The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has appointed Dr. Umar Saif to the Digital Innovation Board of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development. Dr. Umar Saif, currently serving as Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information Technology & Telecommunication, joins 17 other distinguished individuals nominated for their track record in innovation. The alliance aims to bridge the global digital innovation divide and support ITU members in achieving an equitable digital future.
The Digital Innovation Board, established by the alliance, will provide strategic guidance, expertise, and advocacy to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in digital development. This initiative seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable digital future by building critical local enablers and promoting innovation capacity at national, regional, and global levels.
The Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, will serve as one of the two Co-Chairs of the Digital Innovation Board. The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development, initiated by the BDT Director, aims to develop new organizational capabilities, deliver new products and services, and engage the private sector and academia in the critical work of BDT.
Eighteen distinguished individuals were selected as members of the Digital Innovation Board based on their expression of interest and a nomination process. The board comprises representatives from various countries, including Pakistan, Albania, Bahrain, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Gabon, India, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, the United Nations, and Zimbabwe.
ITU, the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies, was founded in 1865 to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks. The organization allocates global radio spectrum, develops technical standards, and strives to improve access to ICTs for underserved communities worldwide. Dr. Umar Saif’s appointment to the Digital Innovation Board signifies Pakistan’s commitment to advancing digital development on the global stage.
