# Asia-Pacific Telecommunity

The Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) was founded on the joint initiatives of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The APT was established by an international treaty titled Constitution of the Asia Pacific Telecommunity that was concluded in Bangkok on 27 March 1976 and came into force on 25 February 1979. After the treaty came into force, APT was formally organized on 1 July 1979. The APT is an intergovernmental organization and operates in conjunction with telecom service providers, manufacturers of communications equipment, and research and development organizations active in the field of communication, information and innovation technologies.
APT serves as the organization for information and communications technology (ICT) in the region. The APT covers 38 Members, 4 Associate Members, and 143 Affiliate Members.
Throughout the past years, APT has been able to assist members in the preparation of global conferences such as ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP), World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC), World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), and the ITU meetings. APT is also involved in promoting regional harmonization of their programmes and activities in the region.

## Publication

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity was founded on July 1, 1979 with the joint operations of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the International Telecommunication Union. “Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT).” Cybil, cybilportal.org/actors/asia-pacific-telecommunity-apt/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
APT serves as the focal organization for ICT in the region. Currently, the APT has a strength of 38 Members, 4 Associate Members and 137 Affiliate Members. Through its various programmes and activities, the APT has made a significant contribution to the development and growth in the ICT sector. “Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT).” Cybil, cybilportal.org/actors/asia-pacific-telecommunity-apt/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
The Constitution of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity was adopted on 27 March 1976 by resolution 163 (XXXII)2 of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific at its thirty-second session, which took place at Bangkok, Thailand, from 24 March 1976 to 2 April 1976. The Constitution was open for signature at Bangkok from 1 April 1976 to 31 October 1976 and at the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York from 1 November 1976 to 24 February 1979. “UN, United Nations, UN Treaties, Treaties.” United Nations, United Nations, treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXV-2&chapter=25&clang=_en. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
What the APT is also known for is the activities it is involved in which are the following:
1) The APT is responsible for the development of telecommunication services and information structure throughout the region.
2) It plays a very crucial role in balancing and synchronizing policies, regulations, and technical standards related to the ICT.
3) The APT conducts various preparatory activities for international conferences including the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs), World Telecommunication Standardization Assemblies (WTSAs), and World Telecommunication Development Conferences (WTDCs).
4) The organization also hosts working groups and forums to address specific issues such as spectrum management, policy, and standardization. “What Is APT (Asia-Pacific Telecommunity).” TELCOMA Training & Certifications, 4 Mar. 2024, telcomatraining.com/what-is-apt-asia-pacific-telecommunity/.

## Membership

There are currently 38 Members (countries), 4 Associate Members, and 143 Affiliate Members in the APT. Any member of the ESCAP which is within the region is eligible to be part of the APT, while to be an associate member, any territory, part or group of territories within the region which is an associate member of ESCAP is eligible. Associate members are highlighted in green. A state becomes a member of APT by ratifying the founding treaty, the Constitution of the Asia Pacific Telecommunity.
| Member | Date joining APT |
| Afghanistan | 1979 |
| Australia | 1979 |
| Bangladesh | 1979 |
| Bhutan | 1998 |
| Brunei Darussalam | 1986 |
| Cambodia | 2007 |
| China | 1979 |
| Cook Islands | 1987 |
| North Korea | 1994 |
| Fiji | 1999 |
| Hong Kong | 2009 |
| India | 1979 |
| Indonesia | 1985 |
| Iran | 1980 |
| Japan | 1979 |
| South Korea | 1979 |
| Lao People's Democratic Republic | 1989 |
| Macau | 1993 |
| Malaysia | 1979 |
| Kiribati | 2011 |
| Maldives | 1980 |
| Member | Date joining APT |
| Marshall Islands | 2005 |
| Micronesia | 1994 |
| Mongolia | 1991 |
| Myanmar | 1979 |
| Nauru | 1979 |
| Nepal | 1979 |
| New Zealand | 1993 |
| Niue | 2002 |
| Pakistan | 1979 |
| Palau | 1996 |
| Papua New Guinea | 1993 |
| Philippines | 1979 |
| Samoa | 2000 |
| Singapore | 1979 |
| Solomon Islands | 2010 |
| Sri Lanka | 1979 |
| Thailand | 1979 |
| Tonga | 1992 |
| Tuvalu | 2011 |
| Vanuatu | 2010 |
| Vietnam | 1979 |

## Objective

The objective of the Telecommunity shall be to foster the development of telecommunication services and information infrastructure throughout the region with a particular focus on the expansion thereof in less developed areas.
In furtherance thereof, the Telecommunity may:
* Promote the expansion of telecommunication services and information infrastructure and the maximization of the benefits of information and telecommunications technology for the welfare of the people in the region;
* Develop regional cooperation in areas of common interest, including radio communications and standards development;
* Undertake studies relating to developments in telecommunication and information infrastructure technology and policy and regulation in coordination with other international organizations, where pertinent;
* Encourage technology transfer, human resource development and the exchange of information for the balanced development of telecommunication services and information infrastructure within the region; and
* Facilitate coordination within the region with regard to major issues pertaining to telecommunication services and information infrastructure with a view to strengthening the region's international position.

## Structure

The APT has three major functioning organs: the General Assembly, Management Committee, and General Secretariat. The General Assembly consists of the President and the Vice Presidents; the Management Committee consists of the Chairman and the Vice Chairmen; the General Secretariat consists of the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General and other professional staff.
The APT is divided into five sectors each managing different aspects of the matter handled by the Telecommunity. These sectors are Policy and Regulations (PRF), Radiocommunication (RF), Standardization, Human Resource Development (HRD), and ICT Development (APTICT).

### Leadership

The APT is headed by a secretary general who is elected to a three-year term by the Member States at the General Assembly.

#### Executive Directors/Secretaries General

* Loqman Husain T.Q.A, Leg d’Hon
* Boonchoo Phienpanji
* Chao Thongma
* Hiroyasu Sonoki
* Jong Soon Lee
* Amarendra Narayan
* Toshiyuki Yamada
* Areewan Haorangsi
* Masanori Kondo