UAE presidency of World Radiocommunication Conference 2012 is yet another feather in its cap

Geneva - Jan 25, 2012 (WAM) - The United Arab Emirates, represented by Tarek Al Awadhi, Head of the Spectrum and International Affairs Section at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRI), was selected as a chair of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12) which opened in Geneva on Monday. This is the first time the UAE has chaired the conference since joining in 1972. Al Awadhi of the United Arab Emirates was appointed Chairman of the World Radiocommunication Conference along with six Vice Chairmen: Mr D. Anstrom (United States), Mr E. Fournier (France), Mr A. Nalbandian (Armenia), Mr M. Ouhadj (Algeria), Mr H. Al-Shankiti (Saudi Arabia) and Mr A.R. Jamieson (New Zealand). The conference is aimed at reviewing and revising the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. The UAE delegation to the conference is headed by TRA's Director General Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim. UAE Permanent Representative to the UN Headquarters in Geneva Obaid Salem Al Za'abi praised the selection of the UAE as a chair to the WRC-12, thanks to the keen efforts of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and His Highness Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of TRA, said the selection of Al Awadhi as chair of the WRC-12 was yet another feather on the cap of the TRA. ''Al Awadhi is one of the Emirati young calibre experts who represent the UAE in many ITU conferences. He is well known to many countries," he added. For his part, Al Awadhi said he was excited at chairing the WRC-12. ''The UAE has made another achievements that added to its record of success," he indicated. He dedicated the remarkable achievement to the leaders and people of UAE. He said the WRC-12 would examine delicate topics that would deliver social and economic benefits to countries and users of radio communication services Francois Rancy, Director of ITU's Radiocommunication Bureau, said, "The decisions taken by the ITU Membership during WRC-12 will play a vital role in contributing towards improved access and development of ICT wireless infrastructure, in particular in meeting the challenges of mobile broadband and ensuring that ICTs work for the benefit of all the world's people. The objective is to enable the introduction of the latest technological developments, while protecting investments and favouring economies of scale." The work of this international treaty-making Conference will be conducted over four weeks until 17 February to address the changes required to the regulation of orbit/spectrum resources in the interest of the users of these scarce resources, with global implications for policy-makers, regulators, the industry as well as end-users. Over 3000 participants, representing more than 150 out of the ITU's 193 Member States are expected to attend the four-week conference, making it one of the most significant ITU events. About 100 Observers from among ITU's 700 private sector members along with international organisations will also attend the 2012 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12). Fuelled by rapid technological developments in information and communication technologies (ICT) along with increasing convergence of radiocommunication services in today's communication devices, there is an urgent need to ensure the best efficiencies in the use of spectrum, a finite resource. WRC-12 will examine the technical, regulatory and operational aspects to address frequency allocation and frequency sharing to ensure high quality of radiocommunication services for maritime and aeronautical transport as well as for scientific purposes related to the environment, meteorology and climatology, disaster prediction, mitigation and relief. The management of satellite orbital slots and associated spectrum resources will be a key area of focus for WRC-12.The Conference goal will be to ensure that the modifications made to the international procedures for the coordination and registration of satellite systems provide for equitable and efficient use of these resources. WRC-12 will also advance the introduction of mobile broadband and other advanced technologies such as the development of Ultra High Definition Television (UHDTV), promote the use of the digital dividend resulting from the switch over to digital TV, as well as consider the potential for radiocommunications to act as a catalyst to reduce the impact of human activity on the environment. - Emirates News Agency, WAM