From October 15 to 24, 2024, the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) will convene at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, bringing together policy-makers and industry leaders to discuss international standards crucial for fostering industry growth, innovation, and trust in emerging technologies.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is hosting this biennial event, which plays a pivotal role in setting standards that facilitate cost-effective and interoperable technological advancements on a global scale. By establishing a foundation for continuous innovation, these standards support the growth of new industries and the evolution of established ones.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the significance of this assembly, noting, “Standards are taking centre stage in global governance discussions. WTSA-24 will provide a platform for enhancing digital inclusion and trust, which are essential for leveraging advancements in fields like AI, the metaverse, and quantum technologies to shape a positive future.”
The WTSA, held every four years, is the governing conference for ITU’s standardization efforts. It reviews the organization’s strategies, structures, and working methods, and appoints leadership for ITU-T’s expert groups. The conference also reviews and approves the agency’s standards activities.
Seizo Onoe, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, highlighted the role of consensus-driven standards in promoting confidence and investment in technology. “With each scientific breakthrough, we face broader transformations. Our standards are designed to help societies and economies thrive while pushing technological boundaries.”
WTSA-24 will be the first of its kind in Asia and will coincide with a digital innovation festival at the exhibition center, showcasing technological advancements from India and globally.
Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, remarked, “Our tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ drives us to warmly welcome the world’s telecom leaders to New Delhi. We are confident that WTSA-24 will set new standards to promote sustainable growth in ICT.”
The proceedings will commence on October 14 with the ITU Global Standards Symposium (GSS), which will address innovations in AI, secure digital finance, and smart cities. GSS-24 will also feature the inaugural International AI Standards Summit, focusing on creating comprehensive standards for AI.
The Network of Women in ITU standardization will host sessions on women’s leadership in tech and the support of technical standardization processes. Additionally, the event will include the AI for Good Impact India showcase and a Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, promoting innovative solutions for disaster response.
The WTSA Expo will highlight industry solutions aligned with ITU standards, with support available for SMEs from developing countries through the ITU Bridging the Standardization Gap programme. The event will also include a student and startup hackathon and conferences on regulation and broadcasting.
The 15th edition of ITU’s academic conference, ITU Kaleidoscope 2024, will focus on research supporting sustainable digital transformation. Furthermore, workshops with the World Health Organization and other UN agencies will address safe listening standards and resilience to natural hazards.
WTSA-24 will conclude on United Nations Day with a celebration of partnerships aimed at leveraging digital technologies to advance sustainable development goals, including climate action, disaster resilience, and financial inclusion.
