Qatar Wins Bid to Host ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in 2026

ITU Plenipotentiary Conference

The State of Qatar won the bid to host the 22nd Plenipotentiary Conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2026, with the unanimity of the member states of the ITU after the voting session that took place Tuesday within the work of the 21st Plenipotentiary Conference held in Bucharest.

Qatar has submitted an official request to host the conference through its participation in the Plenipotentiary Conference, represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA).

The delegation of the State of Qatar is headed by HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai and includes officials in the Ministry and the CRA.

The Plenipotentiary Conference is the highest policy-making body of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Held every four years, it is the key event at which ITU Member States decide on the future role of the organization, thereby determining the organizations ability to influence and affect the development of information and communication technologies (ICTs) worldwide.

In his speech during the voting session, HE Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai said that the Plenipotentiary Conference is the highest decision-making body of the ITU, where member states can define the ITU roadmap for the next four years in all aspects of communication, inclusion, and digital aspects.

His Excellency pointed out that over the past four years, the State of Qatar has built an advanced information and communication technology infrastructure that complies with international standards, making it one of the world's leading players in the digital field.

His Excellency stressed that Qatar's distinguished measures in promoting a better future for humanity are well known and that Qatar's international efforts have always been for the sake of good.

Through the Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD), the State of Qatar is keen to deliver its aid to the seven continents of the world, for example, donating $10 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 to support the finding of testing equipment, treatment, and vaccine for COVID-19, in addition to its $20 million contribution to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).

Other examples of Qatar's tireless pursuit to serve all humanity include evacuating Afghan refugees to settle safely in host countries, educating more than 20 million children around the world, and supporting women. The latest exerted effort in this regard was the "Women in Conflict Zones" initiative launched by the QFFD Sept 2022. The State of Qatar has always been keen to extend a helping hand to developing countries - in particular - to enable them to live a decent life.

In this regard, HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology indicated that the State of Qatar provided government aid of $9.7 million to the Republic of South Sudan during the period from 2010-2020, including a shipment of urgent medical aid to support the efforts to confront the Covid-19 pandemic. Last but not least - as the State of Qatar never hesitates to assist those affected by natural disasters around the world - in implementation of the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, an air bridge was launched to help those affected by the monsoon floods in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as the State of Qatar sent an urgent relief aid plane loaded with 23 tons of medicines, medical materials, and other necessary materials.

His Excellency said that the wise leaderships decision to make early investments in clean energy and natural gas technology has made Qatar among the leading countries in the gas industry in the world, adding that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be one of the most sustainable tournaments in history, and a true confirmation of the ITUs agenda to support green policies.

He added that the tournament will not only have a positive impact on the environment, but will also inspire millions of Arab youth in the Middle East and North Africa, who are watching the tournament in an Arab country for the first time in history.

His Excellency stressed that the state of Qatar has a proven track record of success in organizing and hosting major events, including global and regional conferences, adding that Qatar's investments in the digital sports, gamification, and financial technology sectors will open new horizons for entrepreneurs and will attract international investment for startups globally. His Excellency pointed out that Qatar is on its way to host major sporting events after the World Cup, including the Asian Games in 2030, which is an indication that the journey continues, and that the efforts exerted in the field of tourism in the Middle East and North Africa will flourish.

His Excellency expressed his confidence that Qatar can host the Plenipotentiary Conference of the ITU and all the delegations of the member states with great success, and it would be an honor and pleasure to welcome you in Doha for three weeks, sharing with you our culture, heritage, hospitality, and exceptional landmarks.

HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai stressed the commitment to work with member states and the newly elected ITU Council over the next four years to make the ITU stronger and the world a better place for the 2.7 billion people who are still disconnected as 2030 approaches, which represents the final date for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

(QNA)