The 2024 World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), held in New Delhi, India, from October 14 to 24, showcased the future of global telecommunications. Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), WTSA is a quadrennial event that sets international telecommunications standards and fosters dialogue on key trends in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.
This year's assembly set a new attendance record, attracting over 3,300 delegates from governments, private sector, research institutions, and academia, including 36 ministers.
Delegates Mrs. Carmelita Soi Tolentino and Mrs. Agostinha Bernardina Soares represented the National Communications Authority of Timor-Leste at this important event. WTSA 2024 offered an opportunity for policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to review the progress of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T), discuss emerging technologies, and set priorities for the next four years. Key topics included next-generation networks (5G and 6G), cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, sustainability, and the role of ICT in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event also featured parallel initiatives such as the Network of Women (NoW), focusing on advancing gender equality and inclusion in the telecom sector by supporting women’s participation in leadership roles and promoting gender balance across the industry. Additionally, the ITU Kaleidoscope event (October 21–23) showcased innovative technologies and research. On October 24, WTSA participants celebrated UN Day, reflecting on telecommunications' role in advancing the SDGs and fostering a more connected, equitable world.
Personal and Institutional Insights from WTSA 2024
Personal Perspective: Participation in WTSA 2024 proved invaluable, offering engagement with experts and leaders from across the globe. Discussions and workshops on emerging technologies like 6G, AI, and IoT illuminated their transformative potential for telecommunications. Particularly inspiring was the NoW initiative, which offered mentorship and networking to support women in tech. Engaging with NoW helped us connect with like-minded professionals and learn from established female leaders in the ICT sector.
Institutional Perspective: From an institutional standpoint, WTSA 2024 underscored the importance of aligning national regulations with international telecommunications standards. Such alignment fosters interoperability and lowers costs, which are especially critical for developing countries aiming to strengthen their digital economies. The event also created networking avenues with international stakeholders, promoting collaboration, technology transfer, and investment opportunities essential for enhancing telecommunications infrastructure and fostering global connectivity.