FINISHED FILE

ITU-WRC 23
Opening Ceremony
Room A
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
November 20, 2023
11:00 GST

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[ No English interpretation ]
>> It brings up many memories, the memories of the founding of
our United Arab Emirates. Our dear Founder, Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan.
[ No English interpretation ]
>> We have lived the best moments of our time with this box,
and you see how the voices and sounds come out of it.
But today, our country is developed, highly developed in
telecommunications.
>> Indeed. Today and yesterday you see that our elders have
always knew the meaning of telecommunications. It means
education, it means health, it means a better future for all
generations.
And this is why we have joined the ITU a few months after its
founding true indeed and this is why we have become one of the
best countries in the world in the field of telecommunications.
>> God bless the UAE. You see today we have one of the best
telecommunications networks around the world. And radio waves
are reaching everywhere around the world, the middle of deserts,
the high seas, saving people who are lost at sea. And today UAE
is embarking on this important Mission and hosting this highly
important Conference, the WRC-23.
[ Applause ]
>> In the name of God the most merciful, the most
compassionate, Your Excellency, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, the Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Head of
the Dubai Media Council, Your Excellency, Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
Heads of Delegation, ladies and gentlemen, greetings of God be
upon you. We welcome you on the land of the United Arab Emirates
at the opening of the World Radiocommunication Conference WRC-23.
We shall start this opening with the statement of the UAE to
be read by His Excellency, Majed Al Mesmar, the Director-General
of the TDRA. Welcome.
[ Applause ]
>> MAJED AL MESMAR: In the name of God the most merciful, the
most compassionate. Your Highness, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Chairman of the
Dubai Media Council, Your Excellency, Doreen Bogdan-Martin,
Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union,
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished heads and
Members of Delegations, may the peace, blessings and mercy of God
be upon you. The holding of the World Radiocommunication
Conference in the United Arab Emirates comes just days away from
our celebrations of our 52nd National Day renewing our
remembrance of the historical and close relationship between the
UAE and the International Telecommunications Union going back to
only a few months after our state's founding.
This decision was but an expression of a forward looking
vision from the country's leadership regarding the importance of
the Communications Sector in building the present and the future
and this laying the foundations for Sustainable Development for
all of humanity the.
These are the same directions that we are working towards
today with a more ambitious National vision called: We the UAE
2031, which aims to achieve the most prosperous society,
consolidate the country's position as a global center for the new
economy, enhance the UAE's role as the most prominent supporter
of International Cooperation, and create the world's most
pioneering and excellent system. The UAE has always placed
exceptional importance on the telecommunications and information
Sector, and this interest was evident in the close relationship
with the International Telecommunications Union whereby the UAE,
by hosting this Conference today, becomes the only country in the
world to have hosted all the important events and conferences of
the ITU.
We move forward with this relationship based on our conviction
that the way of the future is for the development that is based
on Digital Technologies. Ladies and gentlemen, while today's
world is full of challenges, this Conference comes to set the
course and direct the compass towards sustainable human
development by updating the Radio Regulations and establishing
international consensus on the frequencies necessary for the
coming era, with the broad Horizons it brings in the fields of
Smart Cities, the digital economy, digital society and
inter alia, we're confident the Conference will meet the
expectations and aspirations of our peoples. I wish you success
in your discussions and I should not fail to thank all those who
are responsible for organizing and managing this Conference
whether on the ITU side or on the Emirati one. May God's mercy
and blessings be upon you.
>> Thank you very much indeed, Your Excellency Engineer Majed
Al Mesmar, for this statement, and dear distinguished Delegates
it is our pleasure now to call upon the Secretary-General of the
ITU, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin to make her statement. May she
come to the lectern.
>> DOREEN BOGDAN-MARTIN: His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and
Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.
His Excellency Tala Humaid Belhoul, Chairman of the
Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority,
United Arab Emirates.
His Excellency Majed Al Mesmar, Director General of TDRA.
