(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar, represented by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), officially announced its candidacy for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for the 2027–2030 term during the opening day of the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from Nov 17-28. Qatar is participating in the conference with a delegation led by Engineer Ahmad bin Abdulla AlMuslemani, president of CRA and Chair-Designate of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26).
WTDC brings together governments, regulators, and industry leaders to review global progress in telecommunication development and define strategic directions for the ITU Development Sector (ITU-D). As a cornerstone event, WTDC-25 provides a key platform to address emerging challenges within the evolving digital ecosystem and to shape global policies and initiatives that promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable growth through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The outcomes of WTDC serve as a key input to the discussions of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference.
In a press statement, Engineer AlMuslemani said:“Qatar's candidacy for the ITU Council is rooted in a decades-long partnership with the ITU and a proven track record of delivery. We are committed to advancing and supporting the priorities and objectives of the ITU, promoting inclusive innovation globally, and ensuring that telecommunications services remain a fundamental human right”.
Qatar's candidacy is anchored in three strategic priorities. The first is recognising telecommunications as a fundamental human right to ensure universal access to vital information and services. The second focuses on fostering globally inclusive innovation by strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and the Internet of Things. The third aims to advance universal and meaningful connectivity through reliable, affordable, and secure digital infrastructure that bridges the digital divide and supports inclusive growth.
Qatar's bid also reflects its broader alignment with the goals of the ITU Development Sector, including promoting affordable connectivity, enabling supportive regulatory environments, and advancing the use of ICT for sustainable development.
CRA's participation in WTDC-25 highlights its active role in global regulatory discussions, knowledge sharing, technical co-operation, and capacity building among ITU Member States, which reflects Qatar's steadfast commitment to inclusive digital development.
Qatar's telecommunications sector continues to demonstrate global leadership, with 100% fiber-enabled broadband coverage, 5G services reaching over 96% of populated areas, and strategic investments in cloud computing, quantum research, and Arabic AI development. These achievements reinforce Qatar's position as a reliable and capable partner in advancing the ITU's mission of digital inclusion and innovation. CRA ITU WTDC 25

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