The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is one of the oldest international organizations, founded in 1865 to promote international cooperation in the field of communications and development of technical standards for the unimpeded interoperability of networks and technologies. ITU is a unique platform that brings together 193 member states and about 900 representatives of public, technical, academic and regional organizations.

The core mission of the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D), of which Center is now a member, is to harness the power of ICTs for a sustainable economic future, digital skills development and equitable access to digital technologies. ITU-D is aimed at fostering an enabling environment for telecommunication and ICT development, enhancing confidence​ and security in the use of telecommunication and ICTs, enhancing environmental protection through telecommunication and ICTs.

In his welcoming letter, ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao congratulated the Center on joining the organization and expressed his hope for long-term and fruitful cooperation.

Commenting on this matter, Vadim Glushchenko, Director of the Center for Global IT-Cooperation, emphasised: “The entry of the Center into the main international organization in the field of ICT opens broad prospects for us. We have become a part of an extensive network of experts and leaders from different fields in the global ICT ecosystem. Broadly speaking, this will enable the Center to contribute to bridging the digital divide and driving digital transformation. We are ready to become the voice of the Russian expert community and promote common approaches and joint projects on this authoritative platform."

Roman Chukov, the representative of Russia in the Multistakeholder Advisory Group of the Internet Governance Forum, recalled that “Center for Global IT-Cooperation indicated its willingness to cooperate with ITU on the expert and youth track on July 9 within the framework of the online session of the UN Group on the Information Society (UNGIS) on ICT and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) action lines. We plan to strengthen cooperation in this and other areas in a new status to promote global digital development."