Special Initiatives

Key Insights

School connectivity/ Giga

  • In line with WTDC Resolution 87, BDT is continuing its effort to connect every school to the Internet and every young person to ICT services, as well as supporting the UNICEF-ITU Giga initiative. A project-based approach has been adopted.
  • As of today, some 70 countries are part of school connectivity-related initiatives, and technical assistance has been provided to more than 35 countries

Connect2Recover

  • Progress was made in the Africa, Arab States and Asia Pacific regions.
  • During the year, emphasis was put on preparedness for National Emergency Telecommunications Plans (NETPs), early warning systems and the  Early Warnings For All (EW4All) initiative in the Africa, Arab States, Asia-Pacific and Europe regions.

Partner2Connect

  • Work continued to focus on matchmaking needs and solutions, through the pledges made, to foster meaningful connectivity and digital transformation worldwide.
  • Matchmaking sessions were held at the ITU Regional Development Forum for the CIS Region, held in March in Astana, Kazakhstan, and at events held during the year in Cambodia, in Mongolia, and China.
  • The next matchmaking round tables will take place in 2025 during the ITU Regional Development Forums.

ITU-FCDO Collaboration

The partnership between ITU and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to provide regulatory support for connectivity in underserved communities and for broader digital inclusion.  Support has included: