Page 56 - SAMENA Trends - March-April 2025

INITIATIVES ON EMPOWERMENT SAMENA TRENDS

Initiatives on Empowerment

Submarine Cables

International Summit Outlines Steps to Improve Resilience of Submarine

Telecommunications Cables Worldwide

Governments, industry executives and Martin. “This summit is galvanizing global Communications, Innovation and Digital
international organizations have expressed efforts to ensure the resilience of this vital Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
support for strengthening the world's vital telecommunications infrastructure." The and Co-Chair of the Advisory Body. “This
undersea network of telecommunications two-day event was organized by Nigeria's summit and its declaration underscore
cables at the International Submarine Cable Ministry of Communications, Innovation, our commitment to safeguarding the
Resilience Summit in Abuja, Nigeria. The and Digital Economy, in partnership with infrastructure that our digital economy
concluding Summit Declaration, developed the International Telecommunication Union is built upon. As a key landing point for
by the International Advisory Body on (ITU) and the International Cable Protection submarine cables in Africa, Nigeria is well-
Submarine Cable Resilience, includes a Committee (ICPC). The Summit Declaration placed to contribute to and help shape
commitment to international efforts to promotes global cooperation on key areas global efforts to enhance resilience." “This
reinforce submarine telecommunications including: is a key moment for submarine cable
cable resilience, centred on actions ranging • Strengthening cable protection through resilience as this declaration clears the way
from increased cooperation to technical risk mitigation; for greater international cooperation," said
advancements. More than 99 per cent • Promoting diverse routes and landings to Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Chair of ANACOM
of international data traffic is carried enhance resilience and continuity; and Co-Chair of the Advisory Body. “Given
by a network of about 500 submarine • Facilitating timely deployment and repair. the importance of submarine cables in
telecommunications cables spanning The declaration also includes a recognition connecting Portugal, particularly our
over 1.7 million kilometres worldwide. that advancing sustainable approaches, Autonomous Regions of Madeira and the
With an average of 150 to 200 faults fostering technological innovation, and Azores, and our strategic position for landing
reported globally each year, disruptions facilitating capacity building are essential transcontinental cables, this declaration
to communications affect economies, for addressing global challenges and represents a major development for us. I
access to information and public services, driving inclusive development, with a believe it is an important achievement for
as well as the daily lives of billions of strong emphasis on preparing for both the entire submarine cable ecosystem."
people. “Submarine telecommunications present and future connectivity needs. The summit featured the first in-person
cables are a fundamental backbone of our “With submarine cables forming the meeting of the International Advisory Body
interconnected world. Entire economies lifelines of the digital age, strengthening on Submarine Cable Resilience formed
feel the impact of disruptions to service," their resilience is a shared priority," said by ITU in partnership with the ICPC in late
said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan- H.E. Minister Bosun Tijani, Minister of 2024. The Advisory Body aims to help
strengthen the operational resilience of
submarine cables, supporting reliable
connectivity for all. “This summit brought
together the global submarine cable
industry and governments to focus on the
continued protection and resilience of this
critical infrastructure," said ICPC Chairman
Graham Evans. “This cooperation provides
a key opportunity to work together on the
practical steps to promote best practices to
enhance the resilience of submarine cables
across the world." Advisory Body decisions
at the summit include the formation
of working groups focused on risk
identification, monitoring and mitigation,
as well as connectivity and geographic
diversity of landing points and routes, and
timely deployment and repair of cables.

56 MARCH-APRIL 2025