In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, one Geneva-based organization stands at the intersection of rapidly advancing technologies, global technical and regulatory expertise, and global sustainable development priorities steered by the United Nations.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), dating back to 1865, started off as a European organization to standardize international telegraph exchanges. Originally headquartered in Bern, the organization became part of the United Nations in 1947 and moved to Geneva the following year. After evolving with tech for 160 years, ITU now addresses the challenges connecting everyone in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), ever-larger satellite constellations, and direct-to-device communications.
This article kicks off a series exploring ITU's rich history, current initiatives, and vision for a connected, sustainable future. Each article between now and early July 2025 will delve into a key theme or aspect of ITU’s work as the UN agency for digital technologies
 | Building resilient connectivity
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Submarine cables, carrying 99% of the world's international data traffic, form the backbone of digital communications worldwide. ITU works with partners to strengthen cable security and resilience, as well as develop back-ups and prepare response plans to restore communications in all kinds of disaster situations. Additionally, ITU readies countries to face the growing threat of cyberattacks. |
 | Keeping space sustainable
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As Earth’s orbital space becomes more crowded, international spectrum management through ITU Radio Regulations treaty keeps satellite systems delivering services smoothly, without harmful interference. Looking ahead, ITU is working closely with governments, space agencies, the private sector and key UN space organizations to ensure space use remains viable for future generation. |
 | Greening digital technologies
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Information and communication technologies account for between 1.5% and 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a study by ITU and the World Bank, with AI adoption ramping up energy and water consumption, as well as emissions, even more. In response, ITU and partners are calling on the industry to take responsibility for its impact at the same time as leveraging the power of technologies for a sustainable future. ITU standards set out a pathway to net-zero emissions, provide guidelines for green, efficient data centres, and more. |
 | Fostering global digital cooperation
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Despite significant advances, an estimated 2.6 billion people, or about one-third of the global population, remain offline, mainly in rural areas and low-income countries. ITU's initiatives all aim to bridge this digital divide and promote inclusive digital development. For over 20 years, digital cooperation and development have been guided by outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) , first held in Geneva in 2003, with further global consultations moved forward by ITU with UN partners ever since. ITU initiatives and WSIS action lines are consistent with the aims of the Pact for the Future and Global Digital Compact recently adopted at the UN General Assembly. |
 | Harnessing AI for humanity
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For more than seven years, the AI for Good platform maintained by ITU and UN partners has aligned AI innovation with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In recent years, the annual summit in Geneva has also become a key AI governance forum for developed and developing countries. The next AI for Good Global Summit takes place at Geneva’s Palexpo between 8 and 11 July, with a dedicated AI Governance Day and “WSIS+20” discussions happening in parallel. In addition, the world’s top standardization bodies – IEC, ISO and ITU, all based in Geneva – are actively collaborating on technical standards for safe and responsible AI. |
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The UN has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, recognizing the potential and challenges presented by unprecedented data and computing at power. Nascent quantum information technologies promise to strengthen climate action, improve energy supply, and help solve problems in fields such as medicine, trade and more. However, they also pose staggering new cybersecurity threats that only quantum security systems can protect against. ITU is studying quantum security requirements and working with UN and industry partners to prom |
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The digital hub for humanity
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At the heart of international diplomacy, hundreds of Geneva-based international actors contribute to digital governance, standards, intellectual property, e-commerce, and other international frameworks. UN agencies, technical bodies, and independent civil-society and humanitarian organizations in the city all provide mutual support and enhance the depth of each other’s work. As Ambassador Raymond Loretan, President of the Diplomatic Club of Geneva, explained at a recent reception at ITU: "Here in International Geneva, we share a collective responsibility to promote constructive and proactive dialogue, ensuring the preservation of the principles and practices that sustain global cooperation for decades." |
Follow this article series signed by ITU as we explore their 160-year history, emerging priorities, and ongoing work to build the digital future for all.
