The United Arab Emirates will provide surplus funds from the recent World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) to help implement key decisions on future global connectivity.

The UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) announced the voluntary contribution of 1.9 million Swiss Francs (CHF) to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The contribution represents a surplus from the budget for WRC-23, which took place in Dubai, UAE, late last year.

ITU will use the funds to update global radiocommunication databases and update the software applications and tools provided by the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau (BR) to assist countries around the world in applying for radio frequency assignments in accordance with the newly revised Radio Regulations (2024 Version).

“Putting WRC decisions into practical use is critical for the future of global connectivity, and we are grateful to the UAE and the TDRA for their generous support,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General.

Decisions taken at the conference are critical for future connectivity and digital development worldwide. But the transition to implementation entails a substantial financial commitment over the next four years.

“This donation underscores the UAE’s commitment to advancing global telecommunications, fostering technological innovation, and enhancing connectivity worldwide,” said His Excellency, Eng. Mohammed Al Ramsi, TDRA Deputy Director-General and Chair of WRC-23.

Implementing Radio Regulations updates

WRC-23 updated the ITU Radio Regulations, identifying new spectrum resources to support technological innovation, deepen global connectivity, and enhance safety at sea, in the air, and on land. Those decisions are set to come into force on 1 January 2025.

“Implementing WRC-23 decisions is not optional for administrations and, therefore, it is not optional for the BR,” added Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. “We require about CHF 12.5 million over the next four years to put WRC-23 decisions into action. I thank the TDRA for this timely contribution and emphasize that post-conference funds will always be crucial to put WRC results into effect.”

The conference between 20 November and 15 December 2023 welcomed nearly 4000 delegates from 163 member states. It also set the agenda for the next WRC, set to take place in 2027.

Held every three to four years, World Radiocommunication Conferences review and, as necessary, revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and, for space-based radio services, the associated orbital resources.

Header image: ITU (Mohammed Al Ramsi, TDRA Deputy Director-General and Chair of WRC-23)