Bridging the standardisation gap
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) aims to raise awareness about the social and economic possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring about. It also works to bridge the digital divide between the developed, developing and underdeveloped countries. Every year, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is celebrated around a particular theme. The 2019 theme is “Bridging the Standardisation Gap”.
Bridging the Standardisation Gap (BSG) is a fundamental part of ITU’s mission to connect the world. It is also one of the 5 strategic objectives of ITU’s standardisation sector (ITU-T). The BSG programme mainly addresses the disparities in the ability of developing countries to access, implement and influence ITU’s international standards in comparison to that of the developed countries. The programme aims to ensure proper participation of developing countries in ITU’s standards-making process. It also works to disseminate information about existing standards and assist developing countries in the implementation of standards.
ITU is the specialised agency of the United Nations for information and communication technologies (ICTs). Setting standards is a fundamental pillar of its work. ITU standards help accelerate ICTs for all Sustainable Development Goals. The 2019 theme will allow ITU Membership and other key stakeholders to focus on the participation of developing countries in ITU’s standards-making process; empowering local experts in the standardisation process at the national, regional and international levels; and promoting the implementation of international standards in developing countries.
In observance of the Day, Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology hosted an online essay competition centered around this year’s theme. The topics are “Safe Internet for Everyone” and “Challenges and Opportunities of 5G Mobile Technology” for school level and college/university level students respectively.
Compiled by Law Desk
(SOURCE: UN.ORG & ITU.INT).
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