ITU advances work on global AI standards, capacity development

Artificial Intelligence (AI) features among key issues being considered by the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24) as it prepares for its second week in New Delhi, India.

Now midway through its work, WTSA-24 will determine the course of action for the next four years of standards development for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

WTSA is the governing conference for the standardization work of ITU, the UN Agency for Digital Technologies.

Alongside reviewing mandates of expert groups, the conference is considering priorities for standards work on topics from AI and metaverse to quantum information technologies and digital public infrastructure as it runs through 24 October

The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the UN General Assembly last month, provides a framework for countries and industries to ensure that AI benefits all of humanity.

This framework emphasizes the need for comprehensive and impactful AI standards. Similar calls have been made by the G20 and the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI.

“AI standards can build trust, safety, and a level playing field for innovation for people across India, the region, and around the world,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “The need of the hour is to turn broad principles into clear and implementable standards that ensure AI works for everyone — responsibly and fairly.”

ITU has already published over 100 standards on AI. Over 150 more are under development.

“New technologies are creating new connections between all industries,” said Seizo Onoe, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Bureau. “AI is accelerating this trend dramatically, highlighting why ITU is so invested in building bridges between different areas of expertise.”