GENEVA, Oct. 20 -- Ghana assumed the chairmanship of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for the term 2009-2010 at the opening meeting of the organization's annual session here Tuesday.

"Ghana is committed to the ideals and values of ITU," said Haruna Iddrisu, Ghana's minister of communications.

Ghana's goals include narrowing the digital division and using information and communication technologies to combat climate change, said Iddrisu.

ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Toure said the ITU has shown its role in addressing global issues is vital, "particularly in the key areas of climate change, cyber-security, and the financial crisis."

It was also announced that the 2010 ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference will be held in Hyderabad, India.