Latest news with #ITU
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar unveils official logo for ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026
Tribune News Network Doha The State of Qatar has unveiled the official logo of the International Telecommunication Union's Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) during a presentation delivered yesterday by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) at the ITU Council meetings, held in Geneva from June 17 to 27. This milestone marks a significant step in the country's preparations to host the conference, which is scheduled to take place in Doha in November 2026. As ITU's highest decision-making body, the Plenipotentiary Conference sets the organization's strategic and financial directions for the coming years and serves as a pivotal platform to address global priorities related to spectrum management, digital standards, equitable connectivity and regulatory foundations of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. In partnership with ITU, CRA led the creative development of the logo to reflect both Qatar's national identity and the objectives of the conference. The final logo design was developed in close coordination with relevant national stakeholders and highlights Qatar's rich cultural heritage and its vision for a connected digital future. At its centre is a shell cradling a pearl, symbolizing the country's long-standing legacy in pearl diving and maritime traditions, while evoking notions of prosperity, beauty, and heritage. The pearl, also representing a central node, symbolises digital connectivity and the role of the conference in shaping the future of global communications. This element aligns with ITU's mission fostering digital transformation for all through international cooperation. The logo's colour palette illustrates this narrative by prominently featuring Qatar's national maroon, Al Adaam, complemented by ITU's Corporate Blue. Together, these colours form a visual bridge linking Qatar's national identity with the international aspirations of the PP-26 conference. The design also includes the number nine—a nod to the nine triangles on the Qatari flag—symbolizing transformation and new beginnings, in line with the conference's goal of charting the course for future digital policies and global infrastructure. The logo will serve as the primary element of the event's visual identity and will be used across all promotional and logistical materials. Engineer Ahmad Abdulla AlMuslemani, president of CRA and chair-designate of ITU-PP26, stated: 'The unveiling of the official logo for PP-26 marks more than the start of a countdown, it reflects Qatar's vision to lead meaningful global conversations on digital transformation. The logo embodies our national identity, blending deep-rooted heritage with a forward-looking ambition. Qatar stands ready to host the international community in Doha to shape the future of global telecommunications through strategic dialogue and collaboration towards a more inclusive and sustainable digital world.' Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary-general of the ITU, stated: 'ITU's 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference will drive forward critical global discussions that will shape our shared digital future,' said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. 'The PP-26 logo reflects the bold spirit of collaboration between ITU and Qatar as we prepare for this milestone gathering of our highest decision-making body.' Hosting this event aligns with CRA's broader strategy to foster global digital collaboration, position Qatar as a hub for regulatory innovation, and support the development of secure and advanced ICT ecosystems. As the national regulator, CRA continues to align its policies with Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting digital infrastructure development, regulatory leadership, and international cooperation.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Trump administration backs U.S. candidate to retain UN telecoms post
GENEVA, June 18 (Reuters) - The U.S. government on Wednesday backed a Biden-era nominee to stay in charge of a U.N. telecoms agency, underlining U.S. interest in global technologies in a relatively rare show of support for a multilateral body under the Trump administration. U.S. President Donald Trump has so far largely retreated from U.N. institutions: he has cut funding to aid agencies, plans to leave, opens new tab the World Health Organization and has not yet installed permanent U.N. ambassadors in New York or Geneva. But Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed U.S. candidate Doreen Bogdan-Martin for re-election to the International Telecommunication Union - a 160-year-old Geneva-based agency that sets standards for new technologies. "At a time when global networks and digital technologies are increasingly impacting the global economy, ITU needs the right leadership," Rubio said. The qualified radio operator who grew up in New Jersey and spent most of her career at the ITU, was elected the first woman to lead it in 2022, when she beat, opens new tab the Russian candidate after a campaign publicly endorsed by former President Joe Biden. As with many U.N. elections, nation state endorsement is a condition to run for the ITU election set to take place in 2026. The ITU has so far been spared most of the foreign aid cuts. Trump said in February that the United Nations had "great potential and ... we'll continue to go along with it, but they got to get their act together". Trump has said he wants his former national security adviser Mike Waltz to be his next New York U.N. ambassador.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia announces its candidacy to ITU Council's membership
