Communication is participation – for everyone, everywhere. As candidate for the position as Director of Standardization of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Dr. Thomas Zielke wants to build more solid bridges by fostering substantial cooperation with other international standardization organizations.

Through a Twinning Project the European Union (EU) supports Azerbaijan’s standardization institute to promote the harmonization of its national standardization system with international requirements.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) assists to develop a national standardization strategy in line with EU and international best practices together with the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), the German National Metrology Institute (PTB), the Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE) and the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS). Together, they address corporate governance, digital transformation and funding mechanisms.

On the occasion of Zielke’s recent visit to Baku at the End of April, he met with Shahin Ismayilov, Deputy Head of the international department at the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Khayala Pashazade, Leading Adviser at Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and Denis Kaschuba, Resident Twinning Advisor to Azerbaijan at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Zielke gained interesting insights into the legal and institutional framework for Azerbaijan’s national standardization system. If elected Director of the ITU Standardization Bureau, he assures that he will listen to and work with all stakeholders involved at ITU-T – because he firmly believes in international cooperation.

Building bridges – with ITU and beyond.