His Excellency Mohammed Al Ramsi, Deputy Director General of
TDRA and Chair-designate of WRC-23.
His Excellency Mohammad Al Zarooni, Deputy Director General of
TDRA and Dean of the WRC-23.
Mr. Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication
Bureau
Mr. Seizo Onoe, Director of the Telecommunication
Standardization Bureau.
Mr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication
Development Bureau.
ITU colleagues, friends, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.
Assalamu alaikum.
It's my honor to welcome you to the 2023 World
Radiocommunication Conference. It's my first as ITU
Secretary-General.
It’s my first as ITU Secretary-General.
This is a special moment after four intensive years of
preparation, including in the face of a global pandemic.
We have gone through a lot together.
We’ve addressed challenges head-on, and we have emerged stronger.
And the times are once again calling for unity.
Unity in a world in turmoil, including in the crisis happening in
Gaza and Israel.
Where we have seen a staggering and unacceptable number of
civilian casualties.
It’s a moment to remember what brings us together as one human
family.
What we cherish most, starting with our children, especially
today, on World Children’s Day.
It’s a moment to reaffirm the importance of telecommunications
for the preservation of peace enshrined in the ITU Constitution.
But most of all, it’s a moment to pause.
And it’s a moment for us to honor those that have been lost.
I would like you to join me in a moment of silence for all the
innocent civilian victims in the crisis in Gaza and Israel, and
around the world, wherever peace is threatened.
Please rise.

I thank you.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this is a moment where we
have an opportunity to show that we stand together.
That we’re here to build a better future together.
And to do this, we have to harness the potential of radio
technology and radio services, from terrestrial to space-based
communications, to the fullest.
This potential is enormous.
Game-changing digital solutions rely on these radiocommunication
services and can accelerate progress in climate action, in
education, in hunger, in poverty — and 70% of all the UN
Sustainable Development Goal targets.
This is within grasp.
A better future is possible.
And that’s why I’ve seen so much hope placed in digital since I
took office at the beginning of this year.
It’s the hope that we’re witnessing among new space-faring
nations, when 40% of the SDGs rely on Earth observation and
global navigation satellite systems.
It’s the 5G roll-out, when it’s estimated that this technology
will add almost 1 trillion US dollars to the global economy by
2030.
It’s the amateur radio operators who were able to send damage
reports in the epicenter of an earthquake when all other
communication channels were down.
It’s the girls that I met in Victoria Falls when we celebrated
Girls in ICT Day earlier this year, whose dreams depend on a STEM
education.
It’s the refugee camp that I visited recently, where there was no
signal but there was so much hope for digital.
It’s the environmental scientists and meteorologists who are
using Earth observation data for climate monitoring and weather
prediction in an effort to better understand our planet.
These people come from different countries — from all walks of
life.
But they have one thing in common: the significant role played by
radio-frequency spectrum and associated satellite orbits in their
lives, often without them ever realizing it.
I think we need to keep three things in mind during this
Conference.
First, these finite natural resources are the building blocks of
advanced global communications. They are the heart, they are the
core of our digital society.
And they are increasingly in demand.
As the global digital economy continues to expand, every single
radio service is competing for spectrum to support new and
existing applications, skyrocketing user numbers, and exploding
network traffic.
Second: sharing.
Sharing those resources equitably for all humanity requires
international coordination and stewardship.
That’s what brings us here today.
And it’s where the Radio Regulations come into play.
These Regulations offer stable and predictable environments for
regulators, while accommodating new and innovative technologies
that users want.
And that brings me to my third point: consensus.
Consensus is more important than ever before.
And you demonstrated that last week when we concluded the
Radiocommunication Assembly.
Of course, balancing the needs of over 190 Member States is no
mean feat, but you did it.
You did it last week, and I think we will do it again at the WRC.
The entire WRC process is a testament to the power of
collaboration in setting high goals and being able to follow
through on them.
Delegates, we’ve talked about the “HOW.”
How to have a robust and reliable global communications system.
