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.

Outlines

00:00

🎉 Closing Ceremony of the Ideal Potential Conference 2022

The speaker expresses gratitude for the successful conclusion of the Ideal Potential Conference 2022, acknowledging the contributions of various leaders and the adoption of strategic and financial plans for 2024 to 2027. The conference emphasized universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation, with over 60 resolutions adopted, including new ones on artificial intelligence, space policy, and global pandemic mitigation. The speaker also highlights the financial support received from several countries and the importance of ITU's financial health, as well as the organization's role in global partnerships and the upcoming events in Qatar in 2026.

05:01

🌟 Reflections on ITU's Achievements and New Leadership

The speaker reflects on the transformative impact of ICT innovations over the past three decades and the significant milestones achieved by ITU, including the increase in internet users from 185 million to 5.3 billion. The speaker also congratulates the new leadership, particularly the first female Secretary General, and expresses confidence in the new generation of leaders. The speaker's personal journey with ITU is highlighted, from the early days of limited connectivity to the mainstream adoption of 5G, AI, and IoT, showcasing the organization's role in driving digital transformation.

10:04

🙌 Acknowledging the Dedication of ITU Staff and Colleagues

The speaker extends heartfelt thanks to the ITU staff, the chairs and advisors of the conference, and all those involved in organizing the event. Special recognition is given to Beatrice Pleasure for her exceptional efforts and to the speaker's longtime assistant, Morocco Said, for her unwavering service. The speaker's deep appreciation for the support and collaboration of all members and partners over the years is evident, emphasizing the strong team spirit and camaraderie within ITU.

15:10

🏆 Honoring the Contributions of Key Individuals and the Host Country

The speaker pays tribute to the host country, Romania, for its warm hospitality and excellent organization of the conference, leaving a lasting impression on the delegates. The speaker also acknowledges the contributions of the chair of PP 2022, Mr. Sabin Summers, for his commitment and leadership, and presents him with a token of appreciation. The speaker's personal acknowledgment of his wife's support throughout his career is a touching moment, highlighting the sacrifices made by family members in the pursuit of professional goals.

20:13

🌐 The Resilience and Future of ITU

The speaker concludes by reflecting on ITU's enduring legacy, having survived through various global crises and conflicts while remaining at the forefront of innovation. The speaker's personal commitment to creating a harmonious environment within ITU is highlighted, along with the organization's collective strength and unity. The speaker expresses his love for ITU and its members, his sadness at parting, and his hopes for the future of the organization, ending with well-wishes for a happy and healthy new year for all.

Keywords

💡ICT

ICT stands for Information and Communications Technology, which is the focus of the video. It refers to technologies that support the creation, manipulation, storage, and dissemination of information. In the video, ICT is integral to the theme of sustainable digital transformation and universal connectivity, as emphasized by the adoption of strategic and financial planning for 2024 to 2027.

💡Sustainable Digital Transformation

Sustainable Digital Transformation is the process of integrating digital technology into all areas of human life to improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. The video discusses this concept as a central part of the ITU's strategy, highlighting the importance of ICT in achieving sustainable development for all.

💡Resolutions

In the context of the video, resolutions refer to formal decisions or statements adopted by the ITU during the conference. Over 60 resolutions were mentioned, covering a range of topics from artificial intelligence to global pandemic mitigation, indicating the broad scope of the ITU's work.

💡Artificial Intelligence Technologies

Artificial Intelligence Technologies are systems and tools that simulate human intelligence processes. The video mentions these technologies as one of the key topics addressed in the resolutions, showing the ITU's commitment to shaping the future of AI in a way that benefits society.

💡Global Economy

The term 'global economy' in the video refers to the worldwide system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The ITU aims to prepare a global economy that is more sustainable, prosperous, fair, and connected through the adoption of digital technologies and policies.

💡ITU

ITU stands for the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations agency responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies. The video discusses the ITU's role in fostering international cooperation and setting global standards for these technologies.

