{"id":457,"date":"2025-12-16T04:04:42","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T04:04:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/?page_id=457"},"modified":"2025-12-16T04:35:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T04:35:33","slug":"highlights-november-2025","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/highlights-november-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Highlights – November 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
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10 – 28 November <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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ITU Development Sector:<\/strong> Global<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25) was successfully concluded on 28 November 2025, in Baku, Azerbaijan. WTDC-25 set a clear direction for our collective work over the coming cycle (2026- 2029) and established outcomes that will shape the future of telecommunication development globally.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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In line with the goals of the conference, WTDC-25 set priorities for ITU-D for the next four years (2026\u2013 2029), and also approved a detailed Baku Action Plan, which will guide ITU\u2019s digital development initiatives. These efforts will pay particular attention to the world\u2019s most vulnerable areas, such as Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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With an estimated 2.2 billion people worldwide still offline, the four-year plan spanning 2026 to 2029 supports efforts to advance universal, meaningful and affordable digital connectivity for an inclusive and sustainable digital future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n \n Read the closing press release <\/a>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n \n Learn more about WTDC-25 <\/a>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Capacity development<\/strong>: Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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As part of the Laying the foundation for VaMoz Digital! project, stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, and academia gathered in Maputo on 20 November to discuss the preliminary findings of Mozambique\u2019s National Digital Skills Supply and Demand Assessment. Stakeholders explored digital skills gaps across public, private, and key economic sectors, and helped shape elements of an action plan. The session closed with a commitment to develop a roadmap, define roles, and strengthen coordination for Mozambique\u2019s digital future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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As part of the same project, the ITU Regional Office for Africa participated in Mozambique\u2019s International Cyber Week (17\u201321 November) to support national cybersecurity capacity building. The Office shared insights on Mozambique\u2019s Global Cybersecurity Index ranking, raised awareness on Cyber Incident Response Teams, and presented initiatives such as the Women in Cyber Programme and Her CyberTracks. These programmes aim to build a skilled, gender-inclusive cybersecurity workforce. Participants expressed interest in establishing a CyberTracks for Women programme in Mozambique.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Digital inclusion<\/strong>: Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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At UNESCO\u2019s Empowering Women in Science Continental Virtual Dialogue on 27 November, the ITU Regional Office for Africa shared insights on how to leverage enabling technologies, data, and AI for equity, and highlighted ITU\u2019s training and mentorship opportunities for women and girls.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Digital innovation ecosystem<\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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On 13 November, the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific took part in a panel during the launch of the Pakistan Digital Sector Roadmap. Organized by Pakistan\u2019s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, Ignite National Technology Fund, and the Asian Development Bank, the discussion highlighted opportunities to advance Pakistan\u2019s digital future through its national roadmap. The Office\u2019s contributions focused on programmes such as the Acceleration Centre at Ignite and Smart Villages Pakistan, as well as prospects for further collaboration and partnership.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Digital services and applications<\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Electronic equipment was delivered to three newly established Resource Centres in Drekikier, Vanimo Green River, and Wyomn secondary schools in East and West Sepik provinces under the European Union – Support to Rural Entrepreneurship, Investment and Trade in Papua New Guinea (EU-STREIT PNG) Programme jointly with the UN\u2019s Food and Agriculture Organization. Resource centres support capacity building, financial services,  e-marketplaces, agriculture extension and support services, and improve connectivity and access to information.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Emergency telecommunications<\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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On 12 November, at the request of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific delivered a virtual capacity-building session for the ETC Country Office IT team in Myanmar. The session outlined how the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) supports emergency humanitarian efforts in the region, including mobilizing emergency resources, pre-positioning equipment, providing technical assistance for emergency warning dissemination and communication, activating disaster connectivity maps, and leveraging early warning connectivity tools. Participants included representatives from UN agencies such as WFP and the United Nations Development Programme.