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ITU Regional Workshop on EMF Harmony: Balancing Connectivity, Safety and Tower Location Selection in the Arab Region

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) together with the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman organized the ITU Regional Workshop on EMF Harmony: Balancing Connectivity, Safety and Tower Location Selection in the Arab Region from 13 - 16 May 2024 in the Muscat-Sultanate of Oman. The event was collocated with the ITU-T Study Group 5 Regional Group for the Arab Region and a training on Bridging the Standardization Gap.

In an era in which Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) permeate every aspect of our lives, the importance of building and maintaining safe ICT infrastructure cannot be overstated. The evolution from 4G to 5G brings unprecedented speed, capacity, and connectivity, promising revolutionary advancements. However, with these advancements come the following questions: What is the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on human health and safety? How do we assess this exposure accurately, and what tools do regulators have at their disposal to ensure public safety and trust?

This workshop aimed to address the public concerns on human exposure to EMF by raising awareness, promoting international standards, and by showcasing national efforts in Arab countries. Regulators play a crucial role in ensuring public safety and trust. Together, we can harness the benefits of ICTs while prioritizing safety.

Objectives

Raise awareness of the human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF);
Discuss the legal regulatory requirements for the establishment of telecommunications towers: challenges, difficulties, and proposed solutions;
Explain the impact of urban planning on the Telecoms infrastructure of the ICTs sector, including Telecoms towers;
Provide a comprehensive understanding of ITU's activities and the work of international organizations such as ICRNIP, GSMA and WHO on EMF;
Promote awareness of international recommendations and standards of the EMF;
Highlight national efforts, encouraging collaboration and showcasing public awareness initiatives in Arab countries including interactive demonstrations to provide practical insights into EMF measurement processes;
Provide an overview on how to contribute to the standardization work through a hands-on training on bridging the standardization gap.

Target audience

The workshop targeted a diverse audience, including ICTs policy makers, regulators, industry professionals, health and safety experts, researchers, legislators, and judiciaries interested in EMF related matters.

	Monday 13 May 2024	Tuesday 14 May 2024	Wednesday 15 May 2024	Thursday 16 May 2024
Morning	Opening Ceremony Workshop on Human Exposure to EMF (Part 1) Watch the recording here	Workshop on Human Exposure to EMF (Part 2) Watch the recording here	Workshop on Human Exposure to EMF (Part 3) Watch the recording here	Bridging the Standardization Gap and Closing Ceremony
Afternoon	Bridging the Standardization Gap	SG5RG-ARB Meeting	SG5RG-ARB Meeting	Free
Afternoon	SG5RG-ARB Meeting	SG5RG-ARB Meeting	SG5RG-ARB Meeting	Free