💡Financial Plan

The financial plan mentioned in the video is a strategic document outlining the ITU's financial goals and strategies for the years 2024 to 2027. It is crucial for ensuring the organization's financial stability and ability to carry out its mission.

💡Contributory Units

Contributory Units in the context of the ITU refer to the entities that contribute financially to the organization's budget. The video notes an increase in the number of such units, which is a positive sign of growing support for the ITU's work.

💡Secretary General

The Secretary General of the ITU is the highest-ranking official in the organization, responsible for its overall management and representing it internationally. The video celebrates the election of the first woman to this position, signaling progress and new leadership.

💡PP 2022

PP 2022 refers to the Plenipotentiary Conference held by the ITU in 2022. This conference is a key event where member states gather to discuss and decide on the future direction of the organization. The video script includes a closing address for this conference.

💡Strategic Planning

Strategic planning in the video pertains to the process of setting long-term goals and policies for the ITU. The adoption of the strategic and financial planning for 2024 to 2027 is a significant part of the conference's outcomes, guiding the organization's future actions.

Highlights

The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 was successfully concluded with the adoption of the Strategic and Financial Plan for 2024-2027, focusing on universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation.

Over 60 resolutions were adopted, covering key topics from artificial intelligence and space policy to mitigating global pandemics, aiming to create a more sustainable, prosperous, fair, and connected global economy and society.

ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao expressed gratitude to Brazil, the United States, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Papua New Guinea, and Cambodia for increasing their financial contributions to ITU.

The new financial plan and increase of more than 12 contributory units put ITU in a sound and promising financial situation.

ITU's participation in the Advisory Committee of the Transforming Education Summit and the United Nations General Assembly highlighted its valued partnership on the global stage.

Secretary-General Houlin Zhao emphasized the importance of continuing ITU's active participation in G7 and G20 ICT Ministerial meetings as a knowledge partner.

With 2.7 billion people still unconnected and only 80 years left to achieve universal connectivity, the progress made at ITU PP-22 and future initiatives in Qatar 2026 are crucial.

The election of the new ITU leadership team, including the first female Secretary-General, signals the beginning of a new era for the organization.

The new generation of leadership among delegates showcased at the conference gives confidence in ITU's capable future.

Secretary-General Houlin Zhao reflected on his 36 years at ITU, highlighting the significant growth and transformation of the digital landscape during his tenure.

Romania was praised as an outstanding host of ITU PP-22, with strong support from various government entities and impressive hospitality.

The appreciation and recognition of the hard work of ITU staff, interpreters, translators, and volunteers were acknowledged in the closing remarks.

Special thanks were given to Beatrice Pleșa for her excellent efforts in addressing challenges during ITU PP-22.

Secretary-General Houlin Zhao expressed his deep gratitude to his wife, assistants, and the ITU family for their unwavering support throughout his career.

Chair of ITU PP-22, Mr. Sabin Stanescu, was commended for his extraordinary commitment, leadership, and management skills.

ITU's resilience through historical challenges and its focus on maintaining core business amid geopolitical conflicts were highlighted.

The Secretary-General's dedication to creating a harmonized environment for ITU members and staff was emphasized, along with his love and commitment to the organization.

Closing remarks wished a safe journey home, happy, and healthy New Year 2023 to all delegates and their families.

Transcripts

[Applause]

Japanese

it's really a very wonderful video and I

don't know how could you find all these

photos and how could you choose this

Chinese music that is

I can assure you I do not offer any

photo to them I did not offer any hint

of my favorite song but they have done

one of our jobs thank you very much

thank you

Mr chairman excellencies ministers and

ambassadors

deputy secretary General

and or three directors of the bureau

newly elected and re-elected officials

heads of delegations ladies and

gentlemen

I'm a

it is my distinct honor

to bring the ideal potential conference

2022

to a close

thank you to prime minister

foreign

for his inspirational

video message about it user future

I'm very proud at this happy moment

for itu of what PP 2022

has achieved

we have adopted

the Strategic and financial planning for

2024 to 2027.

