The representatives of South Korea and Samoa also applied for this position along with Tomas Lamanauskas.
“I congratulate Mr. Lamanauskas, a globally recognised professional, who proved that world-class competences in the field of information and communication technologies can grow and spread in Lithuania, continuing and reinforcing the importance of the country’s long-term experience in this organisation. ITU is the oldest specialised agency of the United Nations, especially important for issues such as 5G development and digital connectivity, and opportunities for business in our country,” said Marius Skuodis, Minister of Transport and Communications.
Tomas Lamanauskas has accumulated an outstanding international experience of more than 20 years in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT). He previously headed the ITU’s Corporate Strategy Division, while in recent years his functions involved acting as a special advisor on crisis strategy (on COVID-19 matters) and partnership initiatives. Tomas Lamanauskas’s experience also includes working as a Deputy General Director of the Kingdom of Bahrain Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, CEO and Board member of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of the British Virgin Islands followed by the ICT Policy Advisor at the Prime Minister’s Office of Vanuatu.
“I am grateful for the trust expressed by the ITU members at such a crucial moment. This victory could only happen thanks to the concerted efforts of all Lithuanian institutions and the whole of Lithuania. Ahead of us are important works related to the international development of information technologies and telecommunications around the world, promotion of ITU efficiency, digital innovation and sustainability,” said Lamanauskas.
The participation and victory of the Lithuanian candidate in this high-level election is the result of unprecedented inter-institutional cooperation and focus. During the campaign that lasted longer than a year, Tomas Lamanauskas’ candidacy was actively supported by the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania, the Communications Regulatory Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the country’s leaders and the European Union (EU). The ITU elections were recognised as strategically important for the EU and Tomas Lamanauskas was recognised as the unanimous EU candidate.
In this plenary session, the American representative Doreen Bogdan-Martin was elected the new Secretary-General of the ITU after defeating the Russian candidate. She will replace Houlin Zhao, who has been heading the ITU since 2015. As the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference continues, new heads of 3 offices will be elected, as well as members of the ITU Council and the Radio Regulatory Board.
According to Skuodis, Lithuania can and should use it’s potential in being a dynamic and technologically advanced country. To that end, the Ministry of Transport and Communications is developing the so-called Sandbox environment – a legal, regulatory and motivating financial environment for testing transport innovations based on practically applicable 5G communication technologies.
In addition, Lithuania is one of the world leaders in terms of fibre optic network and Internet speed. This week, the connection that covers 65 per cent of the territory of Lithuania reached about 80 per cent of the country’s population. It is planned that 5G will be made available in international land transport corridors, national highways, airports and seaports before 2025.
Founded in 1865, the ITU ensures the distribution of radio frequency resources needed to develop radio communication networks, promotes the development of the advanced communication technologies by setting telecommunications standards, and provides assistance to countries in the development of telecommunications.
The ITU unites 193 countries, including Lithuania, and more than 800 private sector and academic community organisations.
