ITU Plenipotentiary Conference kicks off in Dubai

The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2018 started today in Dubai, marking the beginning of a three-week event that will see member states set the ITU’s direction for the next four years.

The Plenipotentiary Conference is the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU’s) highest-level meeting, where its 193 member states agree on the Union’s overall strategic and financial plans.

Held every four years, this year’s conference will set out a roadmap for 2020-2023.

The 193 member states will also and elect the 48 member states that will sit on the next ITU Council – the union’s governing body – as well as the union’s management team, including the next secretary-general and deputy secretary-general.

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said that the meeting will “set the international Telecommunication Union’s path for the next four years as we strive together to build a more sustainable and inclusive digital economy for generations to come.”

“We face a crucial challenge – harnessing the benefits of new technologies for all while safeguarding against the risks from their misuse. Digital technologies have a crucial role to play in accelerating progress towards sustainable development goals…Together we can nurture a digital future that is safe and beneficial for all.”

ITU, through its Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), and its executive arm, the Radiocommunication Bureau (BR), is the global agency responsible for management of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources.

The 2018 Plenipotentiary Conference will run from October 29 to November 16 2018 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.