In brief
ITU Secretary‑General Doreen Bogdan‑Martin opened the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha on Nov. 9 and called for multilateral cooperation to close the digital divide. She warned that countries are at vastly different stages of digital transformation and stressed the need for resilient, affordable and trustworthy communication networks, especially during crises. The conference, themed "Together for a connected digital future," will finish on Nov. 27 with delegates electing new leadership and approving the ITU’s four‑year strategic plan.
International Telecommunication Union Secretary‑General Doreen Bogdan‑Martín opened the organization’s 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha on Nov. 9 and urged global cooperation to close the digital divide.
Speaking at the conference’s opening ceremony, Bogdan‑Martín warned that countries are entering the next phase of digital transformation from vastly different starting points and noted that communication networks must remain resilient, reliable and available during crises.
She said, "No country, and no institution, can make those systems resilient, secure, and inclusive on its own," and 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.
The conference, themed "Together for a connected digital future," will run through Nov. 27, during which delegates will elect the ITU’s new leadership and decide on its strategic and financial plans for the next four years.
