Founded in 1865 under the name of the International Telegraph Union, the organization -which has been part of the UN since 1949- has had its current name since 1932. It was created to manage international telegraph networks, but expanded its field of action as the technology such as the telephone, radio, television, satellites, cell phones, and the Internet.
Today it plays a key role in information and communication technologies, setting the global standards that control mobile phones, television and the Internet alike.
“I am looking forward to working together and collaborating even more closely across sectors and borders to build a more equitable world where universal and meaningful connectivity is within everyone’s reach,” said the Secretary-General-elect.
“Today, we have made history. After 157 years, we have broken the glass ceiling,” he told the representatives of the member states, using a phrase that alludes to the restrictions that women and minorities face in accessing jobs and public positions or Private rooms generally reserved for men.
Until now responsible for the development of the organization, Bogdan-Martin wanted to send a message of unity.
“Our success depends on the union of our efforts. ITU is a union, a union of its members (…). And together we are united, we are united in our hope and in our conviction that we can work collectively to make a better connected world,” he said, reported the AFP news agency.
The tug-of-war between Washington and Moscow to run the organization was also a test of Russia’s prestige in the United Nations, seven months after its invasion of Ukraine.
“This election is an absolute priority for the United States,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had declared when presenting Bogdan-Martin’s candidacy.
Moscow lost friends at the United Nations over the neighboring country’s invasion, but ITU member states blocked an attempt to bar Russian candidates from running.
“Russia is facing unprecedented pressure today,” Russian Deputy Minister for Digital Development Bella Cherkesova had declared.
Leadership positions in the UN are always an exercise in balancing powers.
The organization brings together 193 member states, as well as some 900 companies, universities and international and regional organisations.
Bogdan-Martin, 56, who speaks fluent Spanish and French, joined its development office in 1993 and became its director in 2019.
Its priorities are connecting more of the world to the Internet and advancing broadband access.
“We have to provide universal connectivity backed by resilient and secure networks for the 3.7 billion people who are not yet connected,” he argues.
“Be at the forefront to understand the transformative effects of technologies such as 5G and 6G, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and machine learning,” he adds.
According to US President Joe Biden, Bogdan-Martin has “the integrity, experience and vision to transform the digital landscape.”
In his program, Bogdan-Martin emphasizes having an “ITU that offers universal internet access that is secure, inclusive and affordable by 2030.”
Source: Ambito
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