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Emergency telecommunications<\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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On 11 November, the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific participated in the GSMA workshop in Nepal to validate cell broadcast readiness. The Office provided guidance on the steps for deploying cell broadcast in Nepal, and highlighted ITU\u2019s contribution to the country\u2019s Early Warnings For All National (EW4All) Roadmap 2026-2030.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Emergency telecommunications<\/strong>: CIS<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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From 25 to 27 November, BDT joined the Interpillar Workshop that launched the EW4All initiative in Armenia. The workshop served as a platform to integrate the EW4All footprint in Armenia, conduct a national gap analysis across the four EW4All pillars, and begin developing a national roadmap to strengthen the country\u2019s early warning systems. BDT advanced the Pillar 3 mandate by leading sessions on multi-channel systems for warning dissemination and communication. The workshop was jointly organized by the pillar lead agencies\u2014the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the World Meteorological Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies\u2014along with the United Nations Development Programme, in collaboration with the Government of Armenia.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Emergency telecommunications<\/strong>: Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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From 25 to 26 November, the ITU Regional Office for Africa delivered an Introduction to Geographic Information System (GIS) and open-source GIS training course for representatives from the Autorit\u00e9 de R\u00e9gulation des Technologies de Communication and the Minist\u00e8re du D\u00e9veloppement Num\u00e9rique, de la Transformation Digitale, des Postes et des T\u00e9l\u00e9communications. Through guided lectures and self-study tutorial sessions, the course covered GIS fundamentals and best practices for spatial data processing, in the context of the Disaster Connectivity Map and EW4All.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Emergency telecommunications<\/strong>: Arab States<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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From 16 to 19 November, the ITU Regional Office for the Arab States delivered Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training and technical assistance to Somalia on the Disaster Connectivity Map. This remote training, attended by participants from the National Communications Authority and Somtel, covered open-source GIS software and demonstrated how to combine population, network coverage and hazard data to support the Early Warning Connectivity Map tool.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Emergency telecommunications<\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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From 25 to 28 November, the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific participated in the Ninth Session of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction at the United Nations Convention Centre in Thailand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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As part of the event, the Office co-organized an exhibit with EW4All pillar leads\u2014the World Meteorological Organization, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies\u2014showcasing joint efforts under the EW4All initiative. The exhibit highlighted ITU\u2019s key contributions, including cell broadcast systems, the development of resilient ICT infrastructure, and the Smart Village\u2013Smart Island initiative to support disaster risk reduction and early warning dissemination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The event provided a platform for Member States to share commitments and report progress on multi-hazard early warning systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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A side event\u2014the third session of the Asia-Pacific EW4All Webinar Series on Science, Technology, and Innovation\u2014was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and EW4All pillar leads. The webinar, moderated by the Regional Office, featured presentations from representatives of Japan, China, Thailand, and Indonesia. Presenters shared ways that they use technology and digitalisation\u2014including AI and social media\u2014to turn multi-hazard early warnings into early action.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Emergency telecommunications<\/strong>: Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific participated in the 9th ABU Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention, hosted by the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation from 25 to 27 November in Colombo, Sri Lanka. During the session on Strengthening Media\u2019s Role in Early Warnings and Emergency Communication, the Office highlighted the vital role of radio and media in enhancing the delivery of early warnings, improving preparedness, and ensuring that life-saving information reaches relevant in time for action.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Environment: <\/strong>Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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As part of the Creating a Circular Economy for Electricals and Electronics in Thailand project, a business feasibility assessment workshop was held at Thailand Post from 12 to 13 November. The workshop explored practical arrangements for nationwide e-waste collection and examined the potential roles and benefits for Thailand Post. Discussions focused on Thailand\u2019s e-waste challenges and the draft Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act along with business opportunities in an Extended Producer Responsibility landscape. The workshop served as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, helping align efforts toward a more sustainable and circular e-waste management system in Thailand.