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.