Bogdan-Martin becomes first woman to lead International Telecommunication Union

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has made history by electing Doreen Bogdan-Martin as the first woman to lead the organization in its 157-year history. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa’s Julius Bizimungu, Bogdan-Martin expressed her gratitude for the confidence and trust placed in her by the ITU membership. She acknowledged the immense responsibility that comes with the role, highlighting the ethical duty to connect the 2.7 billion people worldwide who are still without internet access. The UN has set a target to bridge this digital divide by 2030, making the mission even more critical now that Bogdan-Martin has shattered the 'digital glass ceiling.' She emphasized the need for meaningful connectivity, ensuring that the global population, especially in regions like Africa, can leverage digital opportunities for healthcare, education, agriculture, employment, and more. Bogdan-Martin outlined her clear agenda to focus on connecting the unconnected, a cause she has championed in her previous role as director of telecommunications development. With Africa being the least connected region in the world but also presenting significant opportunities due to its youthful population, she aims to align ITU's efforts with the continent's Agenda 2063. By providing not just connectivity but also essential skills, Bogdan-Martin envisions a future where all individuals have the chance to harness the power of digital technologies for personal and societal growth. Despite the myriad global challenges like the ongoing pandemic, energy crises, and conflicts in various regions, Bogdan-Martin remains optimistic about achieving universal connectivity by 2030. While acknowledging the complex landscape, she believes that the technology exists to fulfill this goal. However, she stressed the importance of addressing cost barriers, ensuring safety and trust in connectivity, promoting digital literacy, and providing localized content and services. Particularly in Africa with its diversity of languages, the focus on inclusivity and relevance is paramount. Regarding the debate on internet governance, Bogdan-Martin clarified ITU's role as a key stakeholder in shaping policies and infrastructure related to connectivity. Highlighting the organization's pivotal mission of fostering global communication since its inception, she expressed ITU's commitment to working with member states and private sector partners to advance discussions on internet governance. By convening various stakeholders and promoting best practices, the ITU aims to contribute significantly to the evolving digital landscape. In her pursuit of meaningful connectivity, Bogdan-Martin sees the ITU playing a critical role, particularly in empowering underdeveloped and vulnerable regions. She emphasized the importance of focusing on least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island nations, all of which face unique challenges in accessing and utilizing digital resources. Through initiatives like the Partner to Connect program, which has garnered $28 billion in pledges from diverse stakeholders, the ITU is driving a global effort to bridge the digital divide and create value in all communities. As Bogdan-Martin leads the ITU into a new era, her vision for inclusive and impactful connectivity holds promise for a more connected and empowered world.