ITU CONFERENCE OPENS IN DOHA TO SHAPE GLOBAL DIGITAL FUTURE

DOHA, November 09, 2026 – The International Telecommunication Union’s Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 opened in Doha, Qatar, on Monday, bringing together political, regulatory and industry leaders from across the world to deliberate on key global digital challenges and opportunities and renew its leadership for the next four years.

Hosted by the State of Qatar, represented by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), the Plenipotentiary Conference is the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) highest policy-making body. As the United Nations specialised agency for digital technologies, the ITU convenes the conference to set the Union’s strategic direction, approve its financial plans and elect its top leadership.

Held every four years, this year’s edition is running under the theme, “Together for a Connected Digital Future,” and brings together approximately 3,000 participants to address critical issues shaping the global digital landscape. These include expanding connectivity and investment, strengthening the resilience of digital infrastructure, ensuring reliable emergency and humanitarian communications, advancing space-based connectivity and sustainability, and harnessing emerging technologies to drive development.

This year’s conference takes place against a backdrop of expanding global connectivity, persistent gaps in access and usage, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. An estimated two billion people remain unconnected, with the majority living in developing countries such as Uganda. This makes the conference particularly significant, as it provides an important platform to address the digital divide and shape a more inclusive digital future.

“The decisions made here in Doha will shape our digital future for generations,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General. “While emerging technologies are opening new possibilities, billions still remain offline. PP-26 is our chance to build a stronger, more resilient ITU — one that helps our members navigate change while bringing the benefits of technology to everyone, everywhere.”

In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, expressed the country’s appreciation for the opportunity to host delegations from around the world.

“By hosting PP-26, Qatar reflects its commitment to international cooperation and to shaping the future of the sector. We look forward to decisions that strengthen ITU’s role and advance connectivity for all,” he said.

One of the key highlights of the conference will be the election of the ITU’s senior leadership, including the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and Directors of the Radiocommunication, Telecommunication Standardization and Telecommunication Development Bureaux.

Delegates will also elect the 12 members of the ITU’s Radio Regulations Board, which oversees the application and interpretation of the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum.

In addition, the conference will elect 48 Member States to serve on the ITU Council, the Union’s governing body between Plenipotentiary Conferences. Uganda is seeking re-election to the Council, representing Region D (Africa), which is allocated 13 of the 48 seats. With 19 African countries expressing interest in the available positions, the contest is expected to be highly competitive, with six countries set to miss out.

Leading Uganda’s delegation, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, is expected to address the conference’s plenary session on Wednesday. The delegation also includes UCC Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UCC staff.