WTPF-26: Which key questions will shape the digital future?

Rapid advances in technology raise complex policy questions for every country and sector.

The upcoming World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum (WTPF-26) will bring governments, industry, academia, civil society and the technical community together in Nassau, The Bahamas, from 2 to 4 September 2026 to explore how digital technologies can support a more inclusive, sustainable, resilient and innovative future.

A one-day Strategic Dialogue on 1 September will kick off the discussions among participants on key policy questions shaping the digital future.

The subsequent three-day forum is the seventh in the WTPF series, which the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has convened periodically since 1996 to ensure policy discussions keep up with rapid technological change. WTPF-26 will help build non-binding consensus on major global digital issues ahead of the next ITU Plenipotentiary Conference.

A report from the ITU Secretary-General outlines five main topics and issues for WTPF-26 as countries seek a shared vision on digital challenges and opportunities. Read the report.

Participants will discuss and finalize the draft Opinions on each issue. View the draft Opinions.

Based on the report and the draft Opinions, the Forum will address big questions like:

Where does the quest for connectivity go next?

While 74 per cent of the world’s population is now online, some 2.2 billion people remain offline. Internet use reaches 94 per cent of people in high-income countries, but only 23 per cent in low-income countries, and women in developing countries remain 15 per cent less likely than men to use the Internet, according to ITU Facts and Figures 2025.

Alongside physical infrastructure, digital skills are increasingly important.

The ITU Academy Digital Skills Toolkit identifies gaps to address, while partnerships like the AI Skills Coalition help countries, companies and individuals prepare for the new job landscape.

WTPF-26 sessions will discuss approaches for bridging digital divides.

How can digital technologies help fight climate change?

Digital technologies have strengthened environmental monitoring, climate modelling, disaster preparedness and resource efficiency. But the sector faces its own growing sustainability challenges, with digital companies accounting for a growing share of global electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

ITU works with governments and industry through Green Digital Action to improve energy efficiency, expand renewable energy use and increase circularity in the digital economy. ITU’s technical community is establishing crucial environmental, climate and circular economy standards for digital technologies.

WTPF-26 sessions will consider the challenges of green digital transformation.

How can digital systems stay secure, reliable and resilient?

As societies and economies become increasingly interconnected, digital resilience has become a central policy priority.

ITU is driving cooperation to enhance the resilience of submarine telecommunication cables.

A recent study led by ITU, UNDRR and Sciences Po examines what happens when digital systems fail, how to contain the impact, and how countries can prepare for disruptions.

How can satellites connect every community worldwide?

Space-based connectivity is opening new possibilities to reach remote, underserved and hard-to-connect communities.

ITU brings governments, the space industry, United Nations (UN) agencies and other partners together to keep space resources viable for future generations.

Space services dominate the agenda for the next World Radiocommunication Conference, WRC-27.

WTPF-26 discussions will explore the way forward for space connectivity.

How can policy choices boost digital entrepreneurship?

Innovation ecosystems are critical to drive digital transformation for countries, businesses and citizens. Governments around the globe are exploring how to support start-ups, entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through policy incentives, finance, skills programmes and more.

ITU’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development tackles barriers in developing countries.

WTPF-26 participants will share global insights on innovation ecosystems.

What happens in Nassau

Forum sessions will delve into the key topics through high-level dialogue, panel discussions and open multi-stakeholder consideration of each draft Opinion.

The opening Strategic Dialogue includes a discussion on Empowering Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, as well as a dedicated Investment Solutions Lab bringing together policymakers, investors and development partners to identify barriers and accelerate investment in digital infrastructure.

Other side events over the four days will include an Intergenerational Dialogue, a Network of Women Breakfast, and a Youth Negotiation Simulation.

Together, WTPF-26 participants will help shape a shared understanding of how digital policy can respond to today’s challenges while creating new opportunities for everyone, everywhere.