Bridging the standardization gap between developing and developed countries (Resolution 44)

Resolutions and Declarations

Resolution 44 prepared by the Telecommunication standardization sector of the ITU, is based on the idea that to use ‘telecommunications/ICT to bridge the digital divide and build an inclusive information society’, there needs to be a reduction in the standardization gap between developed and developing countries. This gap consists of five components: ‘disparity of voluntary standardization, disparity of mandatory technical regulations, disparity of conformity assessment, disparity in human resources skilled in standardization and disparity in effective participation in ITU-T activities’. While ‘significant progress has been made in defining and bridging the standardization gap’, there are still large difficulties present. The document calls for increased coordination, participation by developing countries, and establishing of consultative frameworks. Further, it proposes a four-part Action plan and programme of assistance.