by putting Universal connectivity and

sustainable digital transformation

at the center of our strategy

we are sending the message that ICT

and the sustainable development for all

go hanged in hand

the more than 60 resolutions you have

adopted including new resolutions and

key topics ranging from artificial

intelligence Technologies to space

policy issues

to mitigating global pandemics

we have prepared a global economy and a

society that is more sustainable more

prosperous more fair and more connected

I'm grateful to Brazil

the United States Kenya equatorial Kenya

popular New Guinea and Cambodia for

increasing their contributions

and encourage others to do the same

itu needs your financial support

with our new financial plan

and this increase of more than 12

contributory units I'm pleased to leave

itu in a sound and the promising

financial situation

I know the new management team will

assist

this opportunity and capitalize on this

significant assets

today

itu has become a much valued partner on

the global stage

that was evident in our participation in

the advisory committee of the

transformation education Summit that

took place at the new United Nation in

New York last month

where

I also addressed the related gathering

in the United Nations General Assembly

Hall on this occasion

I also value my rule in having bricks

the G7 and the G20

started their ICT ministerial annual

meetings in 2015

2016 and 2017 respectively

itu has actively participated in these

meetings

oftentimes as a valued knowledge

partners

I'm pleased that they have heard these

meetings every year since the day and

plan to continue to do so in the future

because 2.7 billion people are still

unconnected we just have 80 years left

to have everyone connected it is my hope

that the progress accomplished at this

PPP and what you will do in Qatar

in 2026 will allow us to declare Victory

when our hearing comes back together

again in 2013.

we needed all the ideas we can get

and I know the new leadership team

has a lot of ideas and initiatives

and it's ready to work with you to take

on this challenge

I call on you to advocate for nitu

that is supposed a technical agency and

a development agency and to strengthen

this message inside and outside the

active family

the election of the next I.T leadership

team signals the beginning of a new era

I was pleased to see

Madam during Octon Martin become the

first woman to be elected as itu

Secretary General

Madam Secretary General elect I wish you

and your amazing team good luck and

every success for the future

then we also take this opportunity to

congratulate all the new itu council

member states

and the chair and the vice chairs of the

council as well as the members of the

radio regulation

board

I'm confident that this new leadership

will take itu to new heights

I'm also very much encouraged by the new

generation of leadership among delegates

on display at this conference

the future of itu is in very capable

things

since this is the last time I will

address this plenary I would now like to

refer on my sweetest six years at itu

including 24 years as an elected

officials

I just want to confirm I can also beat

Malcolm Johnson for the longer year of

the

accepted activities in itu because I

joined iit's first conference in 1979.

and if you heard from Michael he had 40

years activity engagement

but I have now three years

even longer than him

I joined it in 1986

one year earlier than just every

then I was Secretary of staff and if he

was an expert

for our meetings

at that moment

1986 there was no internet

and only a handful of countries had a

very limited analog mobile phone service

only 185 million people

were online when I first got elected as

TSB director in 1998.

the year when the idea of holding a

water Summit on the Information Society

was born

today

5.3 billion people are using the

internet

5G Ai iot and Broadband have all entered

the mainstream vocabulary

vocabulary

satellites Optical fibers and submarine

cables have brought continents Villages

and people close together

over three decades I witnessed first

hand how ICT Innovations have changed

the world

and how important itu has been in

advancing this digital transformation

ladies and gentlemen Romania has been an

outstanding host

it was

a common effort a man they are

Parliament

the prime minister's office

the Ministers of Foreign Affairs

culture

and a research Innovation and

digitalization

and income

and the protection

and card services

of Romania spp

as well as a local security team care

services team help desks or the

volunteers and my own security officials

and Driver

our delegates are all impressed by the

support

worms and Hospitality of our host

this wonderful PP 2022

we are live for delegates with many

wonderful memories

let us give everybody of them the host a

huge round of Pros

thank you let's thank the chairs and

advisors of the conference

the chairs and vice chairs of the

Committees and a working group of the

plenary

as well as the chairs of ad hoc

and drafting groups and coordinators of

informal discussion

many among them are women experts and

young delegates

let's give them a warm round of approach

a big thank you to all the IQ staff who

worked on this conference here in

progress or in Geneva or in our field

offices in particular Zeus who served as

the Secretary of teams of committees

working group of the plenary air Hawker

groups as well as the logistics is

communications security teams

interpreters translators captioners

speech writer

protocol officials photographers

technicians and others

please also give them a warm round of

approach

not like my Deputy I have three persons

to identify

my special Thanks goes to Beatrice

pleasure

who spread new efforts to address all

challenges before and during PP 2022

she is simply excellent

let's give her a big round of approach

[Applause]

now serving a total of six terms of

successively as TSB director then deputy

secretary General and the Secretary

General was a pride and honor of my life

my sincere thanks to the People's

Republic of China

for their trust and support

they have shown me over last 36 years

thank you to all it members and partners

I was very honored and immensely

grateful to rwanda's president Mr Paulo

kagami

for awarding me the a casino a casino

thank you to my fellow elected officials

the past and the current

I wish Michael and the Chesapeake the

best for their future

thank you to all IQ staff

you are the best team anyone could dream

of

I have made many friends over the years

thank you all for the marvelous support

and encouragement

now let me

check another individual let me thank my

longtime assistant Morocco said who has

devoted 42 years to serving iotu's top

Management on the 14th floor of the

ideal Tower

the longest of all IQ staff today

modak has been a constant and Associated

source of support and a legend in itu

since 2013

she has worked as my main assistant day

and night

seven days a week without ever

asking for any overtime compensation

she is the mother of hard work and a

sacrifice

and really admire her and thank her for

her service I wish her a long and happy

retirement where is morocc please stand

up

[Applause]

now I have another individual to thank

I want like to thank my dear wife

who has been a rock in my life

was a civil engineer

but she did not hesitate to put her

career aside

to allow me to pursue my own work

she's always being supportive of me even

when she started having cares issues in

2016.

for several years

it will mean a lot to me

if you could join me to give her a warm

round of approach

I just got a mirror from you if you

allow me I will present this matter to

her she deserves it

yeah let's take a photo

come here

all right yeah bye

[Applause]

thank you very much thank you very much

last

or even more important I want to

recognize

the chair of pp 2022

Mr Sabin Summers

from the time his nomination he

committed himself

to our business by joining all major IQ

events and the regional

coordination and consultation meetings

he did it

despite his busy schedule

as a leading member an ICT of the

Romania Parliament

his deeper knowledge of our challenges

and opportunities

remarkable management skills

and the leadership

extraordinary

commitments and a wonderful personality

are apprised by all delegates

he's fantastic

I thank our chairman for all he has done

for the success of pp 2022

so let's give him a round of approach

I will present him with it matter and my

certificate for appreciation but let me

just finish my last paragraph

so dear delegates

and dear friends

itu

has survived

two world wars

the court of War

many financial crisis

military conflicts

and a political tumor

is long

157 year old history

throughout

we have remained at The Cutting Edge of

innovation amid the industry

transformation

like in all families

we have stood together in good time

sometimes hard times

if geopolitical conflicts are inevitable

we have always tried hard

to focus and to maintain our Core

Business

when I become a Secret gender in 2015

I promise you I would work with you to

create a harmonized environment for

members and for staff

I've tried my best

I believe

we were once more come out stronger

and continue to build and even better

future together

I have worked using itu

for 36 years without interruptions

I've spent half of my life

with the it family

I love itu I love you all

I will miss you

I wish I to you the best for the future

the word needs ICT

and the ICT needs itu

Longleaf itu

I still have to conclude

to conclude I wish you a safe journey

home and wish you and your family all a

happy and healthy prepared New Year 2023

thank you very much

now now let me now present my

certificate animator to our chairman

[Applause]

[Applause]

thank you