World Telecommunications Standardization Assembly concludes

The Assembly, which convened on the 20th of November and was organized by the UN's International Telecommunication Union (ITU), took place for the first time in the Middle East and was hosted by the TRA.

During his closing address, H.E. Al Ghanim, Director General of the TRA said: "Such meetings allow us to unify our vision and aspirations when it comes to ICTs, in a way that would help the industry develop all around the globe, particularly in developing nations for whom this sector can offer so much in terms of addressing numerous economical, educational, social, and health-related issues". H.E. Al Ghanim also thanked everyone involved in the preparations for WTSA.

Over 1000 participants from member states, industry, and academia engaged in discussions around the areas that need to be further studied to produce new or amended standards for world telecommunications. A number of resolutions were passed, including one concerning the applications and standards for ICTs in order to improve access to e-health services, and a resolution on the role of ICTs in e-waste management. A number of resolutions were amended and updated.

Mr. Mohammed Al Gheyath, Executive Director of the Technology Development Affairs and Chairman of WTSA, said in his closing remarks: "I am confident that all the effort and focus you displayed over the past ten days in the area of standardization will undoubtedly establish a solid foundation and a bridge that connects us to the future."

The Arab delegation's list of candidates for the standardization sector at the ITU has been approved for the next study period 2012-2016.