The WSIS Prizes recently recognized NationalConnect (Boithok) from Bangladesh for its innovative contribution to sustainable development. Developed by the BNDA Team of BCC, this homegrown platform

The WSIS Prizes recently recognized NationalConnect (Boithok) from Bangladesh for its innovative contribution to sustainable development. Developed by the BNDA Team of BCC, this homegrown platform offers secure, cost-effective video conferencing solutions. It proved crucial for government, universities, and citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the digital divide with features like secure national data storage and free subscriptions for educational institutions.

Since January 2021, NationalConnect has facilitated over 2500 meetings and 5,000+ hours, significantly advancing Bangladesh's "Smart Bangladesh" vision. By prioritizing customization and local needs, it fosters digital inclusion and operational efficiency. Learn more: https://vc.bcc.gov.bd/

Smartpur, Nokia’s flagship CSR initiative, exemplifies innovative technological approaches to sustainable development, aligning with the goals recognized by the WSIS Prizes. Partnering with Save

Smartpur, Nokia’s flagship CSR initiative, exemplifies innovative technological approaches to sustainable development, aligning with the goals recognized by the WSIS Prizes. Partnering with Save the Children India and Digital Empowerment Foundation, Smartpur establishes digital village ecosystems in remote Indian communities.

The project empowers local entrepreneurs to provide essential services—spanning livelihood, health, education, financial inclusion, and governance—via Smartpur centers. Beneficiaries access digital tools for training, telemedicine, banking, and government schemes. Launched in 2017, Smartpur has expanded from 10 to 350 centers across 10 states, reaching over one million beneficiaries with significant social impact. Learn more at smartpur.in/the-project/.

The WSIS Prizes, recognizing innovative tech for sustainable development, were announced May 28, 2024, in Geneva. Projects from 18 countries received top honors for bridging the digital divide and

The WSIS Prizes, recognizing innovative tech for sustainable development, were announced May 28, 2024, in Geneva. Projects from 18 countries received top honors for bridging the digital divide and fostering digital inclusion, advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals. Indonesia's JaWAra Internet Sehat was a notable winner.

This project empowers young activists as local champions for bottom-up digital literacy education. Using cultural methods and online tools (e.g., a WhatsApp ChatBot https://s.id/kakinat), they teach combating hoaxes and digital security. From 2021-2022, 160 champions educated over 270,000 people across Indonesia. More details and resources are at https://jawara.internetsehat.id/.

The WSIS Prizes, recognizing innovative technological approaches for sustainable development, were announced on 28 May 2024 in Geneva. Projects from 18 countries received top honors for bridging

The WSIS Prizes, recognizing innovative technological approaches for sustainable development, were announced on 28 May 2024 in Geneva. Projects from 18 countries received top honors for bridging the digital divide and driving socio-economic progress, showcasing vital contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Among these innovations is GeoTanaman, a cutting-edge web and mobile system for Malaysia's food crops. Launched in 2022, it acquires, manages, and analyzes geospatial data to create a comprehensive National Crop Inventory. This system empowers farmers with real-time information for planning, market analysis, and business opportunities, enhancing income and reducing reliance on imports. Learn more: GeoTanaman Project

The WSIS Prizes, recognizing innovative technological approaches for sustainable development, were announced on May 28, 2024, at the WSIS+20 Forum in Geneva. Projects from 18 countries received

The WSIS Prizes, recognizing innovative technological approaches for sustainable development, were announced on May 28, 2024, at the WSIS+20 Forum in Geneva. Projects from 18 countries received top honors for bridging the digital divide, fostering digital inclusion, and driving global socio-economic progress.

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted these awards as demonstrating the innovation needed to advance UN Sustainable Development Goals. Among the recognized efforts is Bayanat (XBRL), an open international standard for digital business reporting. It facilitates the timely exchange of accurate financial and non-financial data between economic entities, ensuring reliable information for stakeholders through integrated systems and analytical tools.

The WSIS Prizes, recognizing innovative technological approaches for sustainable development, were announced on 28 May 2024 at the WSIS+20 Forum in Geneva. Projects from 18 countries received top

The WSIS Prizes, recognizing innovative technological approaches for sustainable development, were announced on 28 May 2024 at the WSIS+20 Forum in Geneva. Projects from 18 countries received top honors for bridging the digital divide and driving socio-economic progress.

Highlighting such innovation, Northern Mindanao's Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) established the Regional Disaster Network (RDN) in 2022. RDN ensures critical communication during disasters by leveraging robust VHF/HF radio technology.

Unlike fragile modern networks, VHF/HF radios operate independently, offering unparalleled reach to remote areas. This resilience facilitated rapid information exchange during incidents like the Malitbog landslide, saving lives and empowering communities for better preparedness.

The "Smart Employee" App, a WSIS Prize winner announced on May 28, 2024, revolutionizes staff management for 74 Dubai government entities, serving over 73,000 employees with a 99% usage rate.

The "Smart Employee" App, a WSIS Prize winner announced on May 28, 2024, revolutionizes staff management for 74 Dubai government entities, serving over 73,000 employees with a 99% usage rate. Developed by Digital Dubai, this AI-powered solution streamlines HR, finance, and communication services, offering quick access, paperless convenience, and integrated features like a Digital Assistant for inquiries and a 'Thank You' system. It achieves over 95% cost savings and significantly advances Dubai's paperless initiative.

Recognized for its innovative approach to sustainable development and bridging the digital divide, the app exemplifies creative contributions needed to advance UN Sustainable Development Goals. Explore the project: Smart Employee App.

SDG Digital, a cornerstone initiative, recently concluded its digital track with a formal joint closing involving key leaders from ITU, the UN, and UNDP. This effort leverages digital innovation

SDG Digital, a cornerstone initiative, recently concluded its digital track with a formal joint closing involving key leaders from ITU, the UN, and UNDP. This effort leverages digital innovation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligning with the UN General Assembly and the upcoming Summit of the Future.

The initiative showcased how digital technologies can build a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future. By convening diverse leaders from government, civil society, the private sector, youth, and academia, SDG Digital fostered exploration of the trends, risks, and opportunities presented by digital and emerging technologies.

For more information: https://www.itu.int/initiatives/sdgdigital2024/

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, welcomed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

This welcome occurred at ITU Council 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland, on 12 June

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, welcomed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

This welcome occurred at ITU Council 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland, on 12 June 2026.

This content features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and speech extracts from ITU Council 2024. It includes remarks by Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, and António Guterres,

This content features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and speech extracts from ITU Council 2024. It includes remarks by Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, and António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.

Also included is B-roll footage of UN Secretary-General António Guterres' visit to ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 12, 2024.