Why is it in the News?

Dr. Neeraj Mittal's unanimously elected as co-chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)'s digital innovation board recently.

About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU):

• Established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, the ITU has evolved into the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICT).
• Recognized as a vital intergovernmental organization, the ITU facilitates collaboration between governments and private sector entities to advance global telecommunication and ICT services.

Key Points:

• Status: Designated as a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1947.
• Membership: Boasting a diverse membership of 193 countries and over 1000 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations.

Functions:

• Allocation of global radio spectrum and satellite orbits.
• Coordination and establishment of technical standards about telecommunication/ICT.
• Initiatives to enhance ICT accessibility in underserved communities worldwide.
• India's Engagement: India has maintained an active presence within the ITU since 1869, consistently participating in its endeavors.
  • Notably, India has been a regular member of the ITU Council since 1952.
• Headquarters: Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the ITU serves as the global epicenter for fostering collaboration and innovation in the realm of ICT.

What is the Digital Innovation Board?

• The Digital Innovation Board is a pivotal component of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development, aimed at addressing pressing needs within the realm of innovation as outlined in the Kigali Action Plan, which was adopted at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2022.
• Comprised of Ministers and Vice Ministers of Telecom/ICT from 23 Member Countries of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), spanning across Asia, Europe, Africa, and North, and South America, this board serves as a strategic advisory body.
• ITU initiated the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development to tackle significant challenges and opportunities in innovation.
• This alliance operates through three key mechanisms:
  • The Digital Transformation Lab
  • The Network of Acceleration Centers, and
  • The Digital Innovation Board.
• The Digital Innovation Board's primary objective is to offer strategic guidance, expertise, and advocacy in promoting local capacity building, fostering innovation, and encouraging entrepreneurship in digital development.
• Its overarching mission is to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all stakeholders.