Introduction
The metaverse promises to transform the way we communicate and interact using digital technologies, opening new opportunities for consumers, industries, and cities. The first Special Session of the ITU Focus Group on metaverse took place in the Room BAOBAB, Arusha, Tanzania on 12 September 2023. This Special Session provided an open platform for the African region to discuss their unique metaverse challenges and opportunities, to ensure that the metaverse is developed for the benefit of all.
Target audience:
Participation in the Special Session of ITU Focus Group on metaverse was open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates and Academic Institutions and to any individual from a country that is a member of ITU and who wished to contribute to the work. This included individuals who are also members of international, regional and national organizations. This event was free of charge.
Programme
14:30 – 14:40 Welcome Remarks
- Seizo Onoe, Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU
14:40 – 16:00 Focus Group overview
The ITU-T Focus Group on metaverse was established on 16 December 2022 to develop in an open and collaborative environment a standardization roadmap for the metaverse. Following its meetings in Riyadh and Shanghai, the Focus Group through its nine Working Groups is developing a set of technical reports and technical specifications on metaverse related topics. These Working Groups are examining different aspects of the metaverse ranging from security, infrastructure, policy and regulation, accessibility, and sustainability, just to name a few. This special session provided an overview of the work of the Focus Group, its various Working Groups, and how experts can join and contribute to this important initiative.
Moderator: Emmanuel Manasseh, Vice-chairman, ITU-T Study Group 20
Speakers:
- Shin-Gak Kang, Chairman, Focus Group on metaverse (FG-MV) [Presentation]
- Vincent Affleck, Co-chairman, FG-MV Working Group 6 on Security, Data & Personally identifiable information (PII) Protection [Presentation]
- Yong Jick Lee, Co-chairman, FG-MV Task Group on accessibility & inclusion (Working Group 8) [Presentation]
- Stella Kipsaita, Co-chairman, FG-MV Working Group 9 on Collaboration [Presentation]
Q&A
16:00 – 16:25 Virtual exhibition: The FG-MV in the metaverse
Moderators:
- Radia Funna, Futurist and creator of the xHuman theory
- Yining Zhao, Junior Communication Officer, ITU
Speakers:
- Alyssa Keast, Virtual Experience Consultant, Virbela
- Sarah Segrest, Virtual Urban Planner, Virbela Open Campus
Q&A
16:25 – 16:30 Closing Remarks
- Shin-Gak Kang, Chairman, Focus Group on metaverse (FG-MV)
Related information
- Organized by: International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Hosted by: Tanzania
- Date: 12 September 2023
- Venue: Room BAOBAB, Gran Meliá Arusha, Arusha, Tanzania
- Contact: Ms Cristina Bueti (tsbfgmv@itu.int)
- Other ITU events in Tanzania
Documentation and registration
