The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs). ITU allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develops the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and strive to improve access to and use of ICTs to underserved communities worldwide. ITU is committed to connecting all the world's people - ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, gender, ability, location, or financial means have available, accessible and affordable access to (ICTs).

Through ITU’s work, we support everyone's fundamental right to communicate.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets stimulate global action in the coming years in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet. As acknowledged by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, “The spread of information and communications technology and global interconnectedness has great potential to accelerate human progress, to bridge the digital divide and to develop knowledge societies, as does scientific and technological innovation across areas as diverse as medicine and energy”.

Increased connectivity, digital technologies, information systems, digital skills and Internet use have the potential to reduce poverty and create jobs through applications and services, such as e-agriculture and digital finance; help end poverty and hunger; monitor and mitigate climate change and sustaining our natural resources; as well as improved efficiency and transparency. All three pillars of sustainable development – economic development, social inclusion and environmental protection – need ICTs as key catalysts. The development potential of ICT as crosscutting enablers must therefore be fully harnessed for achieving the SDGs.

To enable this vision, ITU and its members have adopted the ITU Strategic Plan for 2020-2023 (Resolution 71, Rev. 2018, Dubai) and the Connect 2030 Agenda (Resolution 200, Rev. 2018, Dubai) which are based on 5 ITU strategic Goals. Each Goal has its own indicators that measure the progress towards this shared vision.

In line with UN Resolution А/70/1 and Resolution А/70/125, ITU, in collaboration with more than 30 UN agencies, is continuously working towards strengthening the alignment of the WSIS Process implementation activities with the 2020 Agenda for Sustainable Development, thereby highlighting the direct linkages between WSIS Action Lines and SDGs.