Marking the ITU’s remarkable journey from 1865 to the present day, the discussion offered an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s accomplishments, discuss remaining priorities, and explore how we can work together to advance meaningful and universal connectivity.

Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, Head of the European Union Delegation, delivered the opening remarks alongside ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

„We are living in extraordinary times when technologies are just everywhere, influencing our everyday lives and, increasingly, also geopolitical decisions.“ 
| EU Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, Head of the European Union Delegation

The 160th anniversary of the ITU coincides with another significant milestone: the United Nations’ 80th anniversary. This convergence prompted reflections not only on the ITU’s achievements but also on the future of multilateral cooperation in an era where technology permeates every aspect of life – including geopolitical decisions. Geneva stands at the forefront of these discussions. There is no single UN agency or organization that would not deal, at least partly, with topics related to new and emerging technologies, AI, online space or internet governance.

With the implementation of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) in full swing and the upcoming 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) just around the corner, digital governance will remain a central theme of multilateral work and is set to intensify further.

„These are all challenging tasks, requiring a huge commitment from all stakeholders. The EU and our Member States have been staunch supporters for a multi-stakeholder and human rights-based approach to technologies. We are advocating for this joint, trustworthy approach to digital within the ITU context, but also in engagement with other organizations.“ 
| EU Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, Head of the European Union Delegation

For 160 years, the ITU has been at the centre of the UN’s efforts to address digital-related issues - from radiocommunications and satellites to developing new technical standards and increasing meaningful connectivity for people around the world. These remain challenging tasks, requiring a strong commitment from all stakeholders, Ambassadors Knudsen stressed.

The European Union and its Member States have been staunch supporters of a multi-stakeholder and human rights-based approach to technologies. The advocacy for this joint, trustworthy approach to digital issues guides the EU’s engagement within the ITU, but also in engagement with other organizations.

„ITU is no ordinary Organization“ 
| Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin

Speaking about today’s no ordinary times, Ambassador Lotte Knudsen closed her remarks and gave the floor to Doreen Bogdan-Martin, recalling one of Bogdan-Martin’s first speeches as ITU Secretary-General, “ITU is no ordinary organization — a sentiment we can all agree with”, the EU Ambassador said.