#wtis16: ITU to launch Measuring the Information Society Report 2016

The report has become one of the most authoritative sources for ICT data and for monitoring the development of the information society. This year’s report will look at the ICT indicators that will help track progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Brahima Sanou, Director ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau said, “We will also announce the results of the latest ICT Development Index, the IDI. The IDI is a benchmarking tool that aims to assist you in evaluating achievements in your country. Through the IDI, we can learn from one another, share and adopt best practices to boost the development of ICTS in our respective countries. “

Last year, Mr. Sanou commissioned an independent assessment of the IDI. “The conclusion of this independent assessment was very bold on the soundness of the IDI methodology and indicators,“ he said.

However, as technologies advance and more data become available, Mr. Sanou said that they will continuously work to improve the IDI indicators and announced that they had set up a special IDI working group to review the indicators included in the index.

During WTIS-16 ITU will also present the updates of the Expert Group on Household and the Expert Group Telecommunication and ICT Indicators that last met in September of this year, in Geneva.

“These two groups are incredibly important to our work since they deliver the technical expertise on how to capture technological advances through new definitions and methodologies. These groups combine the experience and perspective from the public and the private sector and provide an excellent opportunity for knowledge sharing and exchange, “said Mr. Sanou.

Among the key discussions during the three-day event will include digital literacy, 5G and other emerging topics. This year will also feature discussions on ICT indicators to monitor disaster risk reduction an area where ITU is playing a critical role in taking advantage of the opportunities of ICTs to save lives.

As in the last year, WTIS-16 will also dedicate a session on the topic of big data, where ITU has developed a number of concrete projects. This includes a ‘big data for monitoring the information society’ project to overcome important data gaps. Several pilot studies are currently being carried out and countries will discuss the possibilities of using big data to provide new insights into key development issues.