The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) is a premier event that sets the global standardisation agenda for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for the next four years.
Highlights of the event
The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, will lead the Ghanaian delegation to this year’s WTSA-24, which will be held 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.
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.
Key events for the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24)
WTSA-24 Main Events
- Opening Ceremony (October 15, 2024): Official inauguration of WTSA-24.
- Plenary Sessions: Discussions on strategic issues, standardisation, and ITU-T’s future direction.
- 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
- Working Groups: Focus on specific standardisation areas, such as:
- Network technologies
- Service technologies
- Security and data protection
- Side Events: Exhibitions of innovative technologies, products, and services, workshops, and tutorials showcasing innovative technologies and solutions.
Key Decision-Making Events
- Adoption of ITU-T Strategic Plan (2025-2029)
- Election of ITU-T Study Group Chairs and Vice-Chairs
- Approval of ITU-T Recommendations and Standards
- Definition of ITU-T Study Group work programs (2025-2029)
Closing Events - Closing Ceremony (October 24, 2024): Official conclusion of WTSA-24.
- Adoption of the WTSA-24 Final Report.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