How to prevent harmful interference.
How to address the challenges of the digital world — no matter
how quickly it evolves or how complex it might get.
But the “WHY” is equally important.
It relates to our two strategic goals: universal connectivity and
sustainable digital transformation.
Universal connectivity because today, one-third of humanity is
still offline.
If we want to build a better digital future, we can’t do it
without them.
And sustainable digital transformation because we need to lead by
example.
We must lead by example.
And that’s why I was so excited last week at the
Radiocommunication Assembly when we adopted a new resolution on
space sustainability.
I think it was a real milestone in answering the call of the
Bucharest Plenipotentiary Conference.
That’s why I was also glad to see energy efficiency and
environmental sustainability part of the specifications for IMT-
2030 6G.
It’s also why ITU will have a strong presence at COP 28 when we
roll out our Green Digital Action track.
Before I conclude, I want to thank our incredible host, the
United Arab Emirates, for welcoming us once again in Dubai: one
of the world’s leading innovation and technology hubs.
WRC-23, as His Excellency has just mentioned, is the sixth ITU
major conference in Dubai.
And I’ve actually been to all of them.
I was even here for the first one and organized it, which was the
Global Symposium for Regulators back in 2007.
Some of you will also remember that it’s the second time the
United Arab Emirates is actually chairing a World
Radiocommunication Conference; the UAE chaired the WRC in 2012.
The UAE is one of a handful of countries to have a space program.
It’s the first country to actually have an AI Minister.
And it’s all part of the “We the UAE 2031.”
This year, with COP 28, the UAE is hosting not one but two major
UN conferences at the same time.
It’s a testament of UAE’s role on the world stage, as we’re about
to celebrate your National Day on the 2nd of December.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are at an inflection point in tech history.
All around us, technologies are poised to transform the way that
we do just about everything.
Radiocommunications are at the top of the global agenda.
And these are no ordinary times.
But then, the ITU is no ordinary organization.
In the lead-up to next year’s UN Summit of the Future, we have an
important role to play in helping to shape a better digital
future.
And let’s not pit digital technology against sustainable
development.
The case is clear: we need both.
Let’s choose universal connectivity and sustainable digital
transformation — the strong mandate that ITU Member States gave
us.
But most of all, let’s build a digital future that works for
everyone, and for our planet.
Equitably managed spectrum and satellite orbits are among the
best tools in our toolbox to make good on this commitment.
And achieving this will profoundly impact the lives of millions,
and it will take us one step closer to connecting the
unconnected.
Outside the doors of this very conference center, we can see the
Museum of the Future.
The Museum of the Future shows a journey that takes us to 2071.
Reimagining the future, as the museum describes, begins with
opening to new possibilities to shape today’s world for a better
tomorrow.
Ladies and gentlemen, what we do next, what we do together, will
matter for generations to come.
I thank you very much. Shukran.
>> Generally with the ITU and with a gift, a souvenir gift
provided by the UAE to the ITU on the occasion of the holding of
this Conference, presented on behalf of the UAE, His Excellency,
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Second Ruler
of Dubai, and will be received by Her Excellency the
Secretary-General of the ITU, Mrs. Doreen Bogdan.
We also thank His Highness, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, for
honoring us with his presence at this WRC-23. Please remain all
of you in your seats as we will move on to the second part of
this event.
>> Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we resume now with
a statement by Mr. Mario Maniewicz, Director of the BR. Please
go ahead, Sir.
>> MARIO MANIEWICZ: His Excellency, Tala Humaid Belhoul,
Chairman of the Telecommunications and Digital Government
Regulatory Authority, TDRA, His Excellency Majed Sultan Al
Mesmar, Director-General of TDRA. His Excellency Mohammed Al
Ramsi, Director General of TDRA and Dean of the WRC-23, His
Excellency Mohammad Al Zarooni, Deputy Director-General of the
World Radiocommunication Conference 2023.
Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, it's my turn
now to welcome you to the World Radiocommunication Conference of
2023.
