Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the third meeting of ITU-D Study Group 1 for the 2022-2025 period.
In September this year, world leaders signed a Pact for the Future, including a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, which very much resonates with ITU’s goal of universal and meaningful connectivity, so, it is encouraging to know we have a global consensus behind us as we get to work!
We are here this week for five main reasons. First, to take stock of the work done by management teams on the seven study questions, under the leadership of Madame Regina Fleur Assoumou Bessou. Secondly, to participate in discussions on the 182 contributions to be presented during this week. Thirdly, to share knowledge through the two sessions taking place later today on enhancing the engagement of women and young delegates in the work of ITU-D Study Group 1 and on Terrestrial Connectivity. Fourthly, we will review the end-of-study-period questionnaire and ensure it captures the information needed. Finally, we are here to network with our 268 fellow participants, representing 65 countries, as well as with ITU staff.
Let me take this opportunity to review some of the progress made so far. In April-May 2024, six workshops were successfully delivered, including one as part of the celebration of Girls in ICT Day. Colleagues also collaborated on workshops to deliver joint deliverables on Satellite Connectivity and on Universal Service Funds.
On 18-20 June, a regional workshop was held in Brasilia, involving a collaboration between Question 6/1 on Consumer Protection and Question 3/2 on Cybersecurity. The workshop was hosted by Anatel in collaboration with our regional office of Americas region, both optimizing resources and generating lasting collaboration.
In early October, we signed a project with the European Commission to the tune of 15 million Euros over four years to advance work in broadband mapping in African countries. The project will initially benefit 11 countries.
Last month, the WTSA 2024 in New Delhi was a great convening opportunity which confirmed the complementarity of ITU-T led Study Groups work with that of ITU-D Study Group 1 on enabling universal meaningful connectivity.
Last week in Malta, BDT organized the Global Innovation Forum in Malta where we reiterated the need for digital ecosystems that have meaningful connectivity at heart.
Another key area of work for BDT is helping countries with their national emergency telecommunications plans. One of the recent preparedness workshops was held for the Caribbean region in Bridgetown, Barbados on 29 to 30 October.
Meanwhile ITU-T, ITU-R and ITU-D are collaborating on the continuing series of workshops on the future of Television. The Europe edition will be here at the ITU premises on Thursday 7 November, with the participation of Question 2.
Let me remind participants in the Americas of the upcoming Accessible Americas 2024 in Mexico City from 12-14 November, featuring experts from Question 7/1.
We are now preparing for the Regional Development Forums and later WTDC-25 in Baku, and we count on your valuable inputs, including your contributions to the TDAG working group on the Future of Study Group Questions. I look forward to your participation in the next e-meeting of the working group on 3 December.
Finally, I would like to share my great appreciation for the work of the entire ITU-D Study Group 1 management team and our Vice Chairs, Rapporteurs and Vice Rapporteurs, and thank you all for your expertise and contributions, which are of utmost significance in our joint effort to meaningfully connect the world.
Thank you.
