The International Telecommunication Union recently organised its Arab Regional Development Forum in Amman, Jordan which discussed the role of broadband in spurring sustainable development.

Organised by the ITU Arab Regional Office, the forum discussed the five Arab Regional Initiatives approved by the World Telecommunication Development Conference held in Dubai, UAE in April 2014.

The five Initiatives focus on the areas of broadband, cyber security, ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) for the environment, smart learning, and ICTs for persons with disabilities.

The high-level Forum provided participants – comprised of ITU member states from the Arab region – with an opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices in the implementation of these initiatives. It also discussed the activities of the ITU-D Study Groups and of the ITU Centers of Excellence.

In his speech, Brahima Sanou, director, ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau said: “The Dubai Action Plan sets out a road map for ITU-D’s work and a shared vision to make a tangible difference to people’s lives. Regional Initiatives guide BDT, Member States and Sector Members in implementing specific projects that focus on the priority needs of each region. I call upon all our members and partners to join forces with BDT to implement the Regional Initiatives.”

Dr Ibrahim Nasser Harb, chairman of Samena Council’s Regulatory Working Group and chief legal and regulatory officer at Orange Jordan, said: “In providing an interactive framework for regional stakeholders to outline a set of shared goals and work collectively towards their achievement, the Arab Regional Development Forum serves as a catalyst for not only the development of the Middle East’s telecommunications sector but in bridging the digital divide existing in our societies.”

“Broadband communications have a key role to play in building a safer and more connected world, and interactive forums such as these help set forth credible implementation plans that can allow countries in the Arab world to more fully realize the potential of ICT as an enabler of socio-economic growth and stability,” he added.

ITU’s Regional Development Forums provide an opportunity for high-level dialogue between the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) and decision-makers of ITU member states and sector members. They serve as a platform for assessing strategic orientations that may have an impact on BDT's regional work plan in between world telecommunication development conferences. – TradeArabia News Service