CTO and CTU enter into a strategic alliance
Source: MMNetworks By: MediaMughals
The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to assist their common stakeholders to utilise Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) more effectively for development, by combining the strengths of the premier ICT organisations of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean.
The CTO is the oldest and largest Commonwealth organisation in the field of ICTs, with a membership network spanning over 40 Commonwealth countries and more than 100 other stakeholders, including the private sector. Its main operational activities comprising of research, advisory services, capacity building and international conferences are geared to assist innovative use of ICTs. Importantly the CTO provides a platform that facilitates consultations and consensus building on ICT policy across the Commonwealth.
As the regional leader in the development of harmonised ICT policies, the CTU aims to create an environment, in partnership with members, to optimise returns from ICT resources for the benefit of the Caribbean. The CTU also works in the areas of ICT capacity building; coordination of regional ICT projects; providing technical advice and representing the region at international fora.
On the occasion of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Professor Tim Unwin, Secretary General of the CTO said “This relationship is very special to us, as the CTO values partnerships, particularly with regional organisations. The CTU’s activities complement the CTO’s aims and objectives perfectly. Through this relationship we aim to build capacity in the Caribbean while acting as a bridge between the Caribbean and the rest of the Commonwealth.” Adding her words, Ms Bernadette Lewis, Secretary General of the CTU stated “Facilitating ICT-enabled development is the collective responsibility of many organisations, and this strategic alliance will serve to enhance the CTU’s work in providing support to its members to leverage ICT for social and economic development. The partnership will also provide the basis for cross-fertilisation of ICT best practices.”
The CTO is planning to contribute towards many of the CTU’s activities, including the Caribbean Telecommunications/ICT Ministers Meeting due to be held in the fourth quarter of 2013 and the CTU’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations in April 2014. Moreover the CTO and CTU will consider joint capacity building programmes on a broad spectrum of ICTs.
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