Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

1. Responding to the multiple crises, has the governing body of your organization taken any decisions or adopted any new strategies to enhance effective delivery of sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions and to reinforce the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and poverty eradication? 

Member States reached consensus on actions to ensure that digital technology reaches and benefits people across the world at its Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 (PP-22), the highest decision-making body of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), held in Bucharest, Romania, between 26 September and 14 October 2022.  

PP-22 adopted ITU's strategic and budget plans for 2024-2027. ITU's four-year strategy highlights key priorities for radiocommunication, standardization and development work aimed at connecting the world, driving an inclusive global digital transformation, and helping achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.

Key decisions and resolutions (Final Acts) agreed at the conference included resolutions on:

•    Applying artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for good
•    Confidence-building and sustainable development in outer space
•    Empowering women and girls through digital transformation
•    Frequency assignments by military radio installations for national defence services
•    How new technologies can mitigate, rather than exacerbate, the climate crisis
•    How technologies can protect against global pandemics
•    The Internet of Things (IoT) for smart and sustainable cities and communities 

***
•    RESOLUTION 25 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) Strengthening the ITU regional presence. 
•    RESOLUTION 71 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) Strategic plan for the Union for 2024-2027 
•    RESOLUTION 101 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) Internet Protocol-based networks 
•    RESOLUTION 102 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) ITU's role with regard to international public policy issues pertaining to the Internet and the management of Internet resources, including domain names and addresses. 
•    RESOLUTION 136 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) Use of telecommunications/information and communication technologies for humanitarian assistance and for monitoring and management in emergency and disaster situations, including health-related emergencies, for early warning, prevention, mitigation, and relief. 
•    RESOLUTION 137 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) Deployment of future networks in developing countries 
•    RESOLUTION 139 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) Use of telecommunications/information and communication technologies to bridge the digital divide and build an inclusive information society. 
•    RESOLUTION 140 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) ITU's role in implementing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as in their follow-up and review processes. 
•    RESOLUTION 179 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) ITU's role in child online protection 
•    RESOLUTION 182 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) Role of telecommunications/information and communication technologies in regard to climate change and the protection of the environment 
•    RESOLUTION 184 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) Facilitating digital inclusion initiatives for Indigenous peoples. 
•    RESOLUTION 198 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) Empowerment of youth through telecommunication/information and communication technology 
•    RESOLUTION 200 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) Connect 2030 Agenda for global telecommunication/information and communication technology, including broadband, for sustainable development. 
•    RESOLUTION 204 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) Use of information and communication technologies to bridge the financial inclusion gap. 
•    RESOLUTION 205 (REV. BUCHAREST, 2022) ITU's role in fostering telecommunication/information and communication technology-centric innovation to support the digital economy and society. 
•    RESOLUTION 214 (BUCHAREST, 2022) Artificial intelligence technologies and telecommunications/information and communication technologies 
•    RESOLUTION 218 (BUCHAREST, 2022) ITU's role in the implementation of the "Space2030" Agenda: space as a driver of sustainable development, and its follow-up and review process 
 

2. In the past year, has your organization organized any intergovernmentally mandated conferences, forums or events that contributed to the achievement of the SDGs, or in the process of planning and organizing any such mandated events to be held next year?

Event Name:

World Radiocommunication Conference 2023

Event Dates:

13 to 17 November 2023

Event Location (City, Country):

Dubai, UAE

Relevant SDGs:

Radiocommunications impact all SDGs, more directly SDG 9 on infrastructure

Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s)

Radiocommunication Assemblies (RA) consider and approve draft Recommendations on the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits.

Website (if applicable)

https://www.itu.int/ra-23/

Event Name:

World Radiocommunication Conference 2023

Event Dates:

20/Nov – 15/Dec 2023

Event Location (City, Country):

Dubai, UAE

Relevant SDGs:

Radiocommunications impact all SDGs, more directly SDG 9 on infrastructure

Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s)

World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC) review, and, if necessary, revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits.

Website (if applicable)

https://www.itu.int/wrc-23/

 

Event Name:

ITU’s webinar series on Digital transformation

Event Dates:

2021-to present

Event Location (City, Country):

Virtual

Relevant SDGs:

17 SDGs

Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s)

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), together with other organizations and UN agencies, is organizing a series of webinars on “Digital Transformation” running from September 2021.

