Communications Minister Leads Ghana’s Delegation To WTSA-24 In India

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation and Representative of Ablekuma West Constituents at Ghana’s Parliament, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, is expected to lead the Ghana’s delegation to this year’s World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24), which is happening in New Delhi, India, from October 15 to 24, 2024.

The event will focus on key emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, the metaverse, and quantum information technologies.

A high-level forum, the Global Standards Symposium (GSS), will precede WTSA-24 on October 14, 2024, providing a platform to discuss standards development and coordination.

WTSA-24 will also play a crucial role in defining the work program, working methods, and structure of the ITU-T Study Groups for the 2025-2029 study period making it a premier event that will set the global standardisation agenda for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for the next four years.

The Assembly will cover a wide range of important topics, such as international mobile telecommunications, immersive and widespread real-time communications, deterministic networking, and ambient Internet of Things (IoT). Ahead of the event, regional telecommunication organisations convened preparatory meetings to consolidate regional positions on critical issues.

The outcomes of WTSA-24 will significantly shape the future of telecommunications and information and communication technologies (ICTs), with the standards and recommendations adopted during the assembly guiding global development in these areas.

The Assembly will attract a wide range of participants, including government officials from ministries of communications and ICT-related agencies, telecom operators, service providers, and tech industry leaders.

Researchers, academics, policymakers, and regulators will also attend alongside digital entrepreneurs, startups, and representatives from international organisations and development agencies.

The sessions will cover the importance of telecom standards in the digital landscape and the role of them in promoting global connectivity and innovation. The participants will also get an opportunity to explore the latest trends in technology and learn about the evolving landscape of the telecom sector.

The WTSA 2024 is a key initiative for the telecom industry in India. It is an opportunity to promote global best practices and build a strong foundation for sustainable growth in the sector. The event will also help in strengthening India’s position as a global leader in technology and innovation.

Key events for the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24)

WTSA-24 Main Events

1. Opening Ceremony (October 15, 2024): Official inauguration of WTSA-24.
2. Plenary Sessions: Discussions on strategic issues, standardisation, and ITU-T’s future direction.
3. Committee Sessions: Committees address specific topics, such as:

– Standards and interoperability

– Emerging technologies (AI, IoT, 5G, etc.)

– Cybersecurity and data protection

– Digital inclusion and accessibility

4. Working Groups: Focus on specific standardisation areas, such as:

– Network technologies

– Service technologies

– Security and data protection

5. Side Events: Exhibitions of innovative technologies, products, and services, workshops, and tutorials showcasing innovative technologies and solutions.

Key Decision-Making Events

1. Adoption of ITU-T Strategic Plan (2025-2029)
2. Election of ITU-T Study Group Chairs and Vice-Chairs
3. Approval of ITU-T Recommendations and Standards
4. Definition of ITU-T Study Group work programs (2025-2029)

Closing Events

1. Closing Ceremony (October 24, 2024): Official conclusion of WTSA-24.
2. Adoption of the WTSA-24 Final Report.

About WTSA

The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) is the governing conference of the ITU Standardization Sector (ITU-T), one of the three world conferences of the International Telecommunication Union, and as such, the United Nations system. The quadrennial conference decides the working methods for ITU-T for the next Study Period. It also creates the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group (TSAG) and the ITU-T Study Groups (such as ITU-T Study Group 16) and elects their management teams. The Recommendations and resolutions that are approved at WTSA shape the future of ICT standardization.

About WTSA2024:

The prestigious World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) will be held in New Delhi from 15th – 24th Oct 2024, marking a significant step towards the advancements of 5G and 6G networks. It also marks the country’s growing importance in the global technology landscape. The WTSA is a quadrennial event and serves as the governing conference of the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Standardisation Sector (ITU-T). It is one of the three world conferences organized by the International Telecommunication Union, an entity within the United Nations system. This event plays a pivotal role in setting global telecommunication standards, making India’s hosting of the WTSA a significant milestone.

It will bring together more than 3,000 delegates from 150+ countries, including over 1,000 foreign delegates and 50 global ministers representing telecom, digital, and ICT sectors. WTSA 2024 will pave the way for bridging the digital divide through universal and affordable connectivity, focusing on critical areas like 6G, AI, IoT, Big Data, cybersecurity, M2M, Broadcasting, Satcom, and quantum technologies.

WTSA will be preceded by the Global Standards Symposium (GSS) on October 14, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.  The GSS is a high-level forum for policy debates on ICT standardization, addressing its evolving dynamics and technical implications.

The WTSA 2024, will be accompanied by other related initiatives such as the ITU Kaleidoscope conference, ITU exhibitions, Network of Women and AI for Good to enrich the discourse and promote inclusivity in the sector.