Flash Edition 11

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA): Empowering global leaders through satellite connectivity training   

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the United States is pledging to provide satellite connectivity training to candidates from developing countries. This pledge focuses on providing available resources and technical expertise to candidates from developing nations, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of satellite connectivity.

NTIA will implement the programme in partnership with the U.S. Telecommunications Training Institute. The training will highlight the importance of maintaining a free and competitive market for satellite connectivity, ensuring that all countries operate on an equal regulatory footing. Through this effort, NTIA seeks to prepare participants better to engage effectively in the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, the 2027 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference, and related global processes.

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission: Strengthening regulatory capacity to bridge the digital divide

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced a new pledge, “Capacity Building for LLDCs, LDCs and SIDS”, to empower information and communications technology regulators and government officials from the world’s most vulnerable economies. This pledge focuses on the Asia-Pacific region, where institutional capacity constraints often impede inclusive digital development.

Through a structured Fellowship Programme, MCMC will leverage its regulatory expertise and training infrastructure to sponsor 36 participants for specialised learning opportunities in 2026. These include the Certified Telecommunications Policy and Regulation (CTPR) programme, specialised regulatory masterclasses, and regional programmes delivered in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT). The programme will mobilise over 70,000 USD financial resources to cover training fees and selected logistical costs, alongside human and technical resources such as expert trainers, curriculum materials, and learning platforms.

Department of Finance, Government of Dubai: Dubai Cashless Strategy – 90% cashless transactions and 100% digital payments enablement by 2026

Dubai is accelerating its journey toward a digital-first economy with the launch of the Dubai Cashless Strategy, led by the Department of Finance. The Strategy targets 90% cashless transactions and 100% digital payments enablement by 2026 as strategic KPIs, ensuring that all the stakeholders across the ecosystem are able to pay, accept and execute digital payments.

The strategy focuses on strengthening digital payment infrastructure, expanding secure and inclusive payment options for residents, tourists, workers, and merchants, and reducing barriers to adoption and lowering transaction costs for all. It prioritises innovations in digital payments, including AI‑driven solutions and contactless technologies, to strengthen trust, reduce fraud risk, and support safe scale‑up of digital transactions. Ultimately, the Strategy seeks to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for financial innovation.

Association pour la Défense des Personnes Vulnérables: Bridging the digital divide to empower communities in Chad 

The Association pour la Défense des Personnes Vulnérables (ADPV) is launching a comprehensive effort to reshape the digital landscape in Chad by bridging the divide for its most vulnerable citizens. This commitment aims at empowering 3,500 people through two integrated programmes that address both immediate skills and long-term community growth. Firstly, ADPV pledges to train 1,500 young people and women in basic and advanced digital skills in the provinces of Moundou, Doba, Koumra, Sarh, and certain rural areas of Chad by the end of 2027, enabling them to access educational and professional opportunities in the digital economy. Additionally, ADPV also commits to connecting and empowering educational and entrepreneurial communities in Chad by implementing basic and intermediate digital skills training programmes, entrepreneurial support sessions, mentoring, and guidance.

Beyond technical instruction, this project aspires to cultivate a resilient ecosystem of local innovation. By equipping Chadian youth with these strategic tools, ADPV is doing more than just reducing accessibility gaps; it is preparing a new generation of leaders capable of driving national economic progress.

Fundación Cibervoluntarios: Building a global alliance to empower digital inclusion through the “Cibervoluntarios Network” 

Fundación Cibervoluntarios has pledged USD 10 million to expand its global initiative, the Cibervoluntarios Network, to 25 countries between 2024 and 2027. The network aims to support one million people living in digitally vulnerable conditions by bridging the digital divide through technology volunteering. 

Currently, ​Fundación Cibervoluntarios​​ mobilises over  4​,​ ​​5​00 volunteers and collaborates with 7,000 grassroots partners, including municipalities, NGOs, and educational institutions. Notably, nearly a third of these partners are located in rural areas, where access to digital tools remains uneven. ​Last year, the ​foundation​​ ​engaged​​ around 2​​​8​0,000 people, offering practical training in information and communication technologies to improve everyday opportunities. 

The expansion has already seen ​four​​ entities in​ Chile, Colombia, ​Venezuela​​, and El Salvador join the network​​. To facilitate this growth, Fundación Cibervoluntarios has developed a standardized framework for participation, including an online information portal, membership guidelines, a structured volunteering methodology, and training programmes in digital skills.  The foundation is actively seeking diverse, independent local organizations to join the network. Click here to learn more.

Sateliot: Connecting the Unconnected with Purpose-Led Technology

Sateliot has pledged USD 10 million to advance affordable, standards-based satellite-enabled NB-IoT connectivity, extending the reach of terrestrial mobile networks into remote, rural, and underserved territories. In 2025, Sateliot achieved a key technical milestone by enabling the first connection between a standard commercial 5G IoT device and a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. This milestone reinforces satellite infrastructure as a complementary layer to existing terrestrial systems.

Beyond connectivity expansion, Sateliot has structured its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy around the concept of territorial data continuity — the ability to generate continuous, low-power data in areas where conventional infrastructure is not viable. Through its Sateliot for Development (S4D) framework, the company seeks to align satellite-enabled connectivity with broader public policy priorities such as resilience, climate adaptation, and inclusive digital ecosystems.

By enabling reliable data generation across all territories, Sateliot contributes to strengthening early warning mechanisms, operational continuity of essential services, and long-term institutional resilience.

Orbtronics: Empowering innovation and inclusion through the Orbtronics innovation hub 

Orbtronics, Saint Lucia’s premier software company, has committed to establishing the Orbtronics Innovation Hub, a regional center for technology startups and digital skills development aimed at driving transformational change across the Caribbean. In collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Lab and the Government of Saint Lucia, the Hub is empowering youth and entrepreneurs with the resources needed to thrive in the digital economy.  The Innovation Hub offers both a physical and digital space for entrepreneurs to innovate and grow. By 2028, the Hub aims to support 200 entrepreneurs through incubation and mentorship, while equipping 160 individuals, including 100 at-risk youth, with new or improved digital skills- targets the programme is already well ahead of, having reached over 250 students and 30 entrepreneurs in its first year alone. 

The Hub also aims to develop 50 technology solutions addressing regional challenges, launch three new tech firms, host 18 community events, and mobilize an additional USD 200,000 by its third year. To date, Orbtronics has delivered coworking infrastructure, training, and technology development services to over 500 beneficiaries. The organization has driven sustained community engagement through 13 national events and workshops, including an Innovation Gala that attracted Fortune 500 representatives and international venture capital.