We are delighted that the WRC-23 is being held here in Dubai,
and we are very grateful for the generous hospitality of the
United Arab Emirates in hosting one of ITU's largest and most
important conferences.
Distinguished Delegates, the ground upon which we stand today
is a ground of visionary leaders. Since its foundation, the UAE
has undergone an incredible transformation. Independent emirates
have united to form a nation with one of the highest GDP per
capita in the world. What were once coastal towns adjacent to
sandy deserts, were transformed into thriving cities with iconic
skylines.
This historic trading center has harnessed the advantages of
the country's natural resources and the innovative strategy of
the government to expand its infrastructure and diversify its
economy.
Today, the UAE and other nations worldwide, are once again
concluding a four-year journey to study and then revise the radio
regulations in a manner that will support the introduction of new
wireless technologies and their growing spectrum requirements,
while continuing to protect the vital radio services we rely on
today. Newer innovative technologies will allow us to better
monitor our changing planet, and better connect communities and
people everywhere: on land, at sea, in the air, and in space.
About 14 radiocommunication services, both terrestrial and space,
are on the agenda of the Conference.
Ladies and gentlemen, a new era of satellite systems has
begun, supporting space exploration, space tourism,
commercialization of space, broadband applications on land, ships
and planes, satellite IoT, space research, remote sensing and
observation, inter-satellite links, and even lunar and
inter-planetary communications. Whether it is enhancing
agriculture, bolstering national security, advancing radio
astronomy, or increasing industrial efficiency, the space economy
is flourishing.
Six decades ago, during the Extraordinary Administrative
Radiocommunication Conference of 1963, the ITU Member States
negotiated the first international rules, and allocated radio
frequencies for use in space. Subsequent WRCs and RRCs have
enhanced that regulatory framework and increased the amount of
spectrum allocated to space services. Here, in 2023, the ITU is
called upon again to update its international regulatory
framework in response to the increasingly complex ecosystem of
LEO, MEO, and GEO satellites.
As the opportunities in space seem immense and the future
looks promising, only an appropriate balance between the
efficient and equitable use of radiofrequency spectrum and
satellite orbital resources for the various space services can
safeguard access to space for all.
Furthermore, as we embark on new frontiers, whether on the
Moon, Mars, or other celestial bodies, we must also strive to
ensure that we do not leave anyone behind here on Earth.
Dear colleagues, in recent years significant progress has been
made to reach affordable, meaningful, and universal connectivity.
However, despite the growing awareness of broadband's vital role
for people and businesses, 2.6 billion people continue to lack
access to the Internet.
WRC-23 will consider mobile services and applications that can
provide affordable and widespread communication access to
everyone and everything.
These include agenda items related to IMT identification,
which might be among the most challenging ones of the conference
due to the impact on the future of existing systems, such as
those used by the aeronautical, maritime, broadcasting,
satellite, and science services.
The ITU Member States will also consider accommodating High
Altitude IMT base stations operating on stratospheric platforms,
the so-called HIBS. This promising technology could be a
cost-effective solution to extend broadband delivery to remote
and underserved areas.
In keeping with tradition, the WRC-23 will examine advanced
wireless applications to improve connectivity and safety of
aviation and maritime transport, which is one of the main pillars
of the global economy.
As we appreciate the advances in both space and terrestrial
radio technologies, there is a visible trend of convergence and
interaction between both services. Broadband delivery through
mobile, broadcasting, satellite networks, or direct
satellite-to-phone communications are just a few examples of this
trend.
These developments also bring us to the necessity to carefully
examine and agree on the agenda of the next conference, WRC-27,
to respond to the most important advances in the
radiocommunication industry and the challenges it is facing.
Dear delegates, it is impossible to overlook the fact that
COP-28 is occurring simultaneously with WRC-23. Climate change
has become a pressing reality that we must confront. In fact,
July of 2023 marked the hottest month ever recorded in human
history, serving as an alarming call to the urgency of addressing
climate-related challenges.