 

This Webinar Series forms an ideal vehicle for investigating the expanding role of digital transformation in driving innovation, sustainable growth and inclusion as well as responding to crisis situations. With the pandemic accelerating the adoption of digital technologies in both public and private sectors, it is pertinent that the world at large revaluates its smart strategies in order to connect to the new priorities while limiting their exposure to recurring global challenges.

 

These webinars discuss topics related to cross-sectoral digital transformation and related standardization activities. The goal of this webinar series is to increase the collaboration with global stakeholders and it also aims to bring new knowledge which may contribute to ITU-T standardization activities in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda.

Key Highlights from the 2022 Webinar Series on Digital Transformation is available in the Outcome Document found Here.

Website (if applicable)

https://www.itu.int/cities/standards4dt/  

 

Event Name:

STI Forum Side event on Building the pathway to sustainable digital transformation

Event Dates:

2 May 2023

Event Location (City, Country):

Virtual

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 6, 11, 13

Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s)

This webinar was part of ITU’s webinar series on Digital transformation.

This webinar addressed and highlighted the promising developments in science, technology, and innovation for accelerating progress towards SDGs. This session explored how the ICT sector can help accelerate sustainable digital transformation at all levels. It provided an overview of the importance of circular products and the circular economy. The sessions also described the advancements made in greening digital networks, followed by a discussion on how the ICT sector can reach Net Zero. 

Website (if applicable)

https://www.itu.int/cities/standards4dt/ep23/

 

Event Name:

STI Forum Side event on Building back smarter and more sustainable cities through the United for Smart Sustainable Cities Initiative

Event Dates:

3 May 2023

Event Location (City, Country):

Virtual

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 9, 11, 17

Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s)

This webinar was part of ITU’s webinar series on Digital transformation.

This webinar explored how digital solutions can support cities and how they can be scaled up quickly to accelerate transformations across the globe. This webinar explored and highlighted the importance of global UN initiatives such as the United for Smart Sustainable Cities Initiative (U4SSC) and how it provides a platform to support cities managing rapid technological change.

Website (if applicable)

https://www.itu.int/cities/standards4dt/ep24/

 

Event Name:

STI Forum Side event on Leveraging the metaverse in cities to achieve the SDGs

Event Dates:

4 May 2023

Event Location (City, Country):

Virtual

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17

Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s)

This webinar was part of ITU’s webinar series on Digital transformation.

This webinar explored how digital solutions can support cities and how they can be scaled up quickly to accelerate transformations across the globe. This webinar explored and highlighted the importance of global UN initiatives such as the United for Smart Sustainable Cities Initiative (U4SSC) and how it provides a platform to support cities managing rapid technological change.

Website (if applicable)

https://www.itu.int/cities/standards4dt/ep25/

 

Event Name:

ITU Forums on metaverse

Event Dates:

7 March 2023; 7 July 2023; 13 September 2023

Event Location (City, Country):

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Shanghai, China; Arusha, Tanzania

Relevant SDGs:

SDG9

Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s)

The objective of the forums were ​to stimulate global dialogue on metaverse, providing a platform to:

  • explore challenges and opportunities for an accessible, sustainable, and inclusive metaverse;
  • foster the development of interoperability standards for an open and inclusive metaverse, and accelerate their development;​
  • debate the role of metaverse in transforming consumer experiences and business models across industries;
  • discuss how metaverse can be used to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and accelerate digital transformation; ​
  • provide inputs and discuss relevant topics that can help accelerate the work of the ITU Focus Group on metaverse. 

Website (if applicable)

https://www.itu.int/metaverse/meetings-events/  

 

Event Name:

7th meeting of the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) Initiative

Event Dates:

20​​ June 2023

Event Location (City, Country):

Virtual

Relevant SDGs:

SDG11

Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s)

The main objectives of the meeting were to:

  • Provide an update on the work of the U4SSC Thematic Groups;
  • Present the latest U4SSC publications;
  • Present the latest U4SSC KPIs Implementation worldwide;
  • Present the activities of the U4SSC Hub;
  • Approve the appointment of the new U4SSC Management Team;
  • Discuss new U4SSC activities and approve the U4SSC Annual Work Plan (2023-2024).