GENEVA — Saudi Arabia announced its candidacy to retain its membership in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council. The announcement was made during the 2025 ITU Council session held in Geneva, Switzerland. Addressing the council meeting on Tuesday, Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) Acting Governor Eng. Haytham AlOhali reaffirmed the Kingdom's pioneering role in supporting the global telecom and technology sector. Eng. AlOhali reaffirmed the Kingdom's strong commitment to international cooperation in bridging the digital divide, stressing the importance of accelerating global efforts to connect the unconnected and address the challenges of the digital and AI era. He pointed out that the world currently connects around 200 million people annually, and at this pace, it would take more than 13 years to connect the remaining 2.6 billion. This calls for an innovative approach to speed up connectivity efforts and reduce the timeframe by over 50%. 'Saudi Arabia is proud to be among the top nations that have successfully reduced the digital connectivity gap to below 1 percent. The Kingdom has also leveraged technology to create advanced and innovative solutions across sectors such as education, healthcare, energy, and public services,' he said. Eng. AlOhali affirmed that Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the ITU, introduced the AI Readiness Framework, highlighting the importance of ensuring that artificial intelligence must be inclusive, human-centered, and focused on empowering youth and women. 'By innovation and collaboration, we now have the solution to accelerate the pace of global connectivity and cut the time needed to close the digital gap by over half. This could enable us to connect the unconnected within five years or even sooner. It's not just about saving time, but about unlocking opportunities and advancing inclusive social and economic development, particularly in developing nations,' he stated. Eng. AlOhali pointed out that Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its digital workforce, increasing the number of professionals from 150,000 in 2018 to more than 380,000 by 2024. Women's participation in the ICT sector also grew from 7 percent to 35 percent, surpassing both the global and G20 averages. The Kingdom's adoption of a forward-thinking digital regulatory framework has secured it the second spot among G20 nations in the ITU's ICT Regulatory Tracker. In addition, Saudi Arabia has launched global initiatives to enhance regulatory digital maturity in over 100 countries, emphasizing the vital role of adaptable, innovation-driven frameworks in enabling inclusive digital transformation. AlOhali emphasized that the Kingdom's digital accomplishments and innovative initiatives have been driven by the strong support and guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. He affirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to leveraging its resources and expertise to support the international and ITU's efforts in building a sustainable digital future. As part of the Kingdom's ongoing collaboration with the ITU, he announced that the Kingdom will host the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) from August 31 to September 3, 2025, in Riyadh, under the theme: 'Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development.' He invited all member states to participate in this significant forum, which highlights the Kingdom's strong relationship with the ITU and reflects its dedication to building regulatory frameworks that foster innovation, investment, and inclusive access. The ITU Council consists of 48 member states, including Saudi Arabia, out of a total of 194. The council oversees the Union's activities between Plenipotentiary Conferences (PP). Its responsibilities include: directing the ITU's tasks, ensuring the implementation of ITU policies and budgets, approving operational and financial plans, and reviewing programs, while also providing recommendations on general policies to develop the sector. This makes the council a pivotal mechanism in ensuring the efficiency and continuity of the ITU's work. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar affirms readiness to host ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar, represented by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), is participating as an observer in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council 2025 meetings, being held in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 17 to 27, 2025. The Qatari delegation is led by Engineer Ahmad Abdulla AlMuslemani, president of CRA and chair-designate of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26). Through its participation, CRA will follow key agenda items of strategic importance to the global ICT community, particularly those concerning policy development, human capital, financial oversight, and budgetary planning. Active engagement in these discussions ensures that CRA remains aligned with international ICT trends and contributes to shaping future regulatory frameworks in line with Qatar's national priorities. As part of the Council Meeting, CRA will deliver a detailed presentation outlining Qatar's preparedness to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) in Doha in November 2026. This flagship event, the highest governing body of the ITU, sets the Union's strategic vision and plays a pivotal role in guiding global telecommunications and ICT development. CRA's presentation will emphasise Qatar's logistical and organisational readiness, as well as its commitment to delivering an inclusive and forward-looking conference. CRA will also host a dedicated pavilion showcasing interactive content to offer attendees an immersive experience of Qatar's rich cultural heritage and digital advancements. In celebration of the 160th anniversary of the ITU, and on the sidelines of the Council Meeting, CRA will host an official luncheon, welcoming delegates from ITU Member States and senior officials. The Qatari delegation will also hold a series of high-level bilateral meetings to explore avenues of collaboration across various domains of telecommunications and ICT. The ITU Council plays a central role in steering the Union's strategic direction, ensuring agility in responding to the rapid evolution of the global ICT landscape. It is tasked with supervising the day-to-day functions of the ITU, including programme coordination, budget approval, and policy evaluation.
