Evidence-based digital policies to achieve universal and meaningful connectivity
Registration Opened,
02 Mar 2026 - 06 Jul 2026
Event dates
28 Sep 2026 - 02 Oct 2026
Location
Global or multi-regional, Bangkok Thailand
Training topics
Big data and statistics
Training type
Face to Face
Languages
English
Coordinators
- Angel Draev
- Ghazi Mabrouk
Course level
Advanced
Duration
40 hours
Event email contact
Event Organizer(s)
Supported by
Description
This training aims to strengthen technical capabilities on evidence-based digital policies to achieve Universal and Meaningful Connectivity. Participants will learn to interpret and use ICT statistics and other types of evidence (geospatial sources, policy assessments) for designing, monitoring and evaluating evidence-based digital policies. Through lectures, interactive and hands-on sessions, they will engage with experts generating and applying evidence-based insights to inform and communicate relevant issues for digital development policies.
Organized by ITU with funding from the Global Gateway Initiative of the European Union, this training is offered free of charge for selected participants, including accommodation, meals (breakfasts and lunches) and extracurricular activities. Participants or their organizations must cover travel costs* to Bangkok, Thailand, including visa costs if applicable.
*Applicants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao, Nepal, Timor-Leste, Vietnam may be also eligible for travel support.
Target population
This training course is intended for:
- Government Officials responsible for digital policies in ministries and telecommunications regulatory authorities.
- Policy analysts from national and regional organisations in the field of telecommunication regulation.
- Data analysts, researchers, and policymakers.
Entry requirements
Members of the above-mentioned target population are invited to apply for the training if they meet the following criteria:
- Hold a graduate degree in a relevant field and have a minimum of two years of experience in using statistics for digital policies. Candidates with an undergraduate degree and a minimum of five years of relevant experience may be considered.
- Possess a fluent level of English
Government officials and policymakers from developing countries, particularly women, are encouraged to apply. Selection will be conducted by the course organizers, who will consider the above entry requirements along with an analysis of the application questionnaire of each applicant. The application and accompanying documents should be submitted in English.
The number of available places for the cohort is limited to 30.
Learning objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the economic and social, and environmental opportunities and threats of digital development and the role of digital policies to achieve the SDGs through Universal and Meaningful Connectivity.
- Identify sources and interpret data on ICT infrastructure, connectivity quality, affordability, access, usage, and skills.
- Combine ICT statistics, geospatial and other evidence to inform and evaluate digital policy decisions.
- Produce impactful data-driven presentations on country cases.
Methodology
The course is organised over one week with a blend of interactive lectures and empirical exercises. The elements have been carefully chosen to provide an overview of the most important and emerging aspects of the measurement of universal and meaningful connectivity.
The course features interactive lectures, empirical exercises, networking events, group-based peer learning, presentation sessions, case study applications, and supplementary readings for deeper understanding. Upon selection, participants must complete the following online self-paced training courses on ITU Academy before attending the in-person training:
- Measuring digital development: ICT access and use by households and individuals
- Measuring digital development: telecommunication/ICT Indicators
Training materials, including presentations and readings will be made available through the ITU Academy Learning Platform.
Assessment and grading
During the course participants will engage in hands-on exercises in allotted groups. At the end of the week groups are invited to present their respective country cases, in the form of a presentation, to experts, and to their peers.
Participants will be required to take active part in all the activities of the summer school. At the end of the course, participants will receive an ITU and UNU-MERIT certificate of completion.
Certification Criteria
Active participation : 40%
Course assignment (poster presentation) : 60%
The presentation submissions will be graded based on the following grade scale:
Content : 50%
Clarity and Logic : 20%
Structure : 10%
Punctuality : 10%
Engagement : 10%
A minimum total of 70% is required in order to obtain the course certificate.
