ITU Tech Monthly | The digital pandemic you didn’t see coming

ITU Tech Monthly | The digital pandemic you didn’t see coming

What would happen if the digital systems we depend on every day suddenly stopped working? In this episode of ITU Tech Monthly, we explore the findings of the new expert report When digital systems fail: The hidden risks of our digital world, produced by ITU in collaboration with UNDRR and Sciences Po. We unpack the critical digital risks that are not cyberattacks—but failures of the physical digital infrastructure that underpins modern life. From cloud and data centre outages to undersea cable disruptions, satellite congestion and even space weather, this conversation reveals why our increasingly connected digital ecosystem may be more fragile than we realise—and why resilience planning must move beyond individual systems to an ecosystem-wide approach. Guests featured in this episode: * Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General, ITU  *  Dr. Bushra Al Blooshi, Executive Director of Governance and Risk Management, Dubai Electronic Security Center * Professor Oyku Isik, Co-Chair of the Expert Group; Professor and Advisor on Digital Resilience; Co-Chair of GFC at WE Host: Maximillian Jacobson-Gonzalez In this episode, we discuss: - What a “digital pandemic” could look like  * - Why cloud infrastructure remains a blind spot in risk planning  *  Dangerous hidden interdependencies in global digital systems * Why resilience is not just a technical challenge—but a governance one Learn more about the report: https://www.itu.int Subscribe to ITU Tech Monthly for more insights on technology. Produced and Edited by: Jennifer MacLeod and Daniel Woldu * Directed and Presented by: Maximillian Jacobson-Gonzalez * An ITU Digital Production ITU is the leading United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation together with 193 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. The materials contained on this podcast channel are for information purposes only. ITU expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything and in respect of the consequences of anything said or omitted to be said wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this podcast channel. ITU is not responsible for any third party content which may be accessed through this podcast channel. ITU interviews and soundbites may be edited for content and duration. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the ITU. ITU holds copyright in the information available on this podcast channel, unless otherwise stated. Copyright in any third-party materials found on this podcast channel must also be respected.

ITU Tech Monthly | From Digital Skills to Growth - How Women-Led SMEs Are Scaling in Nigeria

This episode of ITU Tech Monthly explores how digital skills are transforming opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Featuring Maryam Lawan, founder of Blue Sapphire Hub (https://bluesapphirehub.com/) who implements Women on Wednesday, a project winner of the EQUALS in Tech Awards in the Leadership in SMEs category that were recognized at the Mobile World Congress Barcelona in March 2026 (https://www.equalsintech.org/post/equals-in-tech-awards-at-mwc-26-meet-the-winners). The conversation highlights how digital upskilling, mentorship, and access to investment are helping women-led businesses grow and scale.  From practical tools to leadership pathways, the episode also looks at how emerging technologies and supportive digital ecosystems can unlock more inclusive economic participation for women. This episode reflects the work of the EQUALS Global Partnership for Gender Equality in the Digital Age (https://www.equalsintech.org/) in advancing digital skills, leadership, and inclusion for women in the digital economy.  Guest: Maryam Lawan, Blue Sapphire Hub (Nigeria) EQUALS in Tech Awards at MWC-26 – Leadership in SMEs Winner Focus areas: * Digital skills for women entrepreneurs * Mentorship and business growth * Access to finance and investment readiness * Emerging technologies and business innovation * Building inclusive and supportive digital ecosystems Learn more: ITU: https://www.itu.int EQUALS Global Partnership Website: https://www.equalsintech.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equalsintech/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/equals Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/equals/ ITU is the leading United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation together with 193 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. The materials contained on this podcast channel are for information purposes only. ITU expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything and in respect of the consequences of anything said or omitted to be said wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this podcast channel. ITU is not responsible for any third party content which may be accessed through this podcast channel. ITU interviews and soundbites may be edited for content and duration. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the ITU. ITU holds copyright in the information available on this podcast channel, unless otherwise stated. Copyright in any third-party materials found on this podcast channel must also be respected. #digitaltransformation #womeninstem #digitalskills

ITU Tech Monthly | How AI is transforming radio: Workflow, trust & the future of broadcasting

