05 – 10h20] A Multifaceted Approach to Achieving Sustainable and Meaningful Connectivity in Schools and Communities

The ITU intervention addresses challenges and opportunities in providing meaningful, sustainable connectivity, emphasizing innovative thinking, reliable data, and policy shifts. The presentation highlights findings from initiatives like sustainable operating models, Giga, assessment of 886 government funded school broadband projects, and the ITU Universal Service Financing Efficiency Toolkit, underscoring the importance of a multifaceted approach and the interconnectedness of meaningful connectivity and sustainability.
Speaker:
Ms Kagwiria Nkonge, National Project Officer, ITU-FCDO Partnership Kenya [Biography] [Presentation]

[10h20 – 10h35] Policies for productive broadband use for all

This presentation will share relevant findings of the recently published World Bank Group report “Digital Africa report: Technological transformation for Jobs”.
Speaker:
Ms Tania Begazo, Senior Economist, Digital Development Practice, World Bank [Biography] [Presentation]

[10h35 – 10h45] Panel Discussion and Q&A

Moderators:
Mr Jaroslaw Ponder, Head of Office for Europe, ITU and Ms Christine Sund, Senior Advisor, Africa Regional Office, ITU [Biography]