Training details and instructional approach
Day 1: Monday, 28 September
09:00 – 10:00
Welcome Session
10:00 – 10:30
Break
10:30 – 11:00
The Concept of Universal and Meaningful Connectivity (UMC) and its Statistical Monitoring Framework
- Explain the multidimensional concept of UMC
- Understand UMC as a policy principle
- Examine monitoring frameworks (UMC, SDGs, WSIS, Broadband Commission)
11:00 – 12:30
The Contribution of Digital Technologies in Achieving the SDGs
- Explore interactions between digital technologies and the 17 SDGs
- Identify opportunities and risks of digital development
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 15:30
Overview of ICT Statistics and International Standards
- Differentiate ICT data sources and domains
- Identify challenges in developing countries
- Review key international standards
15:30 – 16:00
Break
16:00 – 17:00
Introduction to the Group Work
- Identify key ICT challenges in a country context
- Map relevant indicators and data sources
- Prepare short contextual presentations
19:00 – 20:30
Dinner
Day 2: Tuesday, 29 September
09:00 – 10:30
Introduction to Public Policies and Governance in ICT
- Understand ICT policy within human development
- Apply evidence-based governance approaches
- Identify global regulatory frameworks
10:30 – 11:00
Break
11:00 – 12:30
Infrastructure and Connectivity Indicators
- Examine infrastructure, quality and economic indicators
- Review emerging measurement areas
- Discuss administrative data reporting practices
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 14:30
Quantitative Assessment of Digital Policies (G5 Benchmark & Regulatory Tracker)
- Understand regulatory assessment tools
- Use ITU platforms for policy analysis
14:30 – 14:45
Break
14:45 – 15:30
Infrastructure Maps
- Analyse connectivity maps
- Use geospatial tools for digital development insights
15:30 – 16:00
Evidence and ICT Tools for Emergency Policies
- Link UMC to emergency preparedness
- Review ITU tools for disaster risk reduction
16:15 – 17:15
Analysis of Indicators (Group Work)
- Apply infrastructure and connectivity data
- Evaluate opportunities and limitations of ICT indicators
19:00 – 21:00
Dinner
Day 3: Wednesday, 30 September
09:00 – 10:30
Economic Aspects of Digital Policies
- Analyse economic impacts of digital policies
- Evaluate the role of digital skills
- Interpret business ICT adoption data
10:30 – 11:30
Measurement of ICT Prices and Affordability
- Understand international price comparison methodology
- Apply the basket approach
- Explore links between affordability and regulation
11:45 – 13:00
Socioeconomic Challenges and the Digital Divide
- Interpret digital inclusion and inequality
- Recognise data divides and development dimensions
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 15:00
Statistics on Household Access and ICT Use
- Review ICT access and use indicators
- Understand household survey methodologies
15:30 – 16:30
Comparative Analysis of ICT Adoption (Group Work)
- Compare ICT adoption and digital skills across countries
- Develop evidence-based policy recommendations
19:00 – 21:00
Dinner
Day 4: Thursday, 1 October
09:00 – 10:30
Use of Statistics for Evidence-Based Digital Policies
- Interpret key ICT indicators
- Apply statistics to policy design and evaluation
11:00 – 12:30
Translating ICT Data into Public Policy (Group Work)
- Compare indicators across countries
- Identify gaps and formulate policy interventions
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 14:00
Measuring the Environmental Impact of ICT
- Understand environmental impacts of the ICT sector
- Identify relevant statistical sources
14:00 – 16:30
Presentation Preparation
19:30 – 21:00
Dinner
Day 5: Friday, 3 October
09:00 – 10:30
Presentations
11:00 – 12:30
Presentations (continued)
12:30 – 13:30
Closing Lunch
13:30 – 14:00
Photo Moment & Course Evaluation
14:00 – 15:00
Closing Ceremony
Award of Certificates
Financial support available
Tutors
Jose L. CERVERA-FERRI
Senior Project Manager "Promoting and Measuring Universal and Meaningful Connectivity", International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Daniel Vertesy
Praachi Kumar
ITU
Registration information
Document on registration information (English)
Unless specified otherwise, all ITU Academy training courses are open to all interested professionals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, economic status and other diverse backgrounds. We strongly encourage registrations from female participants, and participants from developing countries. This includes least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries.