Wed, 29 Sep 2021 - 09:09
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Australia seeks International Telecommunication Union re-election

Australia will stand for re-election to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council at the Plenipotentiary Conference in Bucharest, Romania, which will convene from 26 September to 14 October 2022.

 

The ITU is a United Nations specialised agency that brings together governments and industry to in support of efficient, interoperable and affordable global telecommunication networks and services.

 

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said Australia will continue to support the ITU’s efforts to promote accessible and inclusive global communications.

 

“Australia’s re-election campaign will focus on our efforts to build global connectivity, particularly in the Pacific and other developing states, by sharing Australia’s domestic experience in improving connectivity in remote locations,” Minister Payne said.

 

“Australia’s campaign will also reflect our strong commitment to promoting liberal-democratic values in key international standard-setting organisations like the ITU.”

 

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said re-election will support Australia's vital commercial and strategic interest in reliable, interconnected global telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT).

 

“Our region relies on global communications networks every day for business and work, education and entertainment, which is why our continued participation in the ITU is critical to continually improve services throughout the Asia Pacific region,” Minister Fletcher said.