UN Adopts Bill for Reconstruction of Palestine’s Telecommunications Infrastructure
ITU Council Meeting in Geneva Results in Support for Palestine’s Telecom Sector
The annual ordinary meeting of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, the most significant administrative body of ITU, took place in Geneva. Turkey, as a member, played a crucial role in the discussions held during the meeting.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan led the Turkish delegation at the meeting. Among the key agenda items was a draft resolution focused on providing assistance for the reconstruction of Palestine’s telecommunications sector.
In his address before the vote, Sayan highlighted the importance of fulfilling responsibilities to ensure that “no one is left behind,” especially in war-torn regions like Palestine. Emphasizing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s commitment to achieving a permanent ceasefire and delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza, Sayan urged all member countries to support the proposal aimed at rebuilding Palestine’s telecom infrastructure.
The draft resolution, co-sponsored by Turkey and 33 other nations, received 34 “yes” votes, ultimately passing in the Council. This resolution mandates member countries to provide aid for Palestine’s telecom sector reconstruction, guarantees financial support from ITU to modernize infrastructure, and calls for regular reporting on progress.
Despite objections raised by the USA during last-minute negotiations, the resolution was successfully adopted, with only a few member countries voting against it.
Sayan expressed his satisfaction with the positive outcome, crediting the collaborative efforts of various nations and underscoring Turkey’s leadership role in advocating for Palestine’s interests at the ITU. Following the vote, many countries praised Turkey for its contribution to the resolution’s success.
ITU Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin was tasked with coordinating support activities for Palestine’s telecom sector reconstruction and providing status reports at future ITU meetings. The resolution underscores the importance of member states’ support for Gaza’s telecom infrastructure and reaffirms ITU’s commitment to assisting Palestine in alignment with its mandate.
The Council’s decision signals a significant step towards rebuilding Palestine’s telecommunications sector and reaffirms the global community’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in conflict-affected regions. Turkey’s active involvement in advocating for this resolution reflects its ongoing dedication to humanitarian causes and promoting peace and stability in the region.