Website (if applicable)

https://u4ssc.itu.int/latest-meetings/7th-meeting/

 

Event Name:

HLPF Forum side event on Exploring the metaverse: A New World of Possibilities for Cities and Communities

Event Dates:

13 July 2023

Event Location (City, Country):

Virtual

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 9, 11

Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s)

This session featured a diverse mix of countries and experts to ensure geographic and gender balance. It highlighted examples of how cities are already using the metaverse to promote sustainable development, foster innovation and create new opportunities for their inhabitants.

Website (if applicable)

https://www.itu.int/cities/hlpf-side-event-metaverse-cities/

 

Event Name:

WSIS Forum 2023

Event Dates:

13-17 March 2023 Hybrid Week

Virtual Workshops in April and May 2023

 

Event Location (City, Country):

Geneva, Switzerland

Relevant SDGs:

All 17 SDGs

Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s)

The UN General Assembly Resolution 56/183 (21 December 2001) endorsed the holding of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in two phases. The first phase took place in Geneva from 10 to 12 December 2003 and the second phase took place in Tunis, from 16 to 18 November 2005.

The goal of WSIS is to achieve a common vision, desire and commitment to build a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented information society where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information. Through the Summit’s first phase in 2003, a framework for an inclusive information society was created as set out in the Geneva Plan of Action.

 

Since 2015, the WSIS Process and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are being aligned by stakeholders to integrate information and communication technologies (ICTs) into their approaches in implementing the activities/initiatives to support the goals of the 2030 Agenda. In line with UN Resolution А/70/1 and Resolution А/70/125, ITU, UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD, in collaboration with more than 30 UN agencies, are continuously working towards strengthening the alignment of the WSIS Process implementation activities with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, thereby highlighting the direct linkages between WSIS Action Lines and SDGs.

Website (if applicable)

https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/forum/2023/

Event Name:

WSIS Forum 2023

Event Dates:

13-17 March 2023 Hybrid Week

Virtual Workshops in April and May 2023

 

Event Location (City, Country):

Geneva, Switzerland

Relevant SDGs:

All 17 SDGs

Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s)

The UN General Assembly Resolution 56/183 (21 December 2001) endorsed the holding of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in two phases. The first phase took place in Geneva from 10 to 12 December 2003 and the second phase took place in Tunis, from 16 to 18 November 2005.

The goal of WSIS is to achieve a common vision, desire and commitment to build a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented information society where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information. Through the Summit’s first phase in 2003, a framework for an inclusive information society was created as set out in the Geneva Plan of Action.

 

Since 2015, the WSIS Process and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are being aligned by stakeholders to integrate information and communication technologies (ICTs) into their approaches in implementing the activities/initiatives to support the goals of the 2030 Agenda. In line with UN Resolution А/70/1 and Resolution А/70/125, ITU, UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD, in collaboration with more than 30 UN agencies, are continuously working towards strengthening the alignment of the WSIS Process implementation activities with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, thereby highlighting the direct linkages between WSIS Action Lines and SDGs.

Website (if applicable)

https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/forum/2023/

 

Event Name:

SDG Digital

Event Dates:

17 September 2023

Event Location (City, Country):

New York, USA

Relevant SDGs:

All 17 SDGs

Description (max 150 words): please include a short summary of the event’s mandate and contributions to the SDGs, including its main outcome(s)

SDG Digital was organised in conjunction with the 2023 SDG Summit hosted by the United Nations General Assembly to mark the mid-point on the road to 2030.

 

Digital technologies are key to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This was the moment to take stock of achievements, gaps, and opportunities, catalyse action, and step up digital support for the 2030 Agenda.

 

As part of the SDG Action Weekend, the event focused on bringing digital SDG solutions to scale, including through new High Impact Initiatives for sustainable, inclusive digital transformation.

Website (if applicable)

https://www.itu.int/initiatives/sdgdigital/

 

 

3. In the past year, has your organization published or planned to publish any analytical work or guidance note or toolkits to guide and support the implementation of SDGs at national, regional and global levels?  Please select up to three to highlight, especially those that address interlinkages among the SDGs.  

