WTPF-21 to Highlight how Tech Can Drive Sustainable Development
Geneva, Switzerland, November 9, 2021--The sixth World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum (WTPF-21) will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 16 to 18 December, with the aim of helping countries worldwide move faster to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, without leaving anyone behind.
Hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), the three-day forum will explore solutions to tackle the world's most pressing challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the digital divide.
“WTPF-21 will help foster sustainable development and craft policies that give everyone access to technologies that are safe, attractive and affordable," says ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “What is at stake is the ability to build the infrastructure and policy models required to connect those who remain unconnected and drive the development of emerging technologies that are central to the digital economy."
Where Policy Meets Technology
The Forum will focus on policies for mobilizing emerging technologies for sustainable development. Participants will discuss how new and emerging technologies and trends are enabling the global transition to the digital economy. Themes for consideration include artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, Big Data, and over-the-top services (OTTs).
ITU Members and other stakeholders will come together to exchange views on key policy issues arising from today's fast-changing ICT environment.
Open to all, WTPF-21 will bring together high-level decision-makers from government and industry, along with multiple stakeholders from different perspectives at the nexus of policy and technology.
Strategic dialogue on driving sustainable development
Launching the forum discussions will be a high-level Strategic Dialogue on 16 December 2021 titled, “Emerging technologies: Driving sustainable development".
More about WTPF-21
WTPF-21 provides an occasion to create a shared vision for sustainable development through balanced and considered policies to build a more just, inclusive and sustainable global digital economy.
What: The sixth World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum (WTPF-21) and preceding Strategic Dialogue will be open to media as observers, onsite or remotely, without taking the floor. Registration is carried out individually and exclusively online by each participant, whether for onsite or remote participation.
When: 16 to 18 December 2021. The Forum will be preceded by a Strategic Dialogue opening at 9:30 CEST.
Where: WTPF-21 will be hosted in Geneva, Switzerland at Geneva's International Conference Centre (CICG) with extensive remote participation.
Why: Organized by ITU, the Forum is designed to foster debate, develop fresh insight, and build multi-stakeholder consensus expressed in the form of non-prescriptive concrete policy documents (“Opinions") illustrating a shared vision to guide ongoing global ICT policies, standardization, and development efforts worldwide.
Who: The Forum will welcome the full participation of high-level delegates from ITU's Member States and Sector Members to frame together the Opinions. WTPF-21 is also open to representatives from UN agencies, civil society, associates, academia, the media, and the general public.
Related resources:
- Report by the ITU Secretary-General
- Preparatory process
- ITU thematic backgrounders
