United Nations’ ITU Embraces Open Source: A Step-by-Step Transition

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency focused on digital technologies, has completed its transition from a closed system to an open-source framework. Facilitated by GitHub's Skills-Based Volunteering program, the six-month initiative involved developers, maintainers, and stakeholders migrating from Azure DevOps to an open-source ecosystem. This shift aims to democratize access and foster global collaboration, particularly for budget-constrained organizations.

Key steps included adopting best practices for software documentation, selecting licenses, and refining repository management. Workshops and feedback sessions ensured a seamless transition. The MOVE underscores ITU's commitment to digital inclusivity and leveraging open-source tools for broader impact.