The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is marking a significant milestone in its preparations for the upcoming Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), with just one year to go until the event takes place in Doha, Qatar, from November 9 to 27, 2026. The conference will bring together ITU Member States to discuss key issues related to digital technologies.
During the PP-26 conference, ITU Member States will consider strategies for managing the world’s radio-frequency spectrum, setting technology standards, and advancing digital development. The event is expected to shape the future of global communications networks, with a focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite communications.
ITU Plenipotentiary Conference: A Platform for Global Digital Cooperation
The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference is the supreme decision-making body of the organization, where Member States set the overall direction and policies for the ITU. According to ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the conference is crucial in determining the course of humanity’s shared digital future. The event will provide a platform for Member States to discuss and agree on strategies that promote meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation.
The conference will also reflect the growing importance of space and satellites, AI, and other emerging technologies in supporting global communications networks. As the UN agency for digital technologies, ITU plays a critical role in promoting international cooperation on these issues.
Preparations and Expectations
The preparatory period for PP-26 has formally opened, marking the beginning of the nomination process for ITU’s top management posts. Elections for the organization’s five top leadership positions will take place during the conference, including the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, and Directors of the organization’s three technical bureaux. Engineer Ahmad bin Abdulla AlMuslemani, President of Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) and Chair-Designate of PP-26, has reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to working with ITU Member States to promote innovation, inclusion, and sustainable digital development.
Elections and Leadership
The elections for ITU’s top leadership positions are expected to be a key aspect of the conference. The new leadership will be responsible for guiding the organization in its efforts to promote digital development and cooperation among Member States. The ITU’s leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the global digital agenda.
As the countdown to PP-26 continues, ITU Member States are expected to engage in intense diplomatic efforts to shape the outcome of the conference. The event is likely to be closely watched by stakeholders in the global technology industry, as it will have significant implications for the future of digital technologies. With the conference just a year away, the focus is now on the preparations and expectations surrounding the event.
Looking ahead, the next step for the ITU will be to finalize the preparations for PP-26, including the nomination process for the top management posts. The outcome of the conference will be closely watched, and the decisions made during the event are expected to have far-reaching implications for the global digital landscape.
