May 17, 2010

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations General Assembly have declared May 17th to be the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, and have thus adopted for the year of 2010, the theme of: “Better city, better life with ICTs”

As a member of the ITU, the TRA supports this initiative as well as the adopted recommendations promoting ICTs in urban areas to contribute towards a better life in cities. The TRA will also work on further developing and studying some of the ITU recommended steps and adapt it to the national context such as for example:

• Promote sustainable urban policies with ICTs at the national level.
  
  
• Support ongoing work aimed at developing standards that will help facilitate Smart Cities, such as intelligent transport systems and improved traffic control and efficiency aimed at reducing carbon emissions, smart grids, and energy-efficient buildings. In addition, support ITU’s activity in UN Habitat’s World Urban Campaign.
  
  
• Support ongoing work on the use of ICTs for Emergency Communications in Public Protection.
  
  
• Identify priority areas to utilize ICTs to achieve equitable sustainable urban development for the benefit of the millions who lack adequate shelter and basic services in urban areas.
  
  
• Connect all institutions, in particular schools, in urban areas. Schools are community hubs, a place of learning and accessibility. By connecting schools we connect youth as well as others in the community to knowledge and information, leading to employment and social and economic development. Connected schools can serve as a point of service for underserved groups in the community, including women, persons with disabilities and aboriginal peoples.

To read more about the World Telecommunications Day, you can visit the ITU official website