{"id":296,"date":"2025-02-05T15:07:07","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T15:07:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/meetings\/mobilewtdc25\/?page_id=296"},"modified":"2025-02-05T15:08:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T15:08:09","slug":"communique","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/meetings\/mobilewtdc25\/communique\/","title":{"rendered":"Communiqu\u00e9"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BDT MEMBER COMMUNIQU\u00c9<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jordan hosts first regional preparatory meeting for ITU\u2019s World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

pdf version<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amman, 5 February 2025<\/strong> \u2013 The Regional Preparatory Meeting<\/a> (RPM) for the Arab States was held 4-5 February in Amman, Jordan.  Participants at the meeting assessed the ongoing implementation of the Kigali Action Plan and identified priority areas for information and communication technology (ICT) development strategies in the Arab region to be adopted at the next ITU Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25), to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan 17-28 November 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meeting was preceded by the Regional Development Forum<\/a> (RDF).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

H.E. Eng. Sami Smeirat, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, said that \u201cJordan is committed to advancing digital transformation through the implementation of a comprehensive national plan aimed at improving digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and developing a sustainable business environment. Jordan continues to enhance its innovation-friendly ecosystem, which has successfully attracted the attention of numerous global IT companies that have established their businesses in the Kingdom. In the entrepreneurship sector, Jordan has been a pioneer in innovation in the region since the 1980s, producing many successful entrepreneurial ventures at both the regional and global levels.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU\u2019s Telecommunication Development Bureau, thanked the Kingdom of Jordan, in particular the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, \u201cfor hosting the Regional Development Forum and the first of our six Regional Preparatory Meetings on the journey to WTDC-25.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Arab States region is setting a great example in digital development. I am pleased with the discussions held on the regions\u2019 future priorities and I look forward to continuing to work with our Members in the preparation for the Conference,\u2019\u2019 Dr Zavazava added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, H.E. Engineer Bassam Fadel Al-Sarhan, said that \u201ccooperation is our greatest strength and the challenges we face as a region require coordinated efforts and innovative solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet us seize this opportunity,\u201d he added, \u201cto renew our shared commitment to a future where information and communication technology is leveraged as a tool for promoting sustainable growth and economic resilience.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In discussing the initiatives for the Arab States region for the years 2026-2029, participants acknowledged the significant contributions made by Member States during the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The contributions included six regional priorities that will be further discussed and refined so that they can be submitted as Regional Initiatives to WTDC for consideration and adoption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The six regional priorities are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Sector-specific transformation: sustainable digital futures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Infrastructure and connectivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Fostering economic development and digital inclusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Skills development & job creation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Advancing cyber resilience in the Arab world<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Innovation ecosystems and emerging tech<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThe six regional priorities \u2013 ranging from sector-specific transformation and infrastructure connectivity to cyber resilience and innovation ecosystems \u2013 reflect a forward-thinking vision that aligns with the global digital agenda,\u201d said Adel Darwish, Regional Director of the ITU Regional Office for the Arab States. \u201cThese priorities not only address critical challenges but unlock immense opportunities for the Arab States, positioning the region as a leader in the digital economy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At the Regional Development Forum on 3 February, discussions focused on the state of digital development, the implementation of the current Regional Initiatives, and on forging partnerships through the Partner2Connect Matchmaking Roundtables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The RDF was chaired by H.E. Eng. Bassam Fadel Al-Sarhan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The \u201cState of digital development and trends in the Arab States region\u201d report, launched at the meeting, offers a comprehensive snapshot of the region\u2019s digital landscape, highlighting remarkable progress and persisting challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    During the meeting, a joint declaration was signed with RIPE NCC, to foster digital resilience, sustainable development and enhance connectivity for all. The RDF also featured sessions on the Network of Women in the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector and Generation Connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This Regional Preparatory Meeting, chaired by H.E. Dr Nooh Alshyab, Member of the Board of Commissioners, was the first in a series that are taking place across the world to identify priorities in each region in preparation for WTDC-25. The next Regional Preparatory Meeting will be for Europe and will be held in Hungary 24-26 February 2025. It will be preceded by the Regional Development Forum on 23 February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    WTDC-25 will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 28 November 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Resources and background information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n