ITU Asia-Pacific formulates regional digital priorities ahead of the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2021

In preparation for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-21) on 8-19 November 2021, the Regional Preparatory Meeting (RPM) for Asia and the Pacific was convened virtually on 9 and 10 March 2021 with 158 delegates from 33 countries. The main 2022-2025 priorities suggested by RPM Asia-Pacific are:

• Addressing the special needs of least developed countries, small island developing states including Pacific island countries and territories, and landlocked developing countries;
• Harnessing information and communication technologies to support the digital economy and create inclusive digital societies;
• Fostering the development of infrastructure to enhance digital connectivity;
• Enabling policy and regulatory environments; and
• Contribute to a secure and resilient information and communication technology (ICT) environment.

During the RPM, Digital Trends in Asia and the Pacific 2021 report was released to outline trends and developments in ICT infrastructure, access, and usage across the region. Participants further reported on the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the sector, as well as of the WTDC-17 Buenos Aires Action Plan, pertinent regional-level initiatives, and the World Summit for Information Society (WSIS) Plan of Action. In line with the meeting, the Generation Connect – Asia and the Pacific Youth Group (GC-ASP) presented the draft Generation Connect Asia and the Pacific Action Plan 2022-2025, which pinpoints key interests, perspectives, and concerns of young people vis-à-vis the opportunities and challenges of digital technologies.