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.

In this episode we are joined by Ahmed Elraghy, Head of Regulatory and Market Environment Division in the Telecommunication Development Bureau at ITU, to explore the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR 25), taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 🎯 Key topics include: - The evolving role of regulators in the digital age - How GSR fosters global collaboration and regulatory harmonization - The impact of transformative technologies like AI and big data - Agile and data-driven regulation for sustainable digital transformation - The 2025 theme: Regulation for sustainable digital development GSR 25 is a blueprint for inclusive, forward-thinking regulation in a rapidly changing tech landscape. 🔗 Learn more: www.itu.int/GSR25 📌 Subscribe for more episodes exploring how technology is driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. ITU is the leading United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation together with 194 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 160 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.

The UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and ‘Our Common Agenda’ underscore the need for enhanced and improved digital cooperation. ITU and the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology have been working closely to promote digital cooperation, including through the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.

In this episode, Doreen Bogdan-Martin speaks with Amandeep Singh Gill, UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology. Listen to find out more about his vision, the concept of the ‘’digital commons’’, the proposed Global Digital Compact, and more!

Around half of the world’s primary schools still lack computers and internet access. ITU and UNICEF’s Giga school connectivity aims to turn this around by connecting all schools to the internet. What further opportunities do digital technologies offer to transform education?
H.E. David Moinina Sengeh, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and Chief Innovation Officer, speaks with BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin on his country’s approach towards using technology in education. He shares that more girls are now enrolled in school, than before the COVID-19 pandemic, in Sierra Leone. Listen to his views and advice to the global community ahead of the UN Transforming Education Summit.

The exponential rise of technology and its widespread adoption has led to a dual effect. On the one hand, there are a rising number of devices and electronics in the market, exacerbating an already growing waste and resource challenge. On the other hand, new technology has also led to an increase in digital solutions and innovation that is a catalyst to transforming electronic value chains towards a circular model.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin speaks with Dr. Naoko Ishii, Executive Vice President, Professor at Institute for Future Initiative, Director, Center for Global Commons, University of Tokyo, on the opportunities that digitalization and connectivity bring to the transition towards a circular economy for electronics, particularly in building sustainable e-waste management systems.

Interviewer: Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director, Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU

While STEM subjects are key drivers in an increasingly global and digital society, less than 30% of STEM professionals are women. Women and girls face additional barriers compared to their men counterparts when trying to access safe and equal STEM education, as well as pursue careers in STEM.
Ahead of this year's International Girls in ICT Day celebrations, Nisreen Deeb, Executive Director of the Lebanese League for Women in Business, and BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin discuss the importance of encouraging more women and girls to follow STEM, and how to get around roadblocks that might be in their way.

While STEM subjects are key drivers in an increasingly global and digital society, less than 30% of STEM professionals are women. Women and girls face additional barriers compared to their men counterparts when trying to access safe and equal STEM education, as well as pursue careers in STEM. Ahead of this year's International Girls in ICT Day celebrations, Nisreen Deeb, Executive Director of the Lebanese League for Women in Business, and BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin discuss the importance of encouraging more women and girls to follow STEM, and how to get around roadblocks that might be in their way.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin speaks with Robert Piper on digital technologies for development and the role of connectivity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin speaks with Robert Piper on digital technologies for development and the role of connectivity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Emergency telecommunications are critical for disaster risk reduction and management. Oftentimes, telecommunication networks themselves are among the first casualties of extreme weather events. There is a need to better protect vital infrastructure and make it more resilient. Ronald Jackson, head of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery team, discusses opportunities for technology and connectivity for better disaster preparedness and management, with BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

Emergency telecommunications are critical for disaster risk reduction and management. Oftentimes, telecommunication networks themselves are among the first casualties of extreme weather events. There is a need to better protect vital infrastructure and make it more resilient. Ronald Jackson, head of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery team, discusses opportunities for technology and connectivity for better disaster preparedness and management, with BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

Women are underrepresented in the field of cybersecurity. ITU’s Women in Cyber mentorship programme, organized together with the EQUALS Global Partnership and the Forum for Incident Response Teams (FIRST), aims to help bridge the gap. In this episode of the UNconnected, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau speaks with Louise Marie Hurel and Angela Matlapeng, who participated as a mentor and mentee respectively, in the programme. They discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in cyber, and the way forward for women to co-create and lead solutions in this field.

Women are underrepresented in the field of cybersecurity. ITU’s Women in Cyber mentorship programme, organized together with the EQUALS Global Partnership and the Forum for Incident Response Teams (FIRST), aims to help bridge the gap. In this episode of the UNconnected, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau speaks with Louise Marie Hurel and Angela Matlapeng, who participated as a mentor and mentee respectively, in the programme. They discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in cyber, and the way forward for women to co-create and lead solutions in this field.

A conversation between Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau and Courtenay Rattray, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). This episode highlights the urgent need to connect hardest-to-connect communities, by exploring solutions to developmental challenges and connectivity barriers, with expert insights and recommendations on accelerating digital transformation in LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.

The Unconnected with Courtenay Rattray

A conversation between Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau and Courtenay Rattray, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). This episode highlights the urgent need to connect hardest-to-connect communities, by exploring solutions to developmental challenges and connectivity barriers, with expert insights and recommendations on accelerating digital transformation in LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.

#UniversalConnectivity #broadband #LDCs #LLDCs #SIDS #ConnectivityForAll #ICT4SDG #OHRLLS #ITU #Internet #Technology #Tech #ICTs #Telecommunication #Development

Female Digital Entrepreneurship A conversation between Doreen Bogdan - Martin, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Tara Mulhare, a leader and coach for emerging businesses, and Rebekah Daniel, the head of a start-up in the fashion industry in Ethiopia, on how technology can enhance women’s economic and professional opportunities. Tara and Rebekah share advice to young women who want to use digital tools to expand their businesses, and describe the transformative role of digital skills from their first-hand experiences, including through ITU and the Enhanced Integrated Framework’s joint project on digital skills for women. For more information please visit: http://www.itu.int

Female Digital Entrepreneurship

A conversation between Doreen Bogdan - Martin, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Tara Mulhare, a leader and coach for emerging businesses, and Rebekah Daniel, the head of a start-up in the fashion industry in Ethiopia, on how technology can enhance women’s economic and professional opportunities. Tara and Rebekah share advice to young women who want to use digital tools to expand their businesses, and describe the transformative role of digital skills from their first-hand experiences, including through ITU and the Enhanced Integrated Framework’s joint project on digital skills for women.

For more information please visit: http://www.itu.int

THE UNCONNECTED With Andile Ngcaba by ITU

A conversation between Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of the ITU Development Bureau and Andile Ngcaba, Entrepreneur, Technologist and Founding Partner & Chairman at Convergence Partners Investments. A discussion about innovative ways to finance connectivity and ICT infrastructure and how to connect the un-connect to the Internet, especially on the African continent. https://itu.int

A conversation between Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau and Vint Cerf, Google’s Internet Evangelist and one of the ‘Fathers of the Internet’. A riveting discussion about innovation, motivation and how to connect the unconnected to the Internet and expanding the Internet into space. https://itu.int