Communication Ministers’ Conclave 2023, Promoting Innovation in Telecommunication

Communication Ministers’ Conclave: it was conclave of Communication Ministers and high-ranking government officials from various South Asian countries and representatives of the ITU. Communication Ministers’ Conclave is also important for UPSC Prelims 2023 and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 2- International Relation, various international organizations and events). new

Communication Ministers’ Conclave 2023 in News

In New Delhi, a Communication Ministers’ Conclave was conducted with the objective of promoting innovation in telecommunications for achieving digital transformation in society.

Communication Ministers’ Conclave 2023 Details

Communication Ministers and high-ranking government officials from various South Asian countries and representatives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) congregated at the event.

• Mandate: The primary aim of the event was to create a platform for startups, MSMEs, and Indian telecom stakeholders to interact with potential overseas buyers.
• Theme: Communication Ministers’ Conclave 2023 was organized on the theme of ‘Enabling Innovation in Telecommunications to Ensure Digital Transformation of the Society’.
• ITU@India: During the Communication Ministers’ Conclave 2023, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, and Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the Secretary General of ITU, launched a Coffee Table Book named ‘ITU@India’.
• UN Wayfinder Mobile Application: They also introduced the UN Wayfinder mobile application. It was developed by the C-DOT.
  • UN Wayfinder mobile application will aid users in navigating through different blocks and floors of the UN buildings located in Geneva.
• Recognition: Communication Ministers’ Conclave event also recognized Indian innovators, including the individuals behind the 5G Hackathon, Advance Optical Communication Testbed Project, 5G O-RAN Project, and Digital Communication Innovation Square.

Discussion Points at Communication Ministers’ Conclave

The primary topics of discussion were the recent advancements in the telecommunications industry, including emerging technologies, regulatory concerns, and the responsibility of governments in fostering innovation and progress.

• Additionally, the challenges faced by the telecommunications sector were also deliberated upon.
• During the discussions, particular emphasis was placed on the-
  • Necessity for continuous investment in broadband infrastructure,
  • Cultivation of digital education and skills, and
  • Significance of cooperation between governments, industries, and society to establish a conducive atmosphere for digital innovation.
• The Conclave concluded with a-
  • Pledge to encourage a digital future that is both inclusive and sustainable,
  • Promise to work together on various matters, such as 5G, cybersecurity, and leveraging digital technologies for social and economic progress.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Details

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations’ specialized agency for information and communication.

• Mandate: International Telecommunication Union (ITU) responsible for addressing practical and technical matters within three primary sectors:
  • managing satellite orbit and access technologies and allocating radio frequencies (ITU-R),
  • creating technical telecommunication standards (ITU-T), and
  • promoting development efforts to enhance global access to ICT (ITU-D).
• ITU Members: The ITU’s membership comprises 193 Member States of the UN, as well as over 700 Sector Members that represent diverse categories of players from the telecommunications industry.

Communication Ministers’ Conclave FAQs

Q: What is the Communication Ministers’ Conclave?

A: The Communication Ministers’ Conclave is a meeting of Communication Ministers and senior Government officials from various South Asian countries, as well as representatives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Q: What is the objective of the Communication Ministers’ Conclave?

A: The primary objective of the Communication Ministers’ Conclave is to promote innovation in telecommunications to achieve digital transformation in society. It also aims to address the challenges faced by the telecommunications sector.

Q: Who participates in the Communication Ministers’ Conclave?

A: Communication Ministers and high-ranking government officials from different South Asian countries and representatives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) participate in the Communication Ministers’ Conclave.

Q: What are the topics of discussion at the Communication Ministers’ Conclave?

A: The discussions at the Communication Ministers’ Conclave revolve around the latest developments in the telecommunications industry, including emerging technologies, regulatory issues, and the role of governments in driving innovation and growth.

Q: What is the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)?

A: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations’ specialized agency for information and communication. Its mandate is to allocate radio frequencies, manage satellite orbit and access technologies (ITU-R), develop technical telecommunication standards (ITU-T), and support development efforts to improve global access to ICT (ITU-D).

Q: Who are the members of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)?

A: The ITU’s membership comprises 193 Member States of the UN and over 700 Sector Members representing various categories of players from the telecommunications industry.

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