Highlights August 2024
12-23 August
Digital inclusion: Arab States
The ITU Regional Office for the Arab States held a Passing the Torch event which recognized the achievements of outgoing Generation Connect Arab Youth Envoys, welcomed a new cohort, and facilitated knowledge transfer to ensure continuity in regional digital initiatives. Key discussions emphasized the pivotal role of youth in shaping the digital future, fostering community collaboration, and advancing digital transformation in the Arab region. The event underscored ITU's commitment to empowering young digital leaders and building impactful partnerships.
Digital Inclusion: Arab States
The Generation Connect Youth Leadership Programme (GCYLP) Arab Regional Introduction and catch-up meeting served as a valuable platform for discussing ITU’s regional initiatives and the GCYLP projects. The meeting featured presentations of several GCYLP innovative projects aimed at promoting sustainable development. The insights gained will contribute to the ongoing implementation of the GCYLP projects and the ITU youth strategy, fostering a collaborative environment for youth involvement in digital innovation and future digital development initiatives in the Arab region.
Digital inclusion: Asia and the Pacific
The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific contributed to the UN-Civil Society Dialogue on ‘Summit of the Future: Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow’ at the UN Conference Center in Bangkok. The Office’s contribution focused on enhancing cooperation to address pressing issues unique to Thailand, with a particular emphasis on inclusive development, digital inclusion, and gender equality. The event reinforced the commitment of all participants to work collaboratively towards a sustainable and inclusive world, aligning with the goals of the upcoming Summit of the Future.
The Office also participated in the "Asia-Pacific Regional Convening Ahead of Summit of the Future – Young People at the Forefront," held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Office introduced the ITU Youth Strategy, Generation Connect, and the 2022 Youth Call to Action.
Digital inclusion: Asia and the Pacific
ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific participated in the eighth edition of the Healthy Internet Forum Indonesia, specifically in the session, “Creating Technological Impact through Women's Innovation and Collaboration,” organized by ICT Watch. The Forum was dedicated to fostering insightful dialogue and keeping the local ICT community informed about the latest developments in the digital world. The Office delivered a presentation covering its work, the Regional Initiatives for Asia-Pacific, ITU’s strategic plan and framework, as well as various initiatives aimed at empowering the participation of women and girls in the region. ICT Watch and other stakeholders expressed their interest in continuing collaboration with ITU in the future.
Digital services and applications: Asia and the Pacific
Under the European Union-funded Programme for Support to Rural Entrepreneurship, Investment and Trade in Papua New Guinea (EU-STREIT PNG), ITU supported the establishment of a new Resource Centre and Digital Hub in Nuku, West Sepik Province. The new Resource Centre and Digital Hub empowers the local population by connecting them to wider markets and providing essential ICT skills for modern agricultural practices, bridging the gap between local producers and global markets. A comprehensive five-day training program at the Nuku Resource Centre was launched, enhancing the digital skills of local farmers and agripreneurs (agricultural entrepreneurs), boost agricultural productivity, expand market access, and contribute to sustainable economic development. The program also promotes gender equality and youth empowerment.
[This activity is the result of a BDT project. You can find more details of the project here]
Emergency telecommunications: Asia and the Pacific
The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific participated in the first Early Warnings for All (EW4All) National Consultation for the Solomon Islands. A detailed country evaluation under Pillar 3 targeted current gaps in early warning dissemination and information in the Solomon Islands. The gaps were verified with stakeholders from the government, and an activity plan to address these gaps was developed and confirmed with workshop participants. The outcomes targeted in the framework for EW4All for the Solomon Islands include activities to improve governance structure, infrastructure, quality, trust, and an inclusive approach for early warnings message dissemination.
5-9 August
Digital inclusion: Asia and the Pacific
The Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme (GCYLP) Asia and the Pacific Regional meeting was organized by the ITU Regional Office in partnership with Huawei Asia Pacific. Young fellows from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos P.D.R, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and China gathered to discuss their projects, receive valuable guidance and feedback, and explore potential areas for collaboration, networking, and partnership building. The event facilitated productive discussions and provided the fellows with insights into how they could enhance their initiatives and leverage the resources and expertise of ITU and Huawei. The meeting highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in driving innovation and addressing digital challenges in the region.
Digital inclusion: Asia and the Pacific
At the 2024 International Youth Day celebration in the Philippines, organized by Borres Youth Leadership Institute, the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific emphasized the need for continued investment in youth education, skills development, and digital literacy to equip the younger generation with the tools needed to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. The event featured various activities, including youth-led panel discussions, cultural performances, and interactive workshops, all aimed at inspiring and mobilizing youth towards meaningful action and engagement in their communities.
Digital inclusion: Asia and the Pacific
The final session of Girls in ICT Day Thailand 2024, took place at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. The event was co-organised by the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. The event was hosted by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Thailand in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Office of the Basic Education Commission. Over 700 students and teachers in Thailand participated in the digital skills training programmes and activities conducted over the past three months, focusing on Leadership in Digital Transformation, Digital Skills Empowerment, and Experiential Learning Journey.
Emergency telecommunications: Asia and the Pacific
The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific participated as an invited speaker in the 8th ABU Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention. The interventions focused on the ITU products and services under pillar 3 of the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. The usage of AI for Disaster Connectivity Mapping (DCM) and the potential use of AI for EW4All were shared as well as DCM mapping of the Tonga disaster and pilot for mapping the unconnected population in Fiji.
Emergency telecommunications: Asia and the Pacific
The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific moderated a session on "The Role of ICT in Disaster Management: Utilizing ICT for Monitoring, Early Warning, Communications, and Recovery" during the 21st APT Telecommunication/ICT Development Forum (ADF-21). This highlighted the ITU’s lead role for pillar 3 of the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.