The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced that the next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 20 until December 15, 2023.
Held every four years for a period of four weeks, the conference is mandated to update the radio regulations, the sole international treaty governing the use of the radio frequency spectrum and both geostationary and non-geostationary satellite orbits.
“I am very pleased that the WRC-23 is set to happen in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “The world has come through the COVID-19 pandemic relying on digital technologies and services like never before.”
WRC-23’s goal is to ensure the sustainable evolution of ICT for all and establish a coordinated roadmap for expanding radiocommunication services. Over 4,000 delegates are expected to attend the event from ITU's 193 member states, bringing national government authorities, telecommunication regulatory agencies and other stakeholders together for crucial policy and technical regulatory discussions at the global level.
Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) announced, “The United Arab Emirates is delighted to extend a warm welcome to ITU Members to the city of Dubai for WRC-23. As a major hub and global leader in the digital economy, the UAE is keen on supporting ITU in the vital task of allocating global resources such as radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbit positions to create a seamless, reliable and innovative global communication system."
International cooperation maintained through the four-year conference cycle supports the availability and future investments in radiocommunication services that are free of harmful interference.
“WRC‑23 will play a key role in shaping the future of technical and regulatory framework for the provision of radiocommunication services in all countries," said Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. “The economic opportunities brought about by technology should be available, not only for some of us, but for all. I am delighted to see ITU Members making steady progress to ensure a successful conference next year."
The flagship conference will be preceded by the Radiocommunication Assembly (RA-23), taking place from November 13 to 17, 2023, at the same venue.