In this episode of ITU Tech Monthly, we spotlight the Global Youth Celebration 2025 (GYC-25) in Baku, Azerbaijan, under the theme “Voices of Youth: Shaping the Digital Future.”

🎧 We are joined by Roxana Widmer-Iliescu, Head of Digital Inclusion at the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), ITU, to explore:

• How youth are influencing global digital policy 
• The power of intergenerational dialogue 
• What digital inclusion really means for young people 
• Behind-the-scenes of GYC-25, including astronaut panels and youth-led innovation

🔗 Learn more about GYC-25: https://www.itu.int/itu-d/meetings/gyc-25/

📍 Recorded at ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland

👉 Subscribe for more insights on tech, inclusion, and innovation from the UN agency for digital technologies. #DigitalInclusion #YouthLeadership #TechPolicy #ITU #GYC25 #FutureOfTech #VoicesOfYouth #UNTech #IntergenerationalDialogue #TechMonthly

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation together with 193 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world.

The materials contained on this podcast channel are for information purposes only. ITU expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything and in respect of the consequences of anything said or omitted to be said wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this podcast channel. ITU is not responsible for any third party content which may be accessed through this podcast channel. ITU interviews and soundbites may be edited for content and duration. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the ITU. ITU holds copyright in the information available on this podcast channel, unless otherwise stated. Copyright in any third-party materials found on this podcast channel must also be respected.

In this episode of ITU Tech Monthly, we sit down with Irene Kaggwa, Programme Manager of Giga, the joint initiative by ITU and UNICEF working to connect every school in the world to the Internet.

🌐 Why it matters:

• Internet access transforms education, especially in remote and underserved communities. -
• Giga empowers students, teachers, and governments with digital tools and inclusive learning. - It’s not just about connectivity—it’s about equity, opportunity, and preparing youth for an AI-driven future.

🛠️ What you’ll learn:

• How Giga maps schools, mobilizes funding, and supports implementation 
• The challenges of rural connectivity and how Giga overcomes them
• Real-world stories of impact—from digital inclusion for children with disabilities to AI readiness in classrooms
• Upcoming milestones and global partnerships, including Google.org and the will.i.am Foundation

📲 Learn more at www.giga.global

🎧 Subscribe to ITU Tech Monthly for more insights into how technology is shaping a more inclusive world.

 #digitalinclusion #techforgood #educationtechnology #aiforeducation  #digitalequity #edtech

ITU is the United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation in together with 193 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems.

From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world.

The materials contained on this podcast channel are for information purposes only. ITU expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything and in respect of the consequences of anything said or omitted to be said wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this podcast channel. ITU is not responsible for any third party content which may be accessed through this podcast channel. ITU interviews and soundbites may be edited for content and duration. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the ITU. ITU holds copyright in the information available on this podcast channel, unless otherwise stated. Copyright in any third-party materials found on this podcast channel must also be respected.

In this episode of ITU Tech Monthly, we explore the transformative Smart Villages and Smart Islands Initiative with Ashish Narayan, Program Coordinator at ITU’s Asia and Pacific Regional Office.

🌍 From remote islands in Vanuatu to rural villages in Pakistan, discover how communities are leapfrogging into the digital future through:

• Broadband connectivity and affordable digital services
• Community-driven innovation and digital skills training 
• Real-world success stories in e-education, e-health, and mobile payments
• Multi-stakeholder collaboration for scalable, sustainable impact

💡 Learn how technology is being used to empower women, youth, and vulnerable populations—and why smart solutions must be locally driven and globally supported.

Find out more about the Smart Villages and Smart Islands Initiative: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/ICT-Applications/Pages/Initiatives/ASP/Smart-Islands/Smart-Islands-Initiative.aspx

👉 Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more insights from the world of digital technologies.

🔗 Learn more about ITU: www.itu.int 🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms.

 #digitalinclusion #SmartVillages #SmartIslands #digitaltransformation

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems.

From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world.

The materials contained on this podcast channel are for information purposes only. ITU expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything and in respect of the consequences of anything said or omitted to be said wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this podcast channel. ITU is not responsible for any third party content which may be accessed through this podcast channel. ITU interviews and soundbites may be edited for content and duration. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the ITU. ITU holds copyright in the information available on this podcast channel, unless otherwise stated. Copyright in any third-party materials found on this podcast channel must also be respected.

