The Dominican Republic Delegation Stands Out at the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly
The Dominican Republic had a notable presence at the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24), held from October 14 to 24, 2024, in New Delhi, India. This significant event, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), brought together leaders, experts, and representatives from governments, academia, and the private sector to address key topics in telecommunications, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.
The Dominican delegation, led by Julissa Cruz, Executive Director of the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (INDOTEL), comprised a multidisciplinary team that included representatives from the public, academic, private, and civil society sectors. Representing INDOTEL, alongside Julissa Cruz, participants included Christian Victoria, Coordinator of Multilateral Relations; Luis Scheker, Director of Regulation and Competition Defense; Bryan Guzmán, Head of Regulation; and Mariángel Calderón, Assistant in the Directorate of Authorizations. From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX), María Fernanda Ortega Gamez, Director of International Organizations, and Wendy Teresa Goico, Minister Counsellor of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, were present. Additionally, the Office of Information and Communication Technology (OGTIC) was represented by Rosanny Arias, Head of Innovation Promotion; Deyvison García, Head of Digital Design; and Jorge Brand, Project Analyst.
The academic and private sectors also played an important role. The Federico Henríquez y Carvajal University (UFHEC) was represented by its National Rector, Alberto Ramírez, alongside a team including Tomás Ramírez, Vice Rector of Administration; Darwin Muñoz, Vice Rector of Science, Technology, and Innovation; and professors Patricia Guzmán, Luchy Cabrera, and Yocasta Mañon. The Technological Institute of the Americas (ITLA) contributed with its Rector, Rafael Feliz, joined by Pedro Castro, Academic Vice Rector, and Yamell Peña, Acting Director of Planning. Dominican civil society was represented by Osvaldo Larancuent Cueto, President of the Internet Society (ISOC) and representative of INTEC.
During the event, the Dominican delegation participated in several high-level panels and activities. Julissa Cruz spoke at the Global Standardization Symposium (GSS-24), where she presented the Dominican Republic’s progress in adopting technological standards that promote digital inclusion and the modernization of telecommunications. Wendy Teresa Goico, Rosanny Arias, and Osvaldo Larancuent participated in the Digital Wave Stage, addressing topics such as the digital future and technological equity. Wendy Goico also moderated a panel on human rights and emerging technologies. On a bilateral level, the delegation held meetings with Bilel Jamoussi, ITU-T Technical Director, to explore new opportunities for technical cooperation in standardization.
The diplomatic team of the Dominican Republic’s Embassy in India, led by Ambassador David Puig, provided logistical support and facilitated coordination to ensure the delegation’s effective participation in WTSA-24.