Houlin Zhao, Secretary-General, ITU - Speech at PP 22 Closing Ceremony

Summary

The video features a closing speech at a major international conference, where the speaker expresses gratitude to various nations and individuals for their contributions to the event's success. The speaker highlights key achievements, including the adoption of strategic and financial plans focusing on universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation. Reflecting on their 36-year career with the organization, the speaker celebrates the progress in ICT and expresses optimism for the future under new leadership. The speech concludes with heartfelt thanks to colleagues, family, and the host country, Romania.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The speaker expresses gratitude for the video presentation, highlighting the unexpected choice of Chinese music and photos.
• 🌐 The conference has successfully adopted a Strategic and Financial Plan for 2024 to 2027, focusing on universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation.
• 📈 Over 60 resolutions were adopted, covering a broad range of topics including AI, space policy, and global pandemic mitigation strategies.
• 💼 The speaker acknowledges increased contributions from Brazil, the United States, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Papua New Guinea, and Cambodia, and encourages others to follow suit.
• 📈 ITU's financial plan has been bolstered with more than 12 new contributory units, indicating a sound financial outlook.
• 🌟 ITU is recognized as a valued partner on the global stage, participating in high-level meetings such as the Advisory Committee of the Transforming Education Summit and the United Nations General Assembly.
• 🌐 The speaker emphasizes the urgency of connecting the remaining 2.7 billion unconnected people, setting an ambitious goal for the next 80 years.
• 👩‍💼 The election of the next ITU leadership team, including the first female Secretary-General, signifies a new era for the organization.
• 🏆 The speaker congratulates new ITU council member states, and the chair and vice chairs of the council, as well as members of the Radio Regulations Board.
• 🏛️ Romania is praised for being an outstanding host of the conference, with contributions from various government entities and support teams.

Q & A

What was the main theme of the ITU PP 2022 conference?

The main theme of the ITU PP 2022 conference was centered around Universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation, with a focus on ICT and sustainable development for all.

What significant resolutions were adopted during the conference?

The conference adopted more than 60 resolutions, including new ones and those on key topics such as artificial intelligence technologies, space policy issues, and mitigating global pandemics.

How did the conference address the issue of financial contributions to ITU?

The conference acknowledged the increased contributions from Brazil, the United States, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Papua New Guinea, and Cambodia, and encouraged others to do the same, emphasizing the need for financial support for ITU's new financial plan.

What was the significance of the participation of the G7 and G20 in ITU meetings?

ITU's participation in the G7 and G20 ICT ministerial annual meetings, starting from 2015, 2016, and 2017 respectively, highlighted ITU's valued role as a knowledge partner in global ICT discussions.

What is the goal regarding global connectivity mentioned in the script?

The goal mentioned is to connect 2.7 billion unconnected people, with only 80 years left to achieve universal connectivity.

Who was elected as the first woman Secretary General of ITU?

Madam Doreen Bogdan-Martin was elected as the first woman Secretary General of ITU.

What was the role of Romania in the ITU PP 2022 conference?

Romania served as an outstanding host for the ITU PP 2022 conference, with contributions from various government entities and support from local teams.

What is the historical significance of ITU, as mentioned in the script?

ITU has a long history of 157 years, having survived two world wars, the Cold War, financial crises, military conflicts, and political turmoil, while remaining at the forefront of innovation and industry transformation.

What was the speaker's personal connection to ITU, as described in the script?

The speaker has been with ITU for 36 years without interruption, having started from attending the first conference in 1979, and has held various positions including TSB director, Deputy Secretary General, and Secretary General.

What was the speaker's message regarding the future of ITU?

The speaker expressed optimism for the future of ITU, highlighting the new leadership team's ideas and initiatives, and called for advocacy to strengthen ITU's role as both a technical and development agency.