UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and ITU, the UN agency for digital technologies, are honoured to receive the Chairman's Award at the Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards for their joint flagship initiative, Connectivity for Refugees, supporting access to meaningful, affordable, and reliable connectivity for people forced to flee and their host communities.
Recognized as the mobile industry's most prestigious accolades, the GLOMO Awards celebrate innovation and societal impact across the global digital ecosystem. This year's distinction, titled “Keeping the World Connected in Crisis," was presented to Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, and Kelly T. Clements, UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner.
Connectivity for Refugees seeks to connect 20 million refugees and host-community members by 2030, addressing critical barriers such as affordability, infrastructure gaps, digital literacy, and enabling regulatory environments. By mid-2026, the initiative will have reached over 1 million forcibly displaced people and their hosts across more than 15 countries, with rapid expansion underway despite funding challenges.
Since 2023, UNHCR and ITU have been working closely with governments, private sector partners, and local communities across Africa, Asia, and the Americas to empower refugee and host populations with access to information, education, livelihoods, and essential services.
"When we work together to help refugees access digital lifelines, pathways to dignity and hope emerge," said Bogdan-Martin. "This recognition underscores the power of collaboration in ensuring forcibly displaced people and their host communities are not left behind."
“Connectivity is a lifeline, not a luxury. For millions of refugees and displaced communities, a mobile signal isn't just about a phone call – it can be the difference between life and death, dependency and self‑reliance," said Clements when receiving the award. “We are extremely grateful for this recognition that highlights the transformative impact connectivity has in displacement settings, fostering resilience, dignity and inclusion."
Translating the transformative spirit of the UN80 reform into action, the Connectivity for Refugees initiative is scaling innovative solutions, supporting policy reforms, and promoting sustainable, community-driven models to expand digital access.
UNHCR and ITU extend their gratitude to the GSMA and the GLOMO Awards jury for this honour and reaffirm their commitment to accelerating digital inclusion for refugees and their hosts worldwide. The two agencies call for increased partnerships and funding to sustain long-term benefits for all.
###
About ITU:
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation for people and the planet with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, civil society, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, ITU coordinates the global use of the radio spectrum and satellite orbits, establishes international technology standards, drives universal connectivity and digital services, and is helping to make sure everyone benefits from sustainable digital transformation, including the most remote communities. From artificial intelligence (AI) to quantum, from satellites and submarine cables to advanced mobile and wireless broadband networks, ITU is committed to connecting the world and beyond. Learn more: www.itu.int
About UNHCR:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. Our vision is a world where every person forced to flee can build a better future. For more information, visit https://www.unhcr.org.
About the Connectivity for Refugees initiative:
Launched at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, this is a multi-stakeholder partnership led by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Government of Luxembourg, and the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). It is supported by the Government of Spain and Cisco. The initiative brings together actors from diverse sectors to address connectivity challenges, delivering equitable and lasting solutions that work for everyone. For more information, visit https://refugeeconnectivity.org.