4 June 2010: The fifth International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication Development Conference 2010 (WTDC-10) convened from 24 May-4 June 2010, in Hyderabad, India, to consider development priorities in telecommunications and information and communication technologies (ICT), and agree on the programmes, projects and initiatives to implement them.
During the Conference, participants considered global challenges, such as the effects of climate change and the use of ICTs and emergency communications to mitigate the effects of disasters. Policy makers and regulators pledged to promote affordable access to telecommunications and ICTs to promote sustainable development worldwide, with attention given to least developed countries (LDCs) and countries with special needs. The event concluded with the adoption of the Hyderabad Action Plan, which outlines a road map, including goals and strategies, to foster the global development of telecommunication and ICT networks and services over the next four years.
The Action Plan comprises a package of five programmes aimed at promoting the equitable and sustainable development of telecommunication and ICT networks and services worldwide, to be implemented by ITU over the coming four years. The five programmes identified are: information and communication infrastructure and technology development; cybersecurity, ICT applications and Internet protocol-based network-related issues; enabling environment; capacity building and digital inclusion; and LDCs, countries in special need, emergency telecommunications and adaptation to climate change. With regard to the last programme, the objectives are, inter alia, to provide assistance in disaster prevention, preparedness and relief/response, as well as assistance in the use of ICTs to mitigate and address the effects of climate change, taking account of the impact of ICTs on the environment.
In addition to the Action Plan, WTDC-10 also adopted the Hyderabad Declaration, which acknowledges, inter alia: the potential contribution of telecommunications and ICTs to monitoring, mitigating and adapting to the adverse effects of climate change; and that green ICTs and renewable energy sources can assist in preserving the environment by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing living standards.
ITU member States, sector members and other stakeholders were invited by WTDC-10 to contribute towards the successful implementation of the Hyderabad Action Plan. [Conference Draft Report] [ITU Press Release]