Terms of reference for ISCT

​​Background documents

a) Resolution 191 (Rev. Bucharest, 2022) of the Plenipotentiary Conference, on Strategy for the coordination of efforts among the three Sectors of the Union;
b) Resolution ITU-R 75 (Dubai, 2023) of the Radiocommunication Assembly (RA), on Strengthening coordination and cooperation among the three ITU Sectors on matters of mutual interest;
c) Resolution 18 (Rev. New Delhi, 2024) of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), on principles and procedures for the allocation of work to, and coordination among the ITU Radiocommunication, ITU Telecommunication Standardization, and ITU Telecommunication Development Sectors;
d) d) Resolution 5 (Rev. Kigali, 2022) of the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC), on Enhanced participation by developing countries in the activities of the Union, and Resolution 59 (Rev. Kigali, 2022) of WTDC on Strengthening coordination and cooperation among the three ITU Sectors on matters of mutual interest.

The Inter-Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) on issues of mutual interest was set up under decisions of the Sector advisory groups, in order to eliminate duplication of effort and optimize the use of resources. While carrying out its functions the ISCG will: 

• identify subjects common to the three Sectors and the General Secretariat, or, bilaterally, and consider an updated list (prepared by the secretariat) containing the areas of mutual interest to the three Sectors and the General Secretariat pursuant to the mandates assigned by each ITU assembly or conference, and in accordance with the objectives of the ITU Strategic and Financial Plans​;
• identify the necessary mechanisms to strengthen cooperation and joint activity among the three Sectors and the General Secretariat, or with each Sector, on issues of mutual interest, paying particular attention to the interests of the developing countries, and taking into account the activities of the regional offices, including their role in the organization of events (workshops, seminars, symposia, etc.); and
  
• report annually to the respective advisory groups on the progress of the work undertaken, highlighting key issues to be raised with the respective Bureau Directors, as well as with the Inter-Sectoral Coordination Task Force (ISC-TF) as the mechanism that comprises the Focal Points from the General Secretariat as well as from the Bureaux, responsible for specific subjects​.
  

To do so, the ISCG will request the advisory groups to appoint Focal Points and one Coordinator, from the membership, for each of the subjects identified as of common interest, with the aim to:

Composition of the inter-Sector Coordination Group on issues of mutual interest

1. The ISCG management team will consist of two representatives from each of the three Sector advisory groups, keeping in mind the need for regional balance.
   
2. The ISCG Chair, will be appointed by the ISCG, preferably from the ISCG management team, shortly after the Plenipotentiary Conference, for a term of four years, in accordance with the requirements of Resolution 208 (Rev. Bucharest, 2022). The term of office as ISCG Chair might be extended to the subsequent interval between Plenipotentiary Conferences if no other candidates are nominated for the position of ISCG Chair.
   
3. The composition of the ISCG will be published on the ISCG website.
4. The coordinators by subject of common interest will also be informed on the ISCG website).
   
5. The ISCG will be open to Member States and Sector members​.

Secretariat support

The support of the group activity will be provided in accordance with Resolution 191 (Rev. Bucharest, 2022).​​

Working methods:

• The ISCG interactions may include e-mail exchange via the e-mail list or through electronic meetings.​
  
• The ISCG will use the e-mail list int-sect-group@lists.itu.int
  
• Possible physical meetings may be held, preferably in conjunction with advisory group meetings, and within available resources, and will be announced on the ITU calendar of events.
  
• The coordinators by subject of common interest will work through electronic means and coordinate their own meetings, whenever needed.
  
• A dedicated ISCG website​ is developed, including links to the Sector advisory groups.
  

Last updated in February 2025.