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia announces its candidacy to ITU Council's membership
Saudi Gazette report GENEVA — Saudi Arabia announced its candidacy to retain its membership in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council. The announcement was made during the 2025 ITU Council session held in Geneva, Switzerland. Addressing the council meeting on Tuesday, Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) Acting Governor Eng. Haytham AlOhali reaffirmed the Kingdom's pioneering role in supporting the global telecom and technology sector. Eng. AlOhali reaffirmed the Kingdom's strong commitment to international cooperation in bridging the digital divide, stressing the importance of accelerating global efforts to connect the unconnected and address the challenges of the digital and AI era. He pointed out that the world currently connects around 200 million people annually, and at this pace, it would take more than 13 years to connect the remaining 2.6 billion. This calls for an innovative approach to speed up connectivity efforts and reduce the timeframe by over 50%. 'Saudi Arabia is proud to be among the top nations that have successfully reduced the digital connectivity gap to below 1 percent. The Kingdom has also leveraged technology to create advanced and innovative solutions across sectors such as education, healthcare, energy, and public services,' he said. Eng. AlOhali affirmed that Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the ITU, introduced the AI Readiness Framework, highlighting the importance of ensuring that artificial intelligence must be inclusive, human-centered, and focused on empowering youth and women. 'By innovation and collaboration, we now have the solution to accelerate the pace of global connectivity and cut the time needed to close the digital gap by over half. This could enable us to connect the unconnected within five years or even sooner. It's not just about saving time, but about unlocking opportunities and advancing inclusive social and economic development, particularly in developing nations,' he stated. Eng. AlOhali pointed out that Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its digital workforce, increasing the number of professionals from 150,000 in 2018 to more than 380,000 by 2024. Women's participation in the ICT sector also grew from 7 percent to 35 percent, surpassing both the global and G20 averages. The Kingdom's adoption of a forward-thinking digital regulatory framework has secured it the second spot among G20 nations in the ITU's ICT Regulatory Tracker. In addition, Saudi Arabia has launched global initiatives to enhance regulatory digital maturity in over 100 countries, emphasizing the vital role of adaptable, innovation-driven frameworks in enabling inclusive digital transformation. AlOhali emphasized that the Kingdom's digital accomplishments and innovative initiatives have been driven by the strong support and guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. He affirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to leveraging its resources and expertise to support the international and ITU's efforts in building a sustainable digital future. As part of the Kingdom's ongoing collaboration with the ITU, he announced that the Kingdom will host the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) from August 31 to September 3, 2025, in Riyadh, under the theme: 'Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development.' He invited all member states to participate in this significant forum, which highlights the Kingdom's strong relationship with the ITU and reflects its dedication to building regulatory frameworks that foster innovation, investment, and inclusive access. The ITU Council consists of 48 member states, including Saudi Arabia, out of a total of 194. The council oversees the Union's activities between Plenipotentiary Conferences (PP). Its responsibilities include: directing the ITU's tasks, ensuring the implementation of ITU policies and budgets, approving operational and financial plans, and reviewing programs, while also providing recommendations on general policies to develop the sector. This makes the council a pivotal mechanism in ensuring the efficiency and continuity of the ITU's work.
