Today, digital technologies have taken root worldwide. 

Over the past 10 years, the internet has become the global backbone for nearly every aspect of modern social and economic life. 

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the 160-year-old agency responsible for cooperation on a vast array of communication technologies, has set out to ensure resilient and sustainable digital access for all.

ITU – with 194 Member States and over one thousand industry, academia and civil society members – continues shaping the future of telecommunications, managing radio spectrum allocations, setting international technical standards, and promoting digital inclusion for underserved communities worldwide.

Digital infrastructure for all

Today, about two-thirds of the world’s population uses the internet, up from less than half in 2015. The COVID-19 pandemic underlined the need for connectivity in all parts of the world, as internet disruptions can trigger knock-on effects that could compromise energy and electricity, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and water supply, as well as emergency response capabilities.

ITU’s Digital Infrastructure Investment Initiative, launched with six development finance institutions in cooperation with Brazil’s G20 presidency in 2024, aims to galvanize public and private sector investments to bridge an estimated $1.6 trillion investment gap and bring resilient digital connectivity to everyone worldwide.

Resilient connectivity

Submarine cables carry 99% of the world’s international data traffic, enabling financial transactions, cloud computing, government communications and other critical services. The world’s 500+ active and planned cable systems are subject to risks from fishing, boat traffic and anchoring, seabed activity, earthquakes and other natural hazards, as well as ageing. Yet, fragmented policies and regulatory frameworks hinder regular maintenance as well as cable security.

The new International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience – formed by ITU and the International Cable Protection Committee in late 2024 – aims to strengthen global dialogue on cable resilience and help protect this vital digital infrastructure.

Space economy

As more and more satellites are launched, Earth’s orbital space is becoming crowded. ITU has served as the unique custodian of the world’s finite radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits since 1906. By enabling spacecraft to operate and satellite systems to deliver vital services without harmful radio interference, ITU’s radiocommunication work provides the crucial foundation for multimillion-dollar space investments.

To keep space viable for future generations, ITU is working closely with governments, space agencies, the private sector and fellow UN agencies to promote efficient, sustainable utilization of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits, as well as continued space exploration for the benefit of humanity.

Green digitalization

ITU is making sure countries and organizations worldwide can leverage the power of digital technologies to support climate action. At the same time, the organization is tackling the climate impact of digital technologies head on.

For the past two years, ITU has actively mobilized partners to monitor and reduce tech-related emissions, adopt green standards, build circular economies, enhance emergency telecommunications, and promote green computing. The Green Digital Action initiative has brought together over 50 governments, businesses, international organizations, and civil society, in this mounting push for green practices across the global industry.

The Declaration on Green Digital Action, unveiled at the recent UN climate change conference, COP29, received endorsements from more than 75 countries and nearly 1,800 companies, research institutes and other organizations around the world.

Leveraging AI for humanity

Artificial Intelligence can drive progress across virtually all areas of socio-economic development, from agriculture and manufacturing to education and health. ITU’s latest ‘United Nations Activities on AI’ report showcases 408 projects and use cases for AI across the UN system, spanning all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Our AI for Good platform – maintained by ITU with 40+ UN partners – continues highlighting trustworthy AI applications, developing key AI standards, and advancing AI governance, leaving no one behind. Our next AI for Good Global Summit, co-convened annually with the Government of Switzerland, will take place at Geneva’s Palexpo conference center from 8 to 11 July.

Unlocking quantum

Once considered a distant prospect, quantum information technologies could soon strengthen climate action, improve energy supply, and help solve problems in fields such as medicine, trade and more. But quantum will also introduce daunting new cybersecurity threats.

A century after the initial emergence of quantum mechanics, the UN has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Taking this year as a key rallying point, ITU is building regional and global partnerships, stepping up work on quantum network and security standards, and bringing governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society together to shape quantum for good.

Global digital cooperation

Despite the considerable advances, about one-third of the global population remains offline, mainly in rural areas and low-income countries.

For the last 20 years, digital cooperation and development have been guided by outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Since then, annual multi-stakeholder consultations have kept digital issues at the top of the policy agenda and facilitated cooperation on new and emerging technologies like AI. Moreover, the ongoing WSIS process offers a crucial mechanism for implementing the Global Digital Compact that was adopted at the UN General Assembly in 2024. ITU will host the next WSIS+20 High-Level Event (co-organized by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCTAD) between 7 and 12 July at Palexpo, Geneva.

For people, planet and prosperity

In today’s fragmented world, ITU continues promoting cooperation and partnerships to build a digital future for all.

More than just advancing digital cooperation, I am confident that we can help leverage ever-more powerful technologies for people, our planet, and everyone’s prosperity. 


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