Resource Name

Toolkit on Digital Transformation for People-Oriented Cities and Communities

Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals)

SDG 2, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13

Publishing entity/entities

Developed by ITU in close collaboration with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); International Energy Agency (IEA); United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA); United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat); International Water Resources Association (IWRA), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE); World Meteorological Organization (WMO); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNUEGOV), United Nations Environment Programme and Technical University of Denmark (UNEP DTU), Copenhagen Center of Energy Efficiency (CCEE), United 4 Efficiency (U4E). 

Target audience

  • All relevant stakeholders who want to know how to implement smart digital solutions to address the most pressing urban issues
  • Government managers, city planners, and administrators.
  • Trainers of smart sustainable city technologies, platforms and solutions in cities.
  • Technology procurement officials, technology suppliers, and developers who design smart sustainable city networks, platforms, apps and solutions.
  • Policy-level staff in government or non-governmental organizations who are in a position to influence policy development and resource allocation for urban projects.
  • Social and community professionals or advocates working with neighbourhoods and communities in cities on revitalization and revamp projects.

Description (max 150 words)

The Toolkit on Digital Transformation for People-Oriented Cities and Communities supports strategizing and planning the digital transformation of cities and communities to promote sustainable, inclusive, resilient and improved quality of life for residents in cities and communities.

 

The resources contained in this Toolkit include international standards and guidance, the latest research and projections, and cutting-edge reports on a variety of timely topics relevant to the digital transformation of cities and communities. The Toolkit can universally benefit cities and communities, as well as regions and countries regardless of their level of smart or digital development, or their geographical or economic status. ​

Language(s)

English

Website (if applicable)

https://toolkit-dt4c.itu.int/ 

 

Resource Name

United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) Deliverables

Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals)

SDG11

Publishing entity/entities

ITU, UNECE, UN-Habitat, CBD, ECLAC, FAO, UNDESA, UNDP, UNECA, UNESCO, UNEP, UNEP-FI, UNFCCC, UNIDO, UNOP, UNU-EGOV, UN-Women, UNWTO and WMO.

Target audience

City leaders, policy makers, city planners and related stakeholders, such as private sectors and academia representatives.

Description (max 150 words)

The U4SSC thematic groups develop action plans, technical specifications, case studies, guidelines and offer policy guidance for cities to become smarter and more sustainable while accelerating their digital transformation.

Language(s)

English

Website (if applicable)

https://u4ssc.itu.int/publications/

 

Resource Name

Reports on ITU’s implementation of the U4SSC KPIs

Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals)

SDG11

Publishing entity/entities

ITU and City

Target audience

City leaders, policy makers, city planners and related stakeholders, such as private sectors and academia representatives.

Description (max 150 words)

The progress that U4SSC cities make on their smartness and sustainability pathways is quantified, measured, reported and monitored through the initiative’s flagship U4SSC KPIs for Smart Sustainable Cities project.

As a result of the successful implementation of the U4SSC KPIs, a report is developed.

Language(s)

English

Website (if applicable)

https://u4ssc.itu.int/u4ssc-kpis-report/

 

Resource Name

ITU Contribution to the Implementation of the WSIS Outcomes: 2023

Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals)

All 17 SDGs

Publishing entity/entities

International Telecommunication Union

Target audience

Government, Private Sector, Academia/ Technical Community, International Organizations and Civil Society

Description (max 150 words)

ITU Contribution to the Implementation of the WSIS Outcomes: 2023 is a comprehensive report on the ITU activities in context of WSIS carried out by the Union in 2023. The Report provides detailed information on the key WSIS related initiatives and activities carrie​​d out by the three sectors of the Union (Standardization, Radiocommunication and the Development Sector) and the General Secr​etari​​at. The Report provides updates on the tasks carried out by the ITU at the operational and policy level, covering all assigned mandates with reference to the WSIS Process.

Language(s)

English

Website (if applicable)

https://www.itu.int/en/itu-wsis/Pages/Contribution.aspx

 

 

Resource Name

SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda

Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals)

All

Publishing entity/entities

ITU, UNDP, BCG, IDB

Target audience

Governments, Private Sector

Description (max 150 words)

This SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda shaped by ITU and UNDP, in collaboration with IDB and BCG, highlights the wide-ranging importance of digital technologies and data. From digital skills to governance and regulations, financing, infrastructure, safety and security, content, applications and services. With a range of real-world examples, it shows how game-changing digital solutions can accelerate progress in climate action, education, hunger, poverty and the role of data and digital technologies in achieving at least 70% of the 169 SDG targets.

