The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) participated in the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-17), organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from October 9 to 20, 2017.
WTDC-17 sets the future strategies and objectives for the development of telecommunications/ICTs, as well as providing direction and guidance to the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D).
A high-level delegation from Qatar, headed by Mohammed Ali Al Mannai (pictured), President of CRA, participated in a strategic ministerial roundtable, for a discussion on the impact of ICTs for attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). CRA is honoured to receive a certification by ITU’s Secretary General in recognition of its thought leadership, contributions and proactive participation in the organization of WTDC.
Global thought leaders and policy makers who attended the roundtable also discussed the future of digital economy. Al-Mannai also held meetings with ITU officials and delegations from several countries and organizations to discuss bilateral matters.
CRA was also part of a key working group plenary, which drew up a draft of WTDC declaration and the input of the ITU-D Sector to the overall strategic plan to be adopted at the next Plenipotentiary Conference.
“WTDC’s mission is well-aligned with Qatar Vision 2030 which is to enable the development of a sustainable digital society in the State of Qatar. WTDC is an excellent forum, which allows us to showcase our capabilities and learn from the experience of other regulators and industry leaders from around the world so that we can improve the experience of telecom consumers in Qatar; and to prepare to embrace innovative, high-quality communications services in the future,” said Al Mannai.
Expected outcomes of WTDC-17 include a declaration reinforcing the political support for the mission and strategic objectives of ITU-D; an ITU-D contribution to the ITU strategic plan for 2020-2023; and an ITU-D action plan comprising regional initiatives, new and revised resolutions. Additionally, WTDC will provide recommendations to support the fulfilment of the sector’s objectives, and new and revised questions to be studied by ITU-D study groups.
