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ITU/UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development
Description/achievement of initiative

The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development was launched by ITU and UNESCO in 2010 to bridge the digital divide and bring the goal of universal broadband connectivity to the forefront of policy discussions. Comprised of high-powered community members, the Commission hosts CEOs and industry leaders, senior policymakers and government representatives, heads of international agencies, academia, and organizations concerned with regional and global development. Together, they advocate for the power of broadband to drive sustainable development and accelerate progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Implementation methodologies

The Commission meets as whole bi-annually, publishing its flagship State of Broadband Report once per year. Throughout the year, Working Groups, comprised of Commissioners and External Experts, conduct research and develop policy recommendations on global issues affecting broadband connectivity. For more information about the current Working Groups visit www.broadbandcommission.org.

Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer

The Commission is comprised of over 50 members who engage in high-level advocacy to promote broadband in developing countries and underserved communities. One of its central roles is to build partnerships between the private sector, government, civil society, and international organizations.

Coordination mechanisms/governance structure

The Commission is hosted jointly by ITU and UNESCO, with the Secretariat being housed within ITU.

Partner(s)

ITU, UNESCO
Progress reports
Goal 3
Goal 4
Goal 5
Goal 7
Goal 8
Goal 9
9.5 - Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending
9.a - Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States
9.c - Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020
Goal 10
Goal 11
Goal 13
Goal 16
Goal 17
2011
State of Broadband Report
2012
State of Broadband Report
2013
State of Broadband Report
2014
State of Broadband Report
2015
State of Broadband Report
2016
State of Broadband Report
2017
State of Broadband Report
2018
State of Broadband Report
2019
State of Broadband Report
2020
State of Broadband Report
9/2016
The State of Broadband report 2016
9/2016
Report of the Working Group on Health
Staff / Technical expertise
ITU provides the Secretariat for the Broadband Commission
In-kind contribution
Private sector Commissioners typically contribute $50,000

Basic information
Time-frame: 3/2010 - 2030
Website
Partners
ITU, UNESCO
Countries
Contact information
Phillippa Biggs, Content Coordinator of the Broadband Commission & Senior Policy Analyst, phillippa.biggs@itu.int
United Nations