Language(s)

English

Website (if applicable)

https://www.sdg-digital.org/accelerationagenda

 

4. In connection with the 2023 SDG Summit, the United Nations development system announced 12 High-Impact Initiatives where transformative progress is possible despite challenging global circumstances. Please share if your organization is contributing to any of these High Impact Initiatives and how various actors are being rallied behind them to mobilize further leadership and investment to bring progress to scale.  

HII: Digital Public Infrastructure (Scaling inclusive and open digital ecosystems for the SDGs)

  • ITU is co-leading this HII with UNDP
  • The WSIS Forum 2023 organized the first edition of the WSIS Digital Service Design Special Prize Co-organized by ITU, GovStack Initiative, WSIS community to recognize and highlight innovative and impactful government service designs that address a citizen/resident need(s) through improving, innovating, or developing government processes, and are designed for scalability, extensibility, and adaptability to a variety of generic workflows.

With 50 submissions, the WSIS Digital Service Design Special Prize gathered best practices from every continent. Projects ranged from local, regional, to national level services, and tackled topics from facilitating digital and physical trade, more effective government meetings, supporting new mothers, digital identity, online payments, and more. The diversity of applications reflected the diversity of needs and innovations to enable digital government services.

The e-Governance Agency of Moldova won in the prize in 2023. Their framework contains a collection of visual components and integration libraries that enables rapid design and development of digital government services front-offices.

 

HII: FutureGov (Building public sector capabilities for the future)

  • The WSIS Forum 2023 Hackathon on Advancing the Digital Economy by Leveraging Emerging Technologies (Digital GovHack) was jointly organised by ITU, WSIS, and Digital Government Authority (DGA) of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With more than 1000 participants representing over 60 Countries, The DigitalGov Hackathon aimed to contribute to building the GovTech of tomorrow and help ensure a better future for us, all in line with the WSIS Action Lines and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The virtual hackathon addressed four challenge areas, namely (i) immersive public services; (ii) empowering young talent; (iii) productivity in the public workspace; and (iv) financial sustainability. More information on the WSIS Forum 2023 Hackathon available here.

 

HII: Transforming Education (Learning to build a better future for all)

  • ITU is supporting this HII via Giga with a focus on connecting every school to the internet

 

5. In addition to the above, has your organization been part of any other initiatives or multi-stakeholder partnerships that enhance effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions and reinforce the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially in the areas of SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG13 (climate action), SDG16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), SDG17 (partnerships for the goals), which will go under in-depth review at the HLPF in 2024, or related to the Secretary-General’s proposals in Our Common Agenda?  

Initiative/Partnership Name

United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) Initiative

Partners (please list all partners)

Coordinated by ITU, UNECE and UN-Habitat, and supported by CBD, ECLAC, FAO, UNDESA, UNDP, UNECA, UNESCO, UNEP, UNEP-FI, UNFCCC, UNIDO, UNOP, UNU-EGOV, UN-Women, UNWTO and WMO.

Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals)

SDG11

Member States benefiting from it

Open to all interested parties

Description (max 150 words)

The United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) is a global initiative that provides an international platform for information exchange and partnership building to guide cities and communities in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The U4SSC supports cities on their digital transformation journey in order to meet their goals and targets and create the cities and communities of tomorrow.

Website

https://u4ssc.itu.int/

 

Initiative/Partnership Name

WSIS Forum 2023: Mayors Track

Partners (please list all partners)

Geneva Cities Hub, International Telecommunication Union

Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals)

SDG 9, SDG 13, SDG 11,

Member States benefiting from it

Government (Local Communities and Mayors)

Description (max 150 words)

The Mayors track at the WSIS Forum 2023, co-organized by ITU and Geneva Cities Hub, provided an opportunity to discuss how smart cities are the drivers of innovative sustainable development and enablers to respond to challenges related to climate change and achievement of the SDGs. Mayors presented concrete projects and local achievements on scalable and replicable good practices of digital solutions for climate change adaptation and energy transition. They also interacted during a multistakeholder High-Level Dialogue engaging with High-Level 15 representatives from the private sector, UN organizations and the civil society on ways to accelerate digital transformation and building more resilient cities.

