WTISD 2024: ITU Calls for Global Digital Innovation to Drive Sustainable Development

Emma Okonji

Ahead of the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2024, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the United Nations agency responsible for managing global telecommunication standards, has stressed the need for global digital innovation that will drive sustainable development. 

WTISD promotes digital technologies and connectivity for all and it is celebrated annually on 17 May, a development that marks the founding of ITU, which began with the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865.

In her key message for WTISD 2024, Bogdan-Martin, said: “Innovation should unite, not divide. Our goal is to bridge the innovation gap for a more inclusive digital future where everyone has equal opportunities. Digital technologies can help achieve 70 per cent of targets under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. They play a crucial role in areas like eliminating hunger, eradicating poverty, and fighting climate change. Meaningful digital innovation does not happen in isolation – it thrives on collaboration. Collective, multi-stakeholder efforts are key to drive global digital innovation.”

According to ITU, the whole world needs digital innovation and this can be achieved through collaboration. WTISD 2024 is a chance to explore how digital innovation can help connect everyone and unlock sustainable prosperity for all.
ITU is of the view that sustainable social and economic development in the years ahead will depend on global efforts to build networks and partnerships between big corporate players and the world’s innumerable micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are typically defined as those with annual turnover up to about $ 50 million or employing up to 250 people, but in recent years, emphasis have shifted increasingly to the micro players, those employing up to 10 people or with annual turnover of $ 2 million or less.

According to United Nations estimates, formal and informal MSMEs make up over 90 per cent of companies worldwide, accounting for 70 per cent of total employment and up to 50 per cent of global GDP.

Convinced by the United Nations statistics on small businesses, ITU is insisting that with their innate flexibility and knowledge of local markets, MSMEs can be uniquely well placed to solve global market-specific challenges or meet emerging needs on the ground.

ITU is also of the view that MSMEs are essential to achieving the level of connectivity and digital transformation that countries are striving for, and has called for collaboration between the big, medium and small business in order to achieve global digital innovation that will drive sustainable development.

Over the last ten years, ITU has progressively increased its focus on the role of small businesses in the digital ecosystem, targeting small tech firms with knowledge-sharing and mentoring programmes, dedicated networking events, awards, and a discounted ITU membership category.

The ITU Telecom World SME Awards Programme, for example, has spotlighted innovations with the potential to change lives for the better using information and communication technologies (ICTs). The awards have also given small and medium enterprises (SMEs) a platform to connect with vital resources and partners for sustainable tech projects.