The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with the Government of Canada, has announced the ITU160 Gender Champions initiative to commemorate its 160th anniversary. The programme aims to recognise and empower young women who are making significant contributions to digital transformation and development.
The initiative will select outstanding female participants aged 18-25 to attend high-profile events in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 7-11, 2025, including the WSIS+20 High-Level Event, the AI for Good Global Summit, and ITU’s 160th Anniversary commemorations.
The initiative represents ITU’s continued commitment to inclusivity and gender equality in the digital transformation landscape, focusing on amplifying the voices of young women who are already making a difference in this space.
Selected participants will have their travel and accommodation expenses covered for the duration of the events in Geneva and will engage with key stakeholders in the digital and technology sectors. They will also be able to showcase their work and co-design a workshop focused on promoting gender equality in digital transformation.
The ITU160 Gender Champions initiative particularly encourages applications from young women from developing countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states. Young Indigenous women and women with disabilities are also strongly encouraged to apply.
The programme aims to ensure a broad representation of voices in shaping the future of digital transformation and development.
Applications are now open, with a submission deadline of April 6, 2025 (11:59 pm CEST). Interested candidates can apply through the ITU’s official website.
The International Telecommunication Union, a specialised agency of the United Nations, brings together 194 national governments and over 1,000 companies and organisations to advance global connectivity. This new initiative aligns with its broader mission to bridge the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of digital transformation are accessible to all.
For more information about the ITU160 Gender Champions initiative, interested parties are directed to visit the official ITU website.
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