Website

https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/forum/2023/Agenda/Session/400

https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/forum/2023/Agenda/Session/350

 

Initiative/Partnership Name

Partner2Connect Digital Coalition

Partners (please list all partners)

ITU, Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, UN-OHRLLS

Relevant SDGs (list all relevant goals)

All 17 SDGs

Member States benefiting from it

All

Description (max 150 words)

Partner2Connect (P2C) is a multistakeholder alliance launched in 2021 that aims to serve as a leadership level platform to engage all stakeholders to mobilize and announce new resources, partnerships, and commitments to foster meaningful connectivity and digital transformation globally, with a focus on but not limited to hardest-to-connect communities in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

 

The aim of P2C is to advance universal and meaningful connectivity globally as well as sustainable digital transformation. As proved at SDG Digital, connectivity and digital technologies can advance all of the SDGs and that is the ultimate goal of p2C.

 

 P2C aligns with the UN SG Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, Kigali Action Plan, ITU’s Regional Initiatives, the WSIS Action Lines and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Website

https://www.itu.int/partner2connect/

 

6. In the Political Declaration adopted at the 2023 SDG Summit, Member States committed to using the review of the high-level political forum at the 78th session of the General Assembly to further strengthen the follow-up and review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, harnessing data to track progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and targets, strengthening analysis of the interlinkages across the Goals and targets, including policy implications of their synergies and trade-offs. Please provide your organization’s recommendations, if any, in this regard.

• Strengthen follow-up and review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda at HLPF
        • Harnessing data to track progress in implementation
        • Strengthening analysis of the interlinkages across Goals and targets, including policy implications of their synergies and trade-offs
        • Other suggestions   

WSIS recommendations to further strengthen and follow-up the implementation of the 2030 Agenda

  • It is critical to continue prioritizing ICTs as a key enabler of development.

  • WSIS Forum continues to be a key platform for multistakeholder networking and collaboration to develop inclusive and development-oriented information and knowledge societies. It provides an inclusive platform for stakeholders to address ICT for development issues through a structured and inclusive approach. It is recommended to strengthen the WSIS Forum as a key platform for discussing the role of ICTs as a means of implementation of the SDGs and targets.

  • WSIS Forum promotes and showcases projects and initiatives from the ground that are making social, economic and environmental impact through the annual WSIS Prizes contest and the WSIS Stocktaking Publications, it is recommended that these case studies are appropriately used for evidence-based policy making highlighting the linkages between WSIS Action Lines and SDGs.

  • It is recommended that the discussions and outcomes of the high-level segment of the WSIS Forum is used as an input for cross sectoral discussions by policy makers on strengthening the key role of ICTs in strategies and implementation.

  • Strengthening collaboration with the UN Regional Commissions, regional organizations/ initiatives WSIS Forum provides opportunities to build regional capacities on the WSIS and its alignment with 2030 Agenda.

  • Exploring better interlinkages at the policy and implementation level between the WSIS Forum and the follow up process for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development, by the respective Secretariats.

  • The WSIS process provides a framework for the ICT ecosystem through the WSIS Action Lines and the WSIS-SDG Matrix to align WSIS efforts with the SDGs. The interlinkage between WSIS Action Lines and the SDGs and targets can be a reference for ongoing processes, such as the UN SG’s Our Common Agenda, Global Digital Compact, etc.

  • The value and principles of the WSIS model of multistakeholder cooperation and engagement have been fundamental to the development of the information and knowledge societies, and to the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines and the SDGs. WSIS special initiatives such as the WSIS Stocktaking Repository of Women in Technology, the WSIS Multi-stakeholder Alliance on ICTs and Older Persons, and the WSIS Generation Connect Youth Prize, embody the spirit of the WSIS Forum.

  • All stakeholders should contribute to the upcoming WSIS+20 review (and beyond 2025), that will take stock the achievements of the WSIS process and identify the opportunities and challenges in implementing the WSIS Action Lines.

 

ECESA Plus Member
ITU
Year of submission: 2023