BDT MEMBER COMMUNIQUÉ
Kyrgyzstan hosts sixth regional preparatory meeting for ITU’s World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025
Bishkek, 25 April 2025 – The Regional Preparatory Meeting (RPM) for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held from 24 to 25 April in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. It was an opportunity for participants to gain insight and detailed reporting on the ongoing implementation of the Kigali Action Plan and to propose the next Regional Initiatives and topics in the area of information and communication technology (ICT) development strategies in the CIS region for consideration by the next World Telecommunication Development Conference.
The next ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 28 November 2025.
“Digital transformation in the CIS countries is not just about the introduction of technology, but also about consciously shaping the future based on data analysis and real needs,” said H.E. Mr. Azamat Zhamangulov, Minister of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies of the Kyrgyz Republic. “Today, more than ever, it is important to build compatible digital solutions, develop infrastructure that is accessible to everyone, and provide it with a single, understandable legislation. Only through strategic partnerships, a common legal language and the joint development of digital platforms we will be able to create an ecosystem where technology works for the benefit of society, and the digital future becomes an achievement of the entire region.”
“The CIS region is setting a great example in digital transformation and is preparing to host, for the first time in the history of ITU, the World Telecommunication Development Conference in November,” said Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau. “The Regional Preparatory Meeting for CIS, attended by 8 of the 9 Member States of the region, was very interactive and consensus was built around the 5 proposed Regional Initiatives for implementation during the next four years. They address the region’s priorities aimed at accelerating digital transformation that will in turn be a catalyst for the timely attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I thank all the stakeholders who have participated in the Regional Development Forum and in its matchmaking roundtables.”
Below are the proposed Regional Initiatives for CIS for 2026-2029:
CIS 1: Introduction of new and emerging telecommunication/ICTs systems and networks
CIS 2: Telecommunication/ICTs education and skills, including for persons with disabilities and specific needs
CIS 3: Security in the use of telecommunications/ICTs, including combating fraud
CIS 4: Enabling Environment and Telecommunication/ICTs Regulation
CIS 5: Development and Implementation of Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Development
“The proposed Regional Initiatives—ranging from the deployment of emerging ICT networks and enhancing digital skills for all, to strengthening cybersecurity, advancing AI for development, and fostering enabling regulatory environments—reflect our shared vision to bridge the digital divide and accelerate inclusive digital transformation,” said Natalia Mochu, Regional Director of the ITU Regional Office for CIS. “We are committed to collaborative action that empowers our societies and strengthens our regional ICT ecosystem.”
The meeting was preceded by a Regional Development Forum (RDF) on 23 April.
Participants at the Regional Development Forum engaged in results-oriented debates and impactful Partner2Connect Matchmaking Roundtables. Discussions also explored the state of digital development and the implementation of the current Regional Initiatives.
The report on the “State of digital development and trends in the CIS region” launched at the meeting, examines connectivity expansion, innovation, affordability, and digital inclusion, outlining strategies to achieve universal and meaningful connectivity across the diverse region.
On 24 April, the Global Celebration of International Girls in ICT Day was co-hosted by the CIS and the Arab States regions, featuring a live link between Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and Nouakchott, Mauritania, along with distinguished panellists from around the world, live streamed for global audience. In Bishkek, the event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies of the Kyrgyz Republic while, in Nouakchott, the celebration was held in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transition, Innovation, and Modernization of Administration of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. For more information visit this page.
This Regional Preparatory Meeting for CIS was the sixth and final one in a series that have taken place across the world to identify priorities for each region in preparation for WTDC-25. See the full schedule of RPMs and RDFs.
WTDC-25 will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 28 November 2025.
Resources and background information
- “State of digital development and trends in the CIS region: Challenges and opportunities”
- Video on the progress on the implementation of the Kigali Action Plan in the CIS region
- The ITU-D Events mobile app allows users to access on their smart-phones and tablets all relevant information and documents related to the Regional Preparatory Meetings of the WTDC-25.
About the International Telecommunication Union (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.
