On May 22-23, Romania hosted the ITU Regional Development Forum for Europe, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). One of the panels of the event was devoted to the implementation of ITU Council Resolution 1408 on supporting Ukraine in the restoration of telecommunications infrastructure.
In his address to the Forum participants, Yuriy Shchyhol, Chairman of the State Special Communications Service of Ukraine, reminded that Russia continues to wage a brutal war against Ukraine, destroying and destroying primarily civilian infrastructure. This includes telecommunications, television and radio infrastructure. The occupiers have not only destroyed billions of dollars worth of equipment, but also intercept communication channels, broadcast frequencies, etc.
“We are grateful for the support provided to Ukraine by the ITU. The restoration of Ukraine’s infrastructure contributes to the socio-economic development of each of the member states and the achievement of sustainable development goals,” said Shchyhol.
He called on the partners to intensify and strengthen their support for Ukraine, in particular through the Special Fund established pursuant to Resolution 1408. This is an important practical tool for restoring Ukraine’s telecommunications industry.
During the event, representatives of Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Slovenia expressed their support for Ukraine and described the assistance provided to our country. Among other things, this includes the provision of equipment, humanitarian aid, assistance in strengthening the broadcast of the Ukrainian radio signal to combat Russian propaganda, launching and supporting projects and initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable digital environment, etc.
Last year, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference was held, during which the leadership of the Union and its bodies was elected. For the first time, representatives of Russia were not elected to the ITU Council, and the candidate from Russia lost the race for the post of Secretary General of the organization.
