Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Telecommunication Union – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 today at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. He also inaugurated the 8th edition of India Mobile Congress during the programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of establishing a global framework for digital technology. “The time has come for global institutions to accept the importance of global governance”, PM Modi stated.
Stressing the need to create a ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ for technology on the global level, he highlighted the borderless nature of digital tools and applications and urged for international collaboration in combating cyber threats and collective action by global institutions. He drew parallels with the aviation sector which already has well-established frameworks. PM Modi called upon the WTSA to take a proactive role in creating a secure digital ecosystem and safe channel for telecommunication.
“In an interconnected world, security cannot be an afterthought. India’s Data Protection Act and National Cyber Security Strategy reflect our commitment to building a safe digital environment”, he noted. The Prime Minister urged the members of the assembly to create standards that are inclusive, secure, and adaptable to future challenges, including ethical AI and data privacy standards that respect the diversity of nations.
Emphasizing the need for a human-centric dimension to the ongoing technological revolution, calling for responsible and sustainable innovation, he said that the standards set today will determine the direction of the future, stressing that principles of security, dignity and equity should be at the center of our discussions. PM Modi said our goal should be that no country, no region and no community is left behind in this digital transformation and underscored the need for innovation balanced with inclusion. He urged to ensure that the future is technically strong as well as ethically sound with innovation as well as inclusion.
The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly or WTSA is the governing conference for the standardization work of International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations Agency for Digital Technologies, organized every four years. It is for the first time that the ITU-WTSA is being hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific. It is a pivotal global event that will bring together more than 3,000 industry leaders, policy-makers and tech experts from over 190 countries, representing telecom, digital and ICT sectors.
Meanwhile, the India Mobile Congress is Asia’s largest digital technology forum. The event will showcase over 400 exhibitors, about 900 startups, and participation from over 120 countries. The event also aims to showcase more than 900 technology use case scenarios, host more than 100 sessions and discussion with over 600 global and Indian speakers.
