International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The AI for Good Summit at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 marks an important step in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for global development and technological collaboration. The summit, hosted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is an excellent platform to discuss the evolving role of AI in shaping the future of connectivity, digital transformation, and sustainability.

Key Points on the International Telecommunication Union (ITU):

• Background:

  • The ITU, established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, has been a pivotal player in coordinating global telecommunication standards and policies. It became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1947.

  • The organization works on global telecommunication and ICT services and aims to improve access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) across the world, especially in underserved regions.

  • With 194 member countries and over 1,000 partners, the ITU plays a critical role in shaping global telecommunications policies, allocating radio spectrum and satellite orbits, and ensuring technical standardization.

• India and ITU: India has had a long history with the ITU, being a member since 1869 and a regular member of the ITU Council since 1952. India’s active participation has been central in driving ICT development, fostering innovation, and advancing digital policy.

India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025:

• Asia's Largest Technology Forum:

  • IMC is an annual event that gathers the best minds from the ICT and digital ecosystem to discuss the most pressing issues in telecommunications, digital transformation, and the role of emerging technologies like AI and 5G.

  • The event features industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators who shape the future of digital connectivity and technological advancements.

• Focus on AI and Digital Transformation:

  • The AI for Good Summit at IMC 2025 focuses on how artificial intelligence can be used to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This includes improving digital infrastructure, bridging the digital divide, and promoting sustainable development through innovation in ICT.

• Key Themes:

  • AI in Connectivity: How AI can optimize and manage the growing demands on telecom networks and provide smarter, more efficient connectivity solutions.

  • AI for Social Good: Exploring how AI can be leveraged to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and other sectors in underserved and remote communities.

  • AI in Digital Transformation: The role of AI in accelerating digital transformation across sectors like banking, retail, and governance.

AI's Role in Shaping the Future:

• AI for Connectivity: One of the key goals discussed at the summit was how AI can optimize telecommunication infrastructure, improving network efficiency and providing faster, more reliable internet services, especially in rural or underserved regions.

• AI for Social Impact: AI has immense potential for social good—from using AI to predict and respond to climate change effects, to improving access to healthcare and education. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, AI can help reduce inequalities in access to information and services.

• Collaboration Between Private Sector and Governments: The summit also highlighted the need for greater collaboration between governments, the private sector, and international organizations like the ITU to drive the adoption of AI and create a more inclusive, digitally connected world.

What Does This Mean for India?

India, with its rapidly growing digital ecosystem and expanding AI capabilities, is positioned as a key player in global ICT discussions. The IMC 2025, by hosting global dialogues like the AI for Good Summit, reinforces India’s role as a digital powerhouse and an influential voice in shaping future technology standards.

The AI for Good Summit and IMC 2025 are opportunities for India to showcase its tech innovations, explore AI’s potential in solving real-world problems, and lead the conversation on how emerging technologies can contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).