ITU conference opens in Doha to shape global digital future

The three-week conference brings together representatives from 194 countries to discuss global connectivity, emerging technologies and the future of digital cooperation.The International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26) opened in Doha on Monday, bringing together representatives from 194 member states to address global connectivity, emerging technologies and the future of digital cooperation.Held under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the conference runs until 27 November at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).Speaking at the opening press conference, attended by Doha News, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin stressed the urgency of closing the global digital divide, with two billion people worldwide still without internet access.Responding to a question from Doha News on the significance of the conference in an increasingly connected yet digitally divided world, Bogdan-Martin said network coverage alone was not enough.“The 4G network coverage is more than 90%, but we still have 2 billion people offline, and to get those people online, we have to tackle other issues, such as affordability, trust, safety, technical skilling, and beyond,” she said.She added that addressing these barriers remained a priority for the ITU and the conference, emphasising the need to “make sure that we leave no one behind.”Shaping global telecommunications policyHeld every four years, the Plenipotentiary Conference is the ITU’s highest decision-making body. It sets the UN agency’s strategic direction, determines its priorities and elects its leadership.Around 3,000 participants are expected to attend PP-26, where delegates will discuss issues including artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, satellite connectivity, and emergency communications.Member states will also elect the ITU’s leadership for the next four years and agree on its strategic and financial plans for 2028 to 2031.Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai highlighted the country’s commitment to international cooperation, describing the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen global connectivity and shape the sector’s future.Organised by the ITU and hosted by Qatar through the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), the conference is being held under the theme “Together for a connected digital future”.PP-26 is also taking place alongside MWC26 Doha, bringing policymakers and technology industry leaders together to discuss innovation, investment and developments in telecommunications.