The Bahamas officially announces its candidacy for re-election to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council (2023-2026). The official announcement was made during a reception hosted by The Bahamas’ delegation during the ITU’s World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) recently held in Kigali, Rwanda.
At the “kickoff” of The Bahamas’ campaign for re-election, the country’s delegation highlighted its advocacy as a global leader representing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on critical issues including access to emerging technologies that allow our countries to thrive in the digital age.
Making the announcement was the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jamahl Strachan who reconfirmed The Bahamas’ commitment to the goals and objectives of the ITU.
“If re-elected The Bahamas will implement ICT solutions to help prevent the large scale devastation caused by severe weather systems impacting Small Island Developing States (SIDs). Moreover, as an executive member of CITEL and with established memberships in other key regional telecom organizations, The Bahamas will continue using its influence to continue champion the causes of other nations with similar geographic and socio-economic challenges,” The Parliamentary Secretary shared.
Mr. Strachan also highlighted the country’s accomplishments during its first term as council member from 2018-2022. These include, contributing to a policy paper providing greater access for individuals from CARICOM member states to participate in ITU fellowships.
The Bahamas has been a member of the ITU since 1974 and, during that time, has been a strong advocate for the organization. Moreover, the country has successfully hosted several ITU events over the years including, ITU Green Standards Week in 2015 and Global Symposium for Regulators, (GSR) in 2017.
The Bahamas is hopeful for a successful re-election during the upcoming ITU Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled for September 2022 in Bucharest, Romania.
About the ITU:
The ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs. It brings together 193 member states and industry to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks and promote efficient, reliable and affordable telecommunication networks and services.
The decision-making body outside of the Plenipotentiary, the council, is made up of 48 elected member states with 9 council seats specifically allocated to The Americas which includes The Bahamas.
Photo: Members of the Bahamas Delegation along with ITU Executives.