By : Basel Khaled
Join ITU as we forge partnerships to connect the world’s 2.9 billion unconnected and re-energize progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goals
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will host its World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) in Kigali, Rwanda, between 6 and 16 June.
This landmark conference is dedicated to driving digital transformation in line with the global Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations. It represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the international community to forge bold and innovative digitally focused strategies to help break down chronic socio-economic development barriers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a sharp spotlight on the importance of Internet access and connectivity to boost economic resilience and ensure social inclusion everywhere.
WTDC, with an emphasis on 'Connecting the Unconnected to Achieve Sustainable Development', aims to adopt a global roadmap for digital transformation and ultimately help put meaningful access to digital technologies in the hands of billions worldwide.
Journalists please note:
Formal UN accreditation is essential to attend onsite and access conference livestreams. Accreditation will close on May 27, and no accreditation will be possible onsite. All members of broadcast crews (including technicians) must be accredited to access the venue.
Mobilizing diverse voices
Normally held every four years, the global conference calls for harnessing the untapped power of digital technologies to accelerate the achievement of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals and ITU's Connect 2030 Agenda.
The conference is expected to attract more than 1,200 participants, including Heads of State, government ministers from around the world, and many other high-level delegates.
For the first time, WTDC will be preceded by the Generation Connect Global Youth Summit, welcoming an estimated 400 young delegates aged 18-29 from around the world, along with up to 5,000 remote participants.
Showcasing pledges and strategies
This year's conference also features a roundtable series under the Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition, a new public-private partnership initiative bringing together companies, non-governmental organizations, development financing bodies, academia and research institutions, along with other stakeholders from across the digital ecosystem.
Participants are set to debate effective digital development strategies, as well as showcase key pledges and commitments to connect the world. More than 120 pledges and commitments are expected to be announced at these sessions.
What: ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference
When: Generation Connect Global Youth Summit: 2-4 June
World Telecommunication Development Conference: 6-16 June
Generation Connect Opening Press Conference: 2 June
WTDC Opening Press Conference and launch of ITU's Global Connectivity Report 2022: 6 June
Where: Kigali Convention Centre, Republic of Rwanda. Please register here.
Why: The WTDC conference will adopt the Kigali Declaration and Action Plan, a global roadmap for national, regional, and global digital development. This is the first WTDC happening in Africa since the establishment of ITU's Development Sector in 1992.
Who: Government leaders and experts, the private sector, international and regional organizations, development banks, academia, other ITU Development Sector members, and youth delegates.
Similar to nationals of all countries, any international media participant intending to cover the event onsite can receive a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport, and all land borders, for a fee of US$50. The visa fee is waived for a visit of up to 30 days for citizens of countries which are members of the African Union, the Commonwealth and La Francophonie. More information is available here
