The Fifth Global Standards Symposium (GSS-24), held on 14 October 2024, brought together thought leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from around the world to discuss the next digital wave of emerging technologies, innovation, and the role of international standards. GSS was chaired by IEEE member Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO and Chairman of the Project Board at the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an IEEE Government Engagement Program on Standards (GEPS) participant.
The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24) immediately followed, from 15-24 October. WTSA is held every four years and defines the next study period for the ITU-Telecommunications Standardization Bureau (TSB). Chairs and vice-chairs were elected for each of ITU’s 11 Study Groups, and agreements were formed on the standards development areas that each of the Study Groups would focus on for the coming four years.
Additional events and activities, including the Digital Wave Stage and the International AI Standards Summit, took place surrounding these two major conferences.
Highlights
Fifth Global Standards Symposium (GSS-24)
Under the theme “Charting the Next Digital Wave: Emerging Technologies, Innovation, and International Standards,” GSS-24 explored how cutting-edge technologies and international standards are reshaping our digital future.
WTSA-24 Digital Wave Stage
The Digital Wave Stage, part of the WTSA-24 Expo, featured numerous discussions on Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) role in shaping global technology and policy. Leaders from governments, industries, international bodies, and academia deliberated the impact of AI standards and how initiatives, like those from IEEE SA, are driving policy conversations around AI’s ethical, inclusive, and transparent use across sectors.
IEEE Booth at WTSA-24
IEEE hosted a booth at WTSA-24, showcasing its key initiatives, which included:
- IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) | IEEE SA Rural Connectivity: Community Radio (CR) Bolo (focused on connectivity solutions for rural areas),
- IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed,
- IEEE Blended Learning Program,
- IEEE DiscoveryPoint for Communications, and
- IEEE Government Engagement Program on Standards (GEPS)
These exhibits were designed to present how IEEE SA is driving innovation and providing educational platforms globally, especially in emerging areas like 5G, 6G, and rural connectivity.
Panel Discussion on Regulatory Perspectives in Standardization
IEEE’s Sri Chandrasekaran moderated a high-level panel organized by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), focusing on the regulatory perspective on standardization. The panel included experts from various sectors discussing how evolving telecom standards can align with regulatory frameworks to ensure global interoperability and sustainability in telecommunications.
International AI Standards Summit
The summit focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Climate Change and Disaster Risk Mitigation, where attendees explored how AI is transforming the fight against natural hazards. Discussions centered around the standardization of AI applications for forecasting, monitoring, and disaster response, underscoring collaboration with other UN agencies to strengthen the global AI and disaster management ecosystem. IEEE’s role in setting ethical standards for AI was a key highlight during these discussions.
India Mobile Congress (IMC)
Co-located with WTSA-24, the India Mobile Congress (IMC), organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Cellular Operator Association of India (COAI), gathered stakeholders from the telecommunications, media, and technology industries to discuss the latest innovations and trends in their respective areas and the information and communication technology (ICT) domains. This event provided a platform for discussions on telecommunication advancements, media transformations, and the impact of emerging technologies, such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).
AI for Good Impact India
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Good Impact India event marked a crucial moment for promoting diversity and inclusivity within the AI for Good framework. IEEE’s Sri Chandrasekaran participated as a panelist, discussing how AI technologies can align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event’s focus was to provide collaborative platforms for knowledge sharing and the ethical development of AI technologies that address critical global challenges.
Interview with IEEE’s Sri Chandrasekaran
Sri Chandrasekaran, IEEE India Country Head, contributed valuable insights during his interview at WTSA-24. He emphasized several impactful initiatives by IEEE, particularly those driven in India, including:
- Capacity Building through the IEEE Blended Learning Program: Sri highlighted IEEE’s focus on wireless community networks (IEEE 802), empowering local communities by providing access to education and technology through the Blended Learning Program.
- Rural Connectivity via IEEE Standards: IEEE SA is pivotal in setting standards for rural connectivity. Sri emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide in underserved areas and how the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) is contributing to achieving this through its standardization efforts.
- Collaborative Efforts with the Internet Society Foundation: Sri discussed IEEE’s initiative to bring internet connectivity to 200 villages and 100 primary schools in disaster-prone areas of India. These efforts aim to provide vital communication links and promote socio-economic development in rural regions.
- Ethically Aligned Design (EAD): Sri spoke about developing ethical AI standards under the IEEE Ethically Aligned Design framework, fostering responsible AI use that aligns with human-centric values, particularly emphasizing children’s online safety and data privacy.
Wrap-Up
WTSA-24 served as a global platform for shaping the future of telecommunications standards. IEEE SA’s active participation in various sessions, panels, and exhibits underscored its commitment to driving innovation, setting ethical standards for emerging technologies, and ensuring equitable access to connectivity worldwide. The discussions around AI, rural connectivity, disaster mitigation, and 5G/6G innovations highlighted IEEE’s vital role in shaping the digital future responsibly and inclusively.
Please visit the IEEE SA Government Engagement page to learn more about events like this and how you can get involved.
Author: Karen Mulberry, IEEE SA Public Affairs Senior Manager
