ITU-UNICEF Giga initiative to hold its first Connectivity Forum in Geneva
Global effort gathers government representatives to consider
innovations and experiences in getting schools online
Giga, the joint ITU-UNICEF initiative aiming to connect every school to the Internet by 2030, will
hold the first Giga Connectivity Forum from 9 to 10 July 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. Reporters are
invited to cover the opening session in-person on 9 July from 09:00 to 12:35 CEST.
The Connectivity Forum will explore international efforts to connect schools, including through
innovations like AI-driven mapping. High-level representatives from government ministries and
experts from 26 countries engaged with Giga will share experiences of connecting schools around the world.
Event: Giga Connectivity Forum opening session
Date: Tuesday, 9 July
Time: 09:00-12:35 CEST
Location: ITU Headquarters
Media Accreditation: Advance registration is required for all journalists, including UNOG-accredited
reporters. Send an email to pressreg@itu.int to request accreditation.
Connecting every student to information and opportunity is a challenge that requires innovation and
cooperation among governments, international organizations, private sector and technology
providers. Since 2019, Giga and its partners have mapped 2.1 million schools in 142 countries and
enabled over 6.74 million students to benefit from increased access to connectivity. But more efforts
are required as a third of humanity remains offline, and lack of connectivity is preventing millions of
children from realizing their potential.