The fifth Global Standards Symposium (GSS-24) concluded on October 15, 2024, in New Delhi. This landmark symposium, organised by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by Department of Telecommunications, brought together record 1,500 leading policymakers, innovators, and experts from around the world to discuss the future of digital transformation and the critical role of international standards in enabling the next wave of emerging technologies.

The symposium had a high-level segment that facilitated cooperation among industry leaders and ministers, focusing on the future of innovation and digital public infrastructure. The event called for robust international standards for artificial intelligence (AI) governance. The symposium stressed the need to bridge the standards gap between developed and developing nations, ensuring equitable access to technology for all.

The symposium, which focused on the theme ‘Charting the Next Digital Wave: Emerging Technologies, Innovation, and International Standards,’ addressed the critical need for a cohesive and forward-looking approach to the governance and standardisation of emerging technologies.

Key sessions explored the role of open-source technologies, blockchain-based authentication, and the impact of AI and Metaverse on public services and industry, advocating for collaboration with developers to create a more inclusive tech ecosystem. The event also featured an AI Standards Summit, which highlighted how consensus-based standards can spark innovation across various sectors, enhancing technological advancements.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development stated that India has achieved unprecedented transformation, which is now globally recognised. He said that the development of international standards must be inclusive and democratic, reflecting of needs of all regions and encouraging active participation from developing countries. He mentioned, “As we conclude this remarkable symposium, I am confident that the standards we establish are more than just technical standards, but they are moral compasses, guiding us towards a future of shared global progress. India is ready to take this journey not alone, but with all of you as partners.”

Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, inaugurated the event. In his inaugural address, he emphasised India’s role as a global hub for telecommunications and digital innovation, citing India’s record of being a land of science, innovation and rules aiding in the prosperity of the world.

Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, chief executive officer, Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) chaired the GSS-24. It is for the first time that India took the leadership of this Symposium. The symposium concluded with a powerful outcome document emphasising the crucial role of international standards in driving digital transformation globally. Dr Upadhyay presented the key outcomes which included:

  • Driving digital transformation: The outcome document underscores international standards as the cornerstone for digital transformation globally.
  • Uniting global leaders: GSS-24 brought together industry giants and policymakers to discuss the impact of standards on cutting-edge technologies.
  • Innovation through standards: The AI Standards Summit showcased how consensus-based standards can spark innovation across various sectors, enhancing technological advancements.
  • Bridging the gap: The symposium stressed the need to bridge the standards gap between developed and developing nations, ensuring equitable access to technology for all.
  • Harnessing AI and Metaverse: GSS-24 highlighted the transformative potential of AI and the metaverse in public services and urban planning, urging ITU to strengthen initiatives like the Global Initiative on Virtual Worlds.
  • Accelerating sustainable development goals (SDGs): The event underscored the vital role of international standards in achieving UN SDGs, paving the way for sustainable digital transformation.
  • High-level dialogues: An unprecedented high-level segment fostered collaboration among industry leaders and ministers, focusing on the future of innovation and digital public infrastructure.
  • Establishing AI governance: GSS-24 called for robust international standards for AI governance, encouraging initiatives like AI for Good and the AI for Skills Coalition.
  • Empowering open source: The symposium recognised the critical role of open-source software in driving innovation, advocating for collaboration with developers to create a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
  • Celebrating smart cities: GSS-24 acknowledged cities excelling in smart and sustainable initiatives, reinforcing the commitment to the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative, led by the ITU, UNECE, and UN-Habitat.

The GSS-24 successfully laid the groundwork for future of emerging technologies, demonstrating how international collaboration and standardisation can drive innovation while ensuring inclusive growth.