In brief
At the opening of the ITU’s 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Secretary‑General Doreen Bogdan‑Martin urged stronger international cooperation to bridge the digital divide. She warned that countries enter a new digital phase from uneven footing and stressed that resilient, reliable and trustworthy networks can’t be built alone. The conference, themed "Together for a connected digital future," will elect new leadership and set the ITU’s strategic plan for the next four years.
On Monday, at the opening ceremony of the ITU’s 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Secretary‑General Doreen Bogdan‑Martin called for stronger international cooperation to bridge the digital divide.
Bogdan‑Martin warned that countries are entering a new phase of digital transformation from vastly different starting points, stressing that communication networks must remain resilient, reliable and available especially during crises.
"No country, and no institution, can make those systems resilient, secure, and inclusive on its own," she said.
She urged delegates to address how to expand meaningful connectivity, make technology more affordable, relevant and trustworthy, and help nations navigate emerging technologies that are advancing faster than institutions can adapt to.
Under the theme "Together for a connected digital future," the conference will run through Nov. 27, elect new ITU leadership and decide on its strategic and financial plans for the next four years.
