Global Partners Digital (GPD), a social purpose company dedicated to fostering a digital environment underpinned by human rights and democratic values has launched a comprehensive guide to support civil society engagement at the upcoming World Telecommunications Standardisation Assembly (WTSA-24), scheduled to take place from October 15th to 24th, 2024, in New Delhi, India. This critical conference, held every four years, is aimed at improving technical standards that shape the global telecommunications landscape.
The WTSA is a significant event organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies. During the WTSA, representatives from governments, private sector entities, and civil society come together to review and adopt recommendations on technical standards that ensure the interoperability and efficient functioning of telecommunications networks worldwide.
As part of the ITU’s standardization sector (ITU-T), the WTSA plays a crucial role in the creation and maintenance of global telecommunication standards. These standards are essential for ensuring that different communication systems and networks can work together seamlessly, promoting global connectivity and access to information.
The standards set during WTSA-24 will influence the direction of Internet governance, potentially affecting the interoperability and openness of the global Internet. A key concern for civil society is ensuring that these standards do not compromise human rights, such as freedom of expression and privacy, and that they promote an open and accessible Internet for all.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in advocating for an open and inclusive Internet. The GPD guide outlines several pathways for CSOs to engage effectively at WTSA-24. CSOs can seek to join their country’s delegation to WTSA-24, providing input on key issues and ensuring that civil society perspectives are represented. Building coalitions with like-minded organizations can amplify advocacy efforts and provide a stronger voice in discussions. Additionally, CSOs can engage directly with ITU processes by attending meetings, submitting contributions, and participating in relevant working groups.
To support the protection and strengthening of an open and interoperable Internet, the GPD guide offers several recommendations for advocacy efforts. CSOs should promote transparent decision-making processes and accountability mechanisms within the ITU and WTSA. It is essential to ensure that any new standards or policies uphold international human rights standards, particularly regarding freedom of expression and privacy. CSOs should encourage the ITU to facilitate the meaningful participation of diverse stakeholders, including marginalized and underrepresented communities.
By following the guidance provided in the GPD guide, civil society organizations can effectively engage at WTSA-24, advocating for standards that support a free, open, and interoperable Internet that respects human rights.
