Global Standards Symposium 2024

GS Paper II International Organizations

The Fifth Global Standards Symposium (GSS-24) concluded recently in New Delhi, marking a significant event in the Asia-Pacific region.

Overview of the Symposium

It is organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by the Department of Telecommunications, this symposium attracted over 1,500 policymakers, innovators, and experts worldwide.
The focus was on the role of international standards in advancing emerging digital technologies and fostering sustainable development.
The outcome document of the symposium lays the foundation for discussion at the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24), which is set to take place from October 15-24, 2024, also in New Delhi.

International Standard: The symposium emphasised that international standards are not merely technical guidelines but moral compasses that guide societal progress.

ITU is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies (ICT).
Established in 1865, ITU is one of the oldest international organisations.
Its primary functions include:
- Setting global standards for telecommunications and ICT to ensure seamless communication across countries.
- Allocating radio frequencies and managing the global satellite orbits.
- Fostering international cooperation in the development and expansion of telecommunications infrastructure.
- Promoting access to ICTs in developing countries to bridge the digital divide.
Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland.
ITU’s Members: Governments, private sector entities, and academic institutions from across the world. There are currently 194 member states of the ITU.

- The need for standards to be inclusive and reflective of diverse regional needs, especially encouraging participation from developing countries was also highlighted.
Digital Transformation: Critical role of international standards as a foundation for global digital transformation. The necessity for a cohesive approach to govern emerging technologies was a focal point, stressing collaboration among nations.
AI and Emerging Technologies: AI Standards summit illustrated how consensus-based standards could catalyse innovation across various sectors.
- There was a significant emphasis on establishing robust international standards for AI governance and addressing the implications of AI and the Metaverse in public services.
Bridging the Standards Gap: Participants discussed strategies to bridge the gap in standards between developed and developing nations, ensuring equitable access to technology.
- This aspect is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) globally.
High-Level Dialogues: Facilitated discussions on the future of innovation and digital infrastructure.
Empowering Open Source: Recognized the importance of open-source software in fostering innovation.

World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly

The WTSA is a key event organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), held every four years.

WTSA primary function is to:

Review ITU’s telecommunication standardisation work and set the strategic direction for future activities.
Develop global standards (known as ITU-T Recommendations) to ensure the interoperability and efficiency of global telecommunication networks.
Address emerging technological trends, such as 5G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Elect leadership for the ITU-T study groups and define the working methods of the Standardization Sector.

The ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 will be hosted in New Delhi, coinciding with GSS-24.
This pivotal event will bring together over 3,000 industry leaders and policymakers to shape the future of global telecommunications standards.
It will focus on next-generation technologies such as 6G, AI, and cybersecurity.

The 8th edition of India Mobile Congress 2024 will showcase India’s innovation ecosystem.
Theme: “The Future is now”.
This event will feature over 400 exhibitors and 900 startups, highlighting advancements in various technologies, including quantum technology, IoT, and green tech.
India Mobile Congress is Asia’s largest digital technology forum.
- It has become a well-known platform across the globe for showcasing innovative solutions, services and state-of-the-art use cases for industry, government, academics, startups and other key stakeholders in the technology and telecom ecosystem.

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