ITU plays a pivotal role in developing regulations and
standards that influence how we monitor the environment.
Radiocommunication technologies are instrumental for imaging and
remote sensing, providing researchers with crucial data on
various environmental factors, such as temperature, sea level,
precipitation, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. These
insights are invaluable in our ongoing efforts to understand the
dynamics and impacts of climate change.
Dear friends, after four years of technical studies, extensive
Working Party and Study Group meetings, as well as regional and
national discussions, we are convening at the World
Radiocommunication Conference of 2023, which is being held on
schedule despite the limitations imposed by the COVID-19
pandemic. I am most proud of this community that did not let this
challenge deter us from meeting our objectives and timeline for
convening this important quadrennial conference.
During this WRC-23, we bear the responsibility of updating the
Radio Regulations, the 157-year-old, legally binding
international treaty that governs humanity's use of this limited
natural resource, the radiofrequency spectrum, whether on Earth
or anywhere in space.
To achieve this, we have as a starting point the contributions
to WRC-23, which encompass different regional and national
proposals. We also have the views of many international
organizations that have been provided to inform deliberations.
Now, we must rise to the occasion and find common ground.
I count on the spirit of cooperation of the ITU Membership,
and their thoughtful consideration of the various regulatory
solutions proposed, to pave the way for introducing new radio
applications while adequately protecting the incumbent services.
These objectives, together with the increased harmonization of
frequency bands for the various services and applications, remain
key for the successful resolution of the agenda items of the
Conference.
I trust your technical expertise, your wisdom, and our shared
objective of developing regulations that go beyond immediate
individual interests or temporary advantages, and leave a legacy
of prosperity for billions of people across the globe.
To the delegates entrusted with the regulation of the radio
spectrum, inspired by a country of visionaries, and by the spirit
of tolerance embodied by the people of the United Arab Emirates,
I invite you to honor this international endeavor and make WRC-23
a resounding success.
Thank you very much.
[ Applause ]
>> Thank you, Mr. Mario Maniewicz, for your statement. And
now, ladies and gentlemen, we'll listen to a message from the
United Nations, which will be read on behalf of the
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Maximillian Jacobson
Gonzalez.
>> MASTER OF CEREMONY: I deliver a message to you from the
United Nations Secretary-General for the World Radiocommunication
Conference. I'm pleased to agreement the World
Radiocommunication Conference. Your gathering is a testament to
the power of International Cooperation in tackling global
challenges. Radiofrequencies whether on Earth or in space form
the backbone of advanced communication for all humanity. From
education to health care, from agriculture to climate monitoring,
expanding Radiocommunication services and bridging the digital
divide are key to reducing inequalities and advancing the
Sustainable Development Goals. The radio spectrum is a finite
resource. We must use it efficiently and equitably with
inclusive global coordination to prevent harmful interference.
The World Radiocommunication Conference provides an
opportunity to foster collaboration between Governments, the
Private Sector, Regional Telecom organizations and researchers in
academia to promote fair and stable regulation which is the
foundation for investment and innovation that leaves no one
behind.
That is also the spirit of next year's Summit of the future,
to advance the responsible and sustainable use of technologies
including satellites, and ensure that vital commons like outer
space are preserved for future generations.
Your contribution here can help transform how we communicate
and connect in the years ahead. Let us share the radio spectrum
wisely and help build a sustainable future for all.
[ Applause ]
>> We would like to thank Mr. Maximillian Jacobson González
for the statement on the behalf of the Secretary-General of the
United Nations. Now we have two invitations. The first
invitation is to lunch, to honor the guests of the United Arab
Emirates. The second invitation is for you to take part in a
dinner to also mark WRC, which will be held tonight at 7:00 at
Zero Gravity in Dubai. We come to the conclusion of this Opening
Ceremony. We wish you full success in the WRC-23. May the peace
of Allah and his blessings be upon you.
[ End of Session ]