AI is reshaping the entire radio ecosystem — from content creation and multilingual translation to spectrum management and crisis communications. In this episode of ITU Tech Monthly, we speak with Thiago Aguiar Soares, Senior Radiocommunication Engineer at the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau, to explore how AI is becoming a powerful assistant across radio production and broadcasting workflows.  We dive into: * How AI supports scripting, editing, music scheduling, and real‑time translation * - How broadcasters use AI for spectrum monitoring and interference detection * - Why content authentication tools like C2PA are essential in the age of deepfakes * - How radio remains vital for emergency alerts — and how AI enhances early warning systems * - How ITU Study Group 6 is helping shape global AI‑related broadcast standards Despite rapid advances, Thiago emphasizes one message: AI is a tool, not a voice — and the human touch remains essential for trust, safety, and meaningful audience connection. 👉 Subscribe for more insights from the UN agency for digital technologies. Learn more at https://www.itu.int  #aitech #radiobroadcasting #digitaltransformation #SpectrumManagement #C2PA #emergencycommunications #itu #techpodcast #artificialintelligencesingularity ITU is the leading United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation together with 193 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. The materials contained on this podcast channel are for information purposes only. ITU expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything and in respect of the consequences of anything said or omitted to be said wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this podcast channel. ITU is not responsible for any third party content which may be accessed through this podcast channel. ITU interviews and soundbites may be edited for content and duration. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the ITU. ITU holds copyright in the information available on this podcast channel, unless otherwise stated. Copyright in any third-party materials found on this podcast channel must also be respected.

ITU Tech Monthly | Are young voices the key to a more inclusive digital future?

In this episode of ITU Tech Monthly, we spotlight the Global Youth Celebration 2025 (GYC-25) in Baku, Azerbaijan, under the theme “Voices of Youth: Shaping the Digital Future.” 🎧 We are joined by Roxana Widmer-Iliescu, Head of Digital Inclusion at the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), ITU, to explore: * How youth are influencing global digital policy  * The power of intergenerational dialogue  * What digital inclusion really means for young people  * Behind-the-scenes of GYC-25, including astronaut panels and youth-led innovation 🔗 Learn more about GYC-25: https://www.itu.int/itu-d/meetings/gyc-25/ 📍 Recorded at ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland 👉 Subscribe for more insights on tech, inclusion, and innovation from the UN agency for digital technologies. #DigitalInclusion #YouthLeadership #TechPolicy #ITU #GYC25 #FutureOfTech #VoicesOfYouth #UNTech #IntergenerationalDialogue #TechMonthly ITU is the leading United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation together with 193 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. The materials contained on this podcast channel are for information purposes only. ITU expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything and in respect of the consequences of anything said or omitted to be said wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this podcast channel. ITU is not responsible for any third party content which may be accessed through this podcast channel. ITU interviews and soundbites may be edited for content and duration. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the ITU. ITU holds copyright in the information available on this podcast channel, unless otherwise stated. Copyright in any third-party materials found on this podcast channel must also be respected.

ITU Tech Monthly | Giga: How do you connect every school to the Internet

In this episode of ITU Tech Monthly, we sit down with Irene Kaggwa, Programme Manager of Giga, the joint initiative by ITU and UNICEF working to connect every school in the world to the Internet. 🌐 Why it matters: * Internet access transforms education, especially in remote and underserved communities. - * Giga empowers students, teachers, and governments with digital tools and inclusive learning. - It’s not just about connectivity—it’s about equity, opportunity, and preparing youth for an AI-driven future. 🛠️ What you’ll learn: * How Giga maps schools, mobilizes funding, and supports implementation  * The challenges of rural connectivity and how Giga overcomes them * Real-world stories of impact—from digital inclusion for children with disabilities to AI readiness in classrooms * Upcoming milestones and global partnerships, including Google.org and the will.i.am Foundation 📲 Learn more at www.giga.global 🎧 Subscribe to ITU Tech Monthly for more insights into how technology is shaping a more inclusive world.  #digitalinclusion #techforgood #educationtechnology #aiforeducation  #digitalequity #edtech ITU is the United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation in together with 193 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. The materials contained on this podcast channel are for information purposes only. ITU expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything and in respect of the consequences of anything said or omitted to be said wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this podcast channel. ITU is not responsible for any third party content which may be accessed through this podcast channel. ITU interviews and soundbites may be edited for content and duration. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the ITU. ITU holds copyright in the information available on this podcast channel, unless otherwise stated. Copyright in any third-party materials found on this podcast channel must also be respected.