G3ict Delegation to the ITU

G3ict at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

G3ict is a civil society member of all three divisions of the International Telecommunication Union:

ITU‑T (Telecommunication Standardization Sector)
ITU‑D (Telecommunication Development Sector)
ITU‑R (Radiocommunication Sector)

ITU‑T: Standardization Work

Role of ITU‑T

The Study Groups of ITU‑T assemble experts from around the world to develop international standards—known as ITU‑T Recommendations—that form the backbone of the global ICT infrastructure. These standards ensure interoperability, reduce costs, support emerging markets, and enable global communication across voice, video, and data.

Accessibility in Standards Development

G3ict participates in multiple ITU Study Groups and Focus Groups to ensure accessibility features are integrated into standardization activities in alignment with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

G3ict Participation in ITU‑T Study Groups & Cross‑Sector Coordination

Key ITU‑T Study Groups Engaged by G3ict

SG21 – Technologies for multimedia, content delivery, and cable television
- Q1/21 - Accessibility
  Chair: Lidia Best
  Areas of Engagement 2026:
  - AI application guidelines for persons with disabilities
  - Guidelines for cognitive accessibility
  - Guidelines for overlays and automated accessibility tool
- Q2/21- E-Health (accessibility of health services, make listening safe)
  Task: Coordination with Rapporteur, Dr. Masahito Kawamori (Keio University)

SG2 - Operational aspects of telecommunications and ICTs
Areas of Engagement: Relay Services and Emergency services

SG20 – Internet of Things, digital twins, and smart sustainable cities & communities
Tasks: Coordination with Rapporteur, ensuring accessibility is embedded in the standards

Cross-Sector Coordination

Inter-Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) on issues of mutual interest
Task: Coordination with Accessibility Lead

Joint Coordination Activity on Accessibility and Human Factors (JCA‑AHF)
- JCA-AHF Chair: Lidia Best
- Purpose: Ensures accessibility and human‑factors considerations are harmonized across ITU‑T, ITU‑D, and ITU‑R activities.
- Tasks:
  - Organize and chair JCA‑AHF meetings in coordination with the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB)
  - Draft reports and contributions for submission to TSAG
  - Participate in TSAG meetings to present JCA‑AHF activities, align with broader ITU‑T priorities, and support decision‑making on accessibility‑related coordination.
  - Conduct outreach to Study Groups, external organizations, and relevant communities to encourage participation in JCA‑AHF and promote engagement in the ITU standardization process, especially on accessibility and human‑factors topics.