Qatar Showcases Global ICT Leadership at ITU Council, Prepares for Doha Conference

Qatar is participating in the 2026 session of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, with its delegation headed by Engineer Ahmad bin Abdulla AlMuslemani, President of CRA and Chair-Designate of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26). Mr. AlMuslemani stated, "Qatar’s participation in the ITU Council reflects our commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and advancing a secure and inclusive digital future." He also noted that Qatar's candidacy for the ITU Council for the 2027–2030 term shows its commitment to supporting the Union’s work. Mr. AlMuslemani added, "As we prepare to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Doha, we look forward to bringing the international ICT community together to shape the next chapter of global connectivity and continue to support international efforts to harness ICTs for sustainable development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Qatar National Vision 2030."

Delegation Engages on Key Digital Issues

The Qatari delegation participating in the ITU Council includes representatives from the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) and the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences (PCOC). Their involvement aims to contribute to discussions on global digital issues. The International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference, a significant event in the ICT sector, is held every four years. This conference serves as the highest decision-making body of the ITU, where member states establish the Union's strategic and financial plans. The upcoming 2026 conference in Doha will bring together international stakeholders to address challenges and opportunities in telecommunications and digital technologies.

Promoting Doha as Future ITU Hub

The Qatari delegation hosted a luncheon reception for International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Member States and senior officials in Geneva. The reception formed part of Qatar’s concentrated efforts to present its candidacy for membership of the ITU Council for the upcoming 2027–2030 term. Qatar is also focused on harnessing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for sustainable development, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030. This vision supports the country's broader strategy to contribute to global digital progress and establish Doha as a central hub for future ITU activities.

Commitment to Global Connectivity

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) will engage in discussions focused on enhancing global connectivity, internet governance, child online protection, and the governance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Engineer Ahmad bin Abdulla AlMuslemani, President of CRA and Chair-Designate of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26), will chair the second informal inter-regional preparatory meeting for PP-26 on April 30. Mr. AlMuslemani stated, "Qatar’s participation in the ITU Council reflects our commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and advancing a secure and inclusive digital future." He added, "Our candidacy for the ITU Council for the 2027–2030 term shows its continued commitment to supporting the Union’s work and advancing policies that expand access to digital technologies worldwide." Mr. AlMuslemani also noted, "As we prepare to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Doha, we look forward to bringing the international ICT community together to shape the next chapter of global connectivity and continue to support international efforts to harness ICTs for sustainable development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Qatar National Vision 2030."

Looking Ahead to PP-26

The current ITU Council session is being held in Geneva from April 28 to May 8, 2026. During this period, the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences (PCOC) will present Qatar's preparations to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026. The upcoming conference is scheduled to take place in Doha this November, bringing together international stakeholders to address challenges and opportunities in telecommunications and digital technologies. This presentation notes Qatar's ongoing commitment to facilitating global discussions on the future of ICT.