The flagship conference will be preceded by the Radiocommunication Assembly, from November 13 to 17, 2023, at the same venue.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announced that the next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre in UAE from November 20 and December 15, 2023.
Held every four years for four weeks, the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) is mandated to update the Radio Regulations, the sole international treaty governing the use of the radio frequency spectrum and the geostationary-satellite and non-geostationary satellite orbits.
WRC-23 will bring national government authorities and telecommunication regulatory agencies together with representatives of key radiocommunications users and providers, for crucial policy and technical regulatory discussions at the global level.
Speaking about the conference, Houlin Zhao, Secretary-General of ITU, said: I am very pleased that the WRC-23 is set to happen in [Dubai] in the United Arab Emirates. The world has come through the Covid-19 pandemic relying on digital technologies and services like never before. WRC 23 provides our quadrennial opportunity to update the Radio Regulations, ensure the sustainable evolution of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for all, and establish a coordinated roadmap for expanding radiocommunication services.
International cooperation maintained through the four-year conference cycle supports the availability of, and future investment in, radiocommunication services that are free of harmful interference.
Engineer Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), added: 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 seamless, reliable, and innovative global communication system.
Delegates to the conference a direct governing body for ITUs Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) are expected to consider the results of technical studies on specific matters on the agenda, and to revise the Radio Regulations accordingly. Such revisions will serve to expand access to radio frequencies for various services and applications, including broadcast services, emergency communications, and satellite and space services, wherever needed worldwide.
The flagship conference will be preceded by the Radiocommunication Assembly (RA-23), taking place from November 13 to 17, 2023 at the same venue.
Over 4,000 delegates are expected to attend WRC-23 and RA-23, from ITUs 193 Member States. Also, in attendance, as observers will be representatives from the 278 ITU Radiocommunication Sector Members, representing varied stakeholders including equipment manufacturers, telecommunications companies, network operators, international organisations, and industry forums, as well as representatives from ITUs United Nations sister agencies, regional telecommunication organisations and intergovernmental organisations operating satellite systems, and academia.
Mario Maniewicz, Director of ITU Radiocommunication Bureau, stated: 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. 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.
