ITU’s top contributors: Germany

Germany is among the leading contributors to the annual budget of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with a current commitment of 25 contributory units – equivalent to CHF 7.95 million (about EUR 8 million or USD 8 million) each year.

As part of this special blog series on ITU’s top contributing Member States, ITU News interviewed Stefan Schnorr, State Secretary in Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, with a portfolio spanning the mobility of people, goods, services, and data.

Prior to his appointment in 2021, he served as Director-General for Digital and Innovation Policy at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and was previously Director-General for IT, Communication and Postal Policies at the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology.

Why does Germany support ITU?

ITU is the only organization established under international law that addresses the technical aspects of telecommunications on a global scale. This gives it a special significance.

ITU’s Radiocommunication Sector plays an essential role in the regional and worldwide harmonization of the allocation of spectrum to radio services – and thus in laying the technical and regulatory foundation for ITU member administrations to implement their national regulations for all terrestrial and space-based radio applications. We appreciate the sector’s assistance in the prevention and resolution of cases of harmful interference between the radio services of different administrations.

ITU’s membership structure is unique among the specialized agencies of the United Nations. ITU members include not only states, but also representatives of industry, research institutions and universities. For us, it is crucial to involve a wide range of stakeholders in relevant discussions within this framework.

How does the work of ITU relate to your strategic initiatives in the broad field of information and communication technologies (ICTs)?

In many ways!

Let me give just one concrete example: Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and fostering human, social and economic development worldwide is an important strategic goal in Germany’s international digital policy agenda. In this regard, we see ITU initiatives as an important way to support developing countries in deploying ICT infrastructure and corresponding services.

That is why the German Federal Government is working with ITU via the GovStack initiative. As the Federal Government’s umbrella project in digital public infrastructure, GovStack aims to help establish digital administrative services in developing countries. As part of the ITU Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, we have pledged to build on this collaboration and to further promote global best practices for government digital architecture.

What specific benefits do you see from your work with ITU, and which ITU activities are most relevant to your country?

With major events like the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum, and through discussions between political and business representatives in the international city of Geneva, ITU provides a key platform to formulate shared objectives.

Preparations for the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) taking place every four years offer a good opportunity to reflect on current or envisaged technological, radio-based ICT developments, as well as to holistically evaluate demands. Each WRC outcome provides the opportunity to pave the way for new futures, while still allowing incumbents to continue their beneficial contributions to modern society.

Can you provide some examples of how new and emerging ICTs are helping to drive sustainable development in your country, your region, or around the world?

It is commonly agreed that innovative ICTs can drive sustainable development worldwide. Studies claim that ICTs can boost the delivery of vital sustainability solutions by 30 per cent. In a fast-changing society, new and emerging ICTs offer the quickest means to adapt, invent, and implement the necessary solutions to address upcoming challenges on an open, scalable level.

Examples range from the collection and analysis of environmental and business data to new business models using digital platforms that enable citizens and economy to participate actively in the green transformation process. Digital tools enable collection and comparison of the environmental impacts of hardware over its life cycle; let us analyse production processes to optimize resource and energy efficiency; and can help users to combine multiple public mobility solutions or optimize their own energy consumption, such as for heating. Municipalities can adapt their public services, energy supply and traffic management based on detailed and real-time demand data.

What do you see as the main ICT industry trends in Germany?

Digitalization and automation, among others, are important trends in Germany. The development of automated and connected driving functions is a key driver for innovation. Digital connectivity and automation will enhance safety, increase efficiency, and reduce negative impacts on the environment. The use of intelligent transport systems is contributing decisively to the digitalization of the mobility sector. It also serves to support autonomous driving.

Automated and connected driving has a disruptive impact on mobility – both for the German automotive industry and for cities and municipalities, by giving rise to new public transport options. Companies from other sectors, such as information technology, are creating a new, dynamic, and innovative environment.

Germany has therefore put in place the necessary national regulatory framework and is the first country in the world to permit automated and connected driving on public roads within the context of normal or routine operations.

Which issues should ITU address as its highest priorities in the coming years?

ITU’s key function in the radiocommunication sector is unique at a global level. The technological and commercial development of the satellite sector will be tremendous in the years ahead.

Almost everyone is eager to enhance mobility, but the interpretations of what is feasible vary. While ITU must take all developments into account, it is the organization that must ensure a sound, fact-based and balanced approach.

When it comes to standardization, ITU needs a vision and a transparent process to focus on key issues concerning the latest technological challenges. This also requires bringing new and relevant stakeholders to the table, including those from emerging countries and sectors. Cooperation with other international standardization organizations and forums, with science, and with industry will be key to strengthen the coherence and efficiency of international standardization.

In the development sector, the main objective is to bring as many of the unconnected – the 2.9 billion people without Internet access – online as fast as possible. The digital transformation presents many opportunities for economic growth and development. But it also places unprecedented demands on connectivity. ITU is an important platform for shaping this process in a sustainable and inclusive way.

How should ITU evolve to meet the changing needs of the ICT industry?

I believe ITU must put special emphasis on key issues in standardization, particularly to meet the changing needs of the business community and ICT industry. As I said before, it is crucial to involve a wide range of stakeholders in discussions within ITU. This will also ensure that the work of ITU is relevant.

Learn more in the backgrounder on how ITU is funded.

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