Bridging the Standardization Gap – BSG

In August 2026, TSB is pleased to announce the launch of an evaluation of Bridging the Standardization Gap (BSG) activities in ITU-T. The experience and perspectives of ITU members are essential to ensuring that BSG activities continue to respond to Members’ needs. Experts are invited to contribute, whether or not they have previously participated in BSG activities, by completing an online questionnaire (open until 16 October 2026) or volunteering for a Delphi survey.Details of the evaluation, including ways to participate, can be found in TSB Circular 162. The Terms of Reference and additional information are available in TSAG-TD437/GEN.The results of the evaluation will be published by December 2026.
Bridging the Standardization Gap (BSG) between developing and developed countries is one of the top priorities under ITU-T’s operational plan. WTSA Resolution 44 (Rev. New Delhi, 2024) outlines four programmes of activity to address these national and regional disparities:
ITU-T delegate training
In addition to the on-demand training modules, a range of online & face-to-face trainings is offered to newcomers and delegates, focusing on the needs of developing countries. These events include:Contribution Clinics: Held online one or two weeks before the Contribution deadline for a meeting, focussing on preparing and submitting Member inputs to study group or regional group meetings.Newcomer sessions: Run during the first days of a meeting and led by the study group Chair or Counsellor, these events provide an opportunity for newcomers, including fellowship holders, to “meet and greet” the leadership team, share perspectives and priorities, and learn about current standardization work.BSG sessions: Normally held during study group meetings, these sessions focus on a wide range of topics of interest to newcomers and experienced experts, including working methods, technical issues, etc. They include interactive elements and opportunities to ask questions and discuss standards-related matters.Ad-hoc BSG training: Special sessions or events can be arranged at the request of Members to address specific training requirements.Please contact the BSG Secretariat (tsbbsg@itu.int) or the study group secretariat for more information.
Regional groups of ITU-T study groups
ITU-T regional groups are established at the request of study group experts to encourage engagement and participation, particularly among developing countries, and focusing on regional issues (see WTSA Resolution 54). Regional group meetings present an opportunity to develop proposals and build consensus, which form the basis of high-quality Member Contributions to the parent study group.Click here to find out more.
Delegates from developing and least-developed countries are eligible to apply to ITU for funding to facilitate their participation in ITU-T meetings and encourage continuity of engagement in the work of ITU-T. Partial fellowships are available to cover either travel or daily subsistence allowance. Note that demand for fellowships is high and applicants are encouraged to prepare strong applications aligned with the criteria for award.1) Member State must have satisfied their obligations for participation, e.g., fulfil their financial commitments to ITU.2) Registration and Fellowship requests must be approved by Member State focal point(s).3) Applicants should communicate their suitability for selection, including: professional background and position; long-term commitment to ITU’s work; academic and language proficiency; leadership potential; Contributions submitted.4) Selection is based on the criteria above and equitable allocation, including: country, region, gender, delegates with specific needs.Details, including deadlines, can be found in the meeting announcement.Click here to find out more.
TSB provides human and AI-assisted language support as set out in WTSA Resolution 67 (treating all six languages of the Union on an equal footing).Human interpretation (spoken word), on demand and within budget restrictions. Interpretation is normally provided only for closing plenary sessions, where most study group decisions are made.Translation (written word): Human translation is provided for selected meeting documents and publications. Machine translation: formal meeting documents are available in all six languages automatically, while ITU Translate provides translation on demand between selected pairs of languages.Captioning: Human captioning is provided on demand and within budget restrictions. Machine captioning is activated whenever possible depending on the remote meeting facilities in use.
Electronic working methods
TSB is committed to delivering tools and services that support the engagement of all experts, particularly those from developing countries. The BSG programme works closely TSB system developers on initiatives that support WTSA Resolution 44 (BSG) and WTSA Resolution 32 (Electronic working methods). MyWorkspace is a gateway for accessing electronic resources such as E-meetings, meeting documents, machine translation, mailing lists, standards (published and under development), and much more.Click here to visit MyWorkspace.
National Standardization Secretariats
Member States are encouraged to coordinate their engagement at ITU-T Meetings through the establishment of a National Standardization Secretariat (NSS). TSB can provide country-specific advice with regard to requirements, procedures and best practices.Click here to find out more.
Voluntary contributions are welcome to support the delivery of training, provision of technical assistance, participation by experts at standards-making events, and other forms of capacity building. We take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, JAPAN, for their continuous support and partnership.Contact us
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