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Other: <\/strong>Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific gave a presentation at the Cybersecurity Forum for Technology Development and International Cooperation in Wuzhen, People\u2019s Republic of China. The presentation showcased key initiatives, including CyberDrills, assessments of Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT) maturity, and efforts to strengthen child online protection. The Office also introduced the Global Cybersecurity Index as a benchmark for regional progress, highlighting challenges faced by Pacific Island countries, such as limited resources, gaps in data protection legislation, and Child Online Protection implementation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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1 – 27 November <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Capacity development<\/strong><\/strong>: <\/strong>Asia and the Pacific<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Under the EU-STREIT Programme, the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) conducted a five-day train-the-trainer workshop titled Management and Sustainability Business Planning of Resource Centres<\/em> for school administrators and officers from the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the Cocoa Board in East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. The training helped the participants implement a sustainability business plan and management of resource centres. It also improved participants\u2019 management and marketing skills, their use of the Moodle Learning Management System, e-commerce platforms, management information systems, government-to-citizen services, financial literacy and management, monitoring and evaluation, and data-collection techniques on impact assessment. Each school developed and presented sustainability business plans for their own resource centres.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Cybersecurity<\/strong>: <\/strong>Asia and the Pacific \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific joined the High-Level Panel on Diplomacy and Interoperability at the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) on 23 October. The Office highlighted BDT\u2019s ongoing work and mandate in cybersecurity. The Office also joined the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise Southeast Asia Regional Meeting on the sidelines of SICW, providing an update on its work throughout Asia and the Pacific in cybersecurity and development.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Digital services and applications<\/strong>: <\/strong>Asia and the Pacific \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Under the Smart Villages and Smart Islands initiative, BDT, in collaboration with Tonga\u2019s Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications, and the Tonga National University, conducted a series of digital literacy and skills training sessions in Vava\u2019u, Tonga, from 20 to 21 October. The training sessions aimed to strengthen community resilience and promote inclusive digital transformation by equipping community members with practical digital skills, including the use of e-education platforms (Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams), online safety, e-finance, disaster management, and community alerts. Over 30 community members participated in the trainings, reflecting a continued commitment to advancing digital inclusion and empowerment in remote island communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Policy and regulation<\/strong>: <\/strong>Americas \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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From 29 to 30 October, the ITU Regional Office for the Americas held a face-to-face training workshop titled,\u00a0 \u2019Regulatory Innovation Mechanisms for Telecommunications and Digital Companies and ICT ecosystem\u2019, under the framework of the BDT project Regulatory Innovation for Central America and Dominican Republic<\/em>. Nearly 40 professionals, including government officials and private-sector regulatory officers, were certified by the ITU Academy. The initiative included participation from the Instituto Dominicano de Telecomunicaciones (INDOTEL) and the Oficina Gubernamental de Tecnolog\u00edas de la Informaci\u00f3n y Comunicaci\u00f3n (OGTIC), among other key actors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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[This activity is the result of a BDT project. You can find more details of the project here<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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New Members<\/strong>: <\/strong>Europe \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Turksat is a company from T\u00fcrkiye operating an advanced fleet of communication satellites that provide coverage across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The company delivers comprehensive telecommunication and broadcasting services, including advanced broadband Internet solutions via satellite without the need for terrestrial infrastructure. It also offers secure and continuous data communication services for government, institutional, and private-sector clients. In addition, Turksat provides high-quality broadcasting and media transmission services, such as national and international news, sports events, and live television, through its Satellite News Gathering (SNG) network<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

10 – 28 November ITU Development Sector: Global The World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25) was successfully concluded on 28 November 2025, in Baku, Azerbaijan. WTDC-25 set a clear direction for our collective work over the coming cycle (2026- 2029) and established outcomes that will shape the future of telecommunication development globally. In line with […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-457","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/457","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=457"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/457\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/itu-d\/sites\/bdt-highlights\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=457"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}