🌍 ITU Tech Monthly – Episode 003: All you ever wanted to know about space safety In this episode of ITU Tech Monthly, host Max Jacobson-Gonzalez explores the rapidly evolving world of space safety, sustainability, and security with special guest Thomas Gonzalez Roberts, Academic in Residence at the International Telecommunication Union and incoming professor at Georgia Tech. 🚀 What’s inside: Why the night sky is filling up with satellites The growing risks of orbital debris and radiofrequency interference How AI is revolutionizing space safety The role of major players in shaping the orbital landscape The environmental impact of satellite deorbiting What the future holds for space governance and global cooperation 🔭 Whether you're a space enthusiast, tech professional, or just curious about the future of our skies, this episode offers a fascinating look at the challenges and innovations shaping the final frontier. 📡 Learn more about ITU’s work in space at www.itu.int And check out ITU's Space Connect series at https://www.itu.int/space-connect/ You can watch videos from the ITU Space Connect webinar series on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpoIPNlF8P2MfrAePbmXKBhvq0LwyGyYS 👉 Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more insights from the world of digital technologies. #SpaceSafety #AIinSpace #ITU #TechMonthly #SatelliteTechnology #SpaceDebris #Sustainability #digitalinnovation ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. The materials contained on this podcast channel are for information purposes only. ITU expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything and in respect of the consequences of anything said or omitted to be said wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this podcast channel. ITU is not responsible for any third party content which may be accessed through this podcast channel. ITU interviews and soundbites may be edited for content and duration. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the ITU. ITU holds copyright in the information available on this podcast channel, unless otherwise stated. Copyright in any third-party materials found on this podcast channel must also be respected.

🌍 ITU Tech Monthly – Episode 002: All you ever wanted to know about GeoAI

🎙️ Presented by Max Jacobson-Gonzalez | 🎧 Guest: Andrea Manara (ITU)

In this episode of ITU Tech Monthly, we explore the transformative power of GeoAI—the fusion of geospatial data and artificial intelligence—and how it's shaping a more sustainable, equitable future for all.

Join us as Andrea Manara from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) shares real-world applications of GeoAI, from enhancing food security with the FAO, to detecting illegal activities in the Amazon with UNODC, and even estimating pollution levels using satellite imagery in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano.

🔍 Topics covered:

• What is GeoAI and why it matters Geospatial foundation models and their capabilities
• Integration with 6G, IoT, and next-gen networks
• Real-world use cases in sustainable development
• Ethical considerations and data bias The future of democratized
• GeoAI tools

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, policymaker, or just curious about how AI is helping humanity, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of digital innovation.

📌 Subscribe to ITU Tech Monthly for more insights

visit: www.itu.int

🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms.

#GeoAI #SustainableDevelopment #ITU #ArtificialIntelligence #GeospatialData #TechForGood #DigitalInnovation #UNTech #SmartTech #ITUtechmonthly

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world.

The materials contained on this podcast channel are for information purposes only. ITU expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything and in respect of the consequences of anything said or omitted to be said wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this podcast channel. ITU is not responsible for any third party content which may be accessed through this podcast channel. ITU interviews and soundbites may be edited for content and duration. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the ITU. 

ITU holds copyright in the information available on this podcast channel, unless otherwise stated. Copyright in any third-party materials found on this podcast channel must also be respected.

Welcome to the first episode of ITU Tech Monthly, brought to you by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Agency for Digital Technologies. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of quantum technology and explore its potential to revolutionize our lives. Join host Maximilian Jacobson-Gonzalez and special guest Gillian Makamara from ITU as they discuss:

• The basics of quantum technology and its core principles like superposition and entanglement.
• The significance of the International Year of Quantum Science in 2025.
• The parallels between the evolution of AI and quantum technology.
• The role of ITU in setting standards for quantum communications. -
• Real-world applications of quantum technology in fields like healthcare and communications. -
• The challenges and opportunities in making quantum technology accessible and inclusive.

Don't miss this insightful conversation on how quantum technology can shape a better future for all. Subscribe to ITU Tech Monthly for more exciting discussions on the latest technological advancements!

🔗 Visit our website: www.itu.int

 📅 AI for Good Summit: July 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland

#QuantumTechnology #TechPodcast #ITU #Innovation #DigitalFuture #AIforGood #QuantumComputing #TechMonthly #Podcast

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world.

The materials contained on this podcast channel are for information purposes only. ITU expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything and in respect of the consequences of anything said or omitted to be said wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this podcast channel. ITU is not responsible for any third party content which may be accessed through this podcast channel. ITU interviews and soundbites may be edited for content and duration. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the ITU. 

ITU holds copyright in the information available on this podcast channel, unless otherwise stated. Copyright in any third-party materials found on this podcast channel must also be respected.