Distinguished guests,
partners,
colleagues,
ladies and gentlemen.
It is a pleasure to open this session on the fantastic potential of AI for Digital Infrastructure.
If we are to connect the 2.2 billion who remain unconnected, it is not enough to build the infrastructure that makes connectivity available.
Meaningful connectivity must also be affordable, reliable and usable.
These gaps are most persistent in rural and remote areas,
and low-income areas where deployment is complex and investment decisions must be carefully prioritised.
Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are increasingly shaping how we address this. They strengthen digital infrastructure planning by improving coverage mapping, network modelling, and understanding of demand, usage, and service quality, while also supporting more sustainable network design and operations.
Nevertheless, technology alone will not close the digital divide.
Progress depends on strong collaboration betweengovernments,
the private sector, development partners, and the technical community. Public-private cooperation is essential to ensure these tools are responsible, scalable and aligned with real infrastructure needs.
Within this context, ITU serves as a neutral platform that convenes stakeholders, supports dialogue, and fosters coordination on digital infrastructure development, including the responsible and inclusive use of AI for connectivity planning.
The objective of this session is thus clear. To explore how AI and advanced analytics can accelerate universal and meaningful connectivity by improving planning, strengthening investment decisions, and enabling more sustainable and efficient infrastructure deployment.
The question before us is simple. How do we turn these capabilities into faster progress that is inclusive, impactful and sustainable.
I look forward to the discussion, and to your answers!
Thank you.
