Programme and Speakers

8:30 – 09:00: Registration and Networking

Welcome refreshments and participant check-in (open all day)

09:00 – 10:35: Meeting of the International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience

Closed session for Advisory Body Members

10:35 – 10:50: Coffee Break

10:50 – 12:00: Meeting of the International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience (continuation)

Closed session for Advisory Body Members

12:00 – 14:00: Lunch
(All summit participants)

14:00 – 15:00: Summit Opening Session

Welcome Address: Minister of Communications, Portugal (TBC)
Opening Remarks: Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General, ITU

From Abuja to Porto: Fireside chat with the IAB Co-Chairs
Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Chair of ANACOM’s Board of Directors, Portugal  
H.E. Minister Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria 

15:00 – 15:30:  Setting the Scene 
 
TBA
TBA

15:30 – 16:00: Coffee Break

16:00 – 17:30: Panel 1 – Accelerating Cable Repairs: Reducing Delays Through Smarter Processes 
 
Best practices and case studies for rapid response and recovery from disruptions. 

Panel: TBA

Moderator : TBA

18:00 Gala Dinner

07:30 – 9:30: Side Event –  Investment  breakfast  

This breakfast discussion will explore funding and partnership opportunities in the submarine cable sector
that can advance digital connectivity in traditionally underserved markets.

Separate registration required. Please email your interest to diginvest@itu.int

Panel: TBA

Moderator : TBA  

09:30 – 10:45: Panel 2 – Anticipating and Mitigating Risks Along the Global Subsea Network 

Exploring improvements in cable route design, monitoring technologies, and cable protection methodologies.

Panel: TBA

Moderator : TBA  

10:45 – 11:15: Coffee Break

11:15 – 12:30: Panel 3 – Legal and Regulatory Tools to Reduce Risks and Strengthen Resilience 
 
Examining how legal and regulatory approaches at international and national levels can reduce risks and bolster the resilience of submarine cable systems. 

Panel: TBA

Moderator : TBA  

12:30 – 14:30: Lunch
(All summit participants) 
 

14:30 – 15:45: Panel 4 – Resilient Subsea Infrastructure for Underserved Regions 
 
Making the economic case for submarine cables in underserved regions  and Identifying opportunities and resources to support connectivity

Panel: TBA

Moderator : TBA  
 

15:45 – 16:15: Coffee Break 

16:15 – 17:00: Closing Session 

Closing Session: Key Takeaways. Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas and Mr. Kent Bressie, IAB Co-Executive Secretaries 
 
Call to Action: H.E. Minister Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nigeria  
 
Closing Remarks: Summit Declaration: Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Chair of ANACOM’s Board of Directors, Portugal