By Danielle Duan
On May 17, Dr. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director of the ITU’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, delivered exciting news to the AIT community: AIT had become the newest Academia Member of the International Telecommunication Union, following its acceptance in April 2024. “AIT is now officially a member of the ITU family. Congratulations, AIT,” Dr. Atsuko Okuda announced to applause while delivering the commencement address at AIT’s 141st Graduation Ceremony.
ITU is a United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies, with a global membership that brings together 193 Member States as well as some 1,000 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations.
“It is my great pleasure to officially welcome the Asian Institute of Technology to the ITU family as an Academia participant in the work of all three ITU Sectors: Radiocommunication,
Telecommunication Standardization, and Telecommunication Development,” Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, said in a letter to AIT President Kazuo Yamamoto. “I am certain that you will find great value in being part of ITU, and I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”
ITU provides a unique, trusted, and global multi-stakeholder platform for partners from the public and private sectors to address major ICT issues, Ms. Bogdan-Martin, said. Dr. Okuda reiterated the benefits of AIT’s membership in ITU, stating: “Membership in ITU enables institutions like AIT to connect with a global community of ICT stakeholders and to access various resources that are essential for driving innovation and sustainable development.”
AIT’s collaboration with ITU facilitates knowledge-exchange and capacity-building opportunities, contributing to technological innovation and the development of human capital in the ICT sector. A notable collaboration occurred when AIT and ITU co-sponsored the opening side event of the 80th Session of UNESCAP on 22 April 2024. Government policy-makers, regulators, academia, and UN guests gathered to share best practices in accelerating digitalization in Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) of the Asia-Pacific region, marking the first official announcement of AIT’s membership in ITU to the United Nations community.
Through participation in ITU events, workshops, and initiatives, AIT stands to gain valuable insights into emerging trends and best practices, positioning the institute at the forefront of digital innovation. Plans call for ITU collaboration at the upcoming AIT International Camp for Young Leaders that aims to inspire the next generation of leaders to address global challenges by developing practical skills in areas such as sustainability and digital inclusion. ITU also plans to organize an Open House for AIT students and researchers in the coming months.
Prior to AIT’s official membership, the institute participated in various regional and global campaigns led by ITU on topics such as Digital Infrastructure Development, Digital Innovations for Sustainable Development, and A.I. and The Potential Gender and Social Biases, all of which paved the way for AIT’s membership in the ITU community.
In January 2024, President Kazuo Yamamoto visited Dr. Atsuko Okuda at ITU’s Regional Office in Bangkok, housed at the headquarters of Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. The president expressed appreciation for ITU’s forward-looking and inclusive efforts, emphasizing AIT’s commitment to capacity building for the regional community.
“Exposure and engagement with ITU’s network of experts and strategic initiatives on technological and industrial standardization are critical for our dedication to excellence in education and research,” President Yamamoto stated.
By leveraging ITU’s network and capabilities, AIT will strengthen its position as a leader in ICT education and research while contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals on a global scale.
READ MORE ABOUT ITU: https://www.itu.int/en/Pages/default.aspx#gsc.tab=0
Danielle Duan is Head, Emerging Markets International Cooperation, Office of International and Public Affairs, AIT.
