Partner2Connect Annual Meeting 2024

30 January 2025, 14:00 – 17:30 CET
Popov Room, ITU HQ, Geneva, Switzerland
In-person meeting with a virtual component

Partnering for a Digitally Inclusive and Sustainable Future 

As we step into a pivotal moment in the journey toward universal and meaningful connectivity, the Partner2Connect (P2C) Annual Meeting was a transformative gathering of global leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Set against the backdrop of Geneva’s ITU Headquarters, with virtual participation also available, this event celebrated our shared progress while charting a bold path forward to sustainably connect the 2.6 billion people who remain offline. With over $54 billion in pledges from more than 450 entities spanning 146 countries, the P2C community exemplified the power of collaboration in tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

This year’s programme reflected the dynamic and evolving spirit of P2C, offering engaging discussions, interactive sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. Together, we will not only celebrate our collective achievements but also confront the challenges that remain—ensuring that progress toward digital inclusion is sustainable and equitable. As we strive toward our ambitious goal of $100 billion in pledges by 2026. 

Guided by the principles of the newly adopted Global Digital Compact, this meeting was more than a celebration of progress, it was a rallying call to action. By uniting our efforts, embracing shared responsibility, and committing to bold, transformative solutions, we can advance a more inclusive and sustainable digital future. Together, we have the power to not only bridge digital divides but to ensure that the solutions we build today stand the test of time, empowering future generations and protecting our planet.

Programme and Panellists

All sessions were conducted in English

Inspiring remarks by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and UN-OHRLLS Under-Secretary-General Fatima Rabab on the critical role of collaboration in addressing global connectivity challenges.


Opening Remarks by:

  • Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General, ITU
  • Rabab Fatima, OHRLLS USG and Secretary-General of the LLDC3 Conference (Video message)
  • H.E. Mxolisi Nkosi, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Switzerland

A fast-paced recap of 2024’s key milestones, achievements, and events, featuring engaging insights and a dynamic video. Get a glimpse of what’s next in the drive for universal, meaningful connectivity. P2C Champions also reflected on their leadership journey, shared 2024 highlights, pledge progress, and their ambitions for 2025, offering insights to spark new ideas and inspire collective action.


Presented and Moderated by:  
Alex Wong, Senior Advisor, Strategic Engagement and Initiatives, Executive Office, ITU 

Remarks by P2C Champions:  

  • Xinhui Wang, Vice-President, ZTE Corporation, China (Remote)
  • Erica Moret, Director, United Nations Affairs & International Organisations, Microsoft, USA
  • Chris Hemmerlein, Senior Manager, Public Policy, Amazon, USA (Remote)
  • Anton Aschwanden, Head Government Affairs & Public Policy, Google
  • Enrique Iglesias Rodriguez, Telecom Sector Specialist, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), USA (Remote)

A look at key 2024 milestones, showcasing how P2C pledges have driven progress. Government representatives shared successes, challenges, and opportunities for enhanced collaboration.

Presented and Moderated by:  
Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU


Panellists

  • H.E. Avinash Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mauritius (Remote)
  • H.E. Tatenda Mavetera, Minister of ICT, Postal & Courier Services, Zimbabwe (Remote)
  • H.E. Michele Cervone, Ambassador and Deputy-Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, Switzerland
  • Gabriela Eguidazu, Innovation for Inclusive Growth Director, BBVA Microfinance Foundation, Spain (Remote)
  • Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director, NigComSat, Nigeria (Remote)
  • Robert Skidmore, Chief Sector, International Trade Centre

Leaders discussed the latest in digital sustainability, focusing on ITU’s Green Digital Action project and how collaboration can ensure long-term, sustainable connectivity.  


Moderated by:  
Robin Zuercher, Programme Officer, Green Digital Action, ITU

Panellists

  • Ahmed Rashad Riad, Senior Director, Huawei, Switzerland
  • Alexandre Campos Moraes, Advisor, International Affairs, ANATEL, Brazil (Remote)
  • Chrissy Martin-Meier, DIAL – Digital Impact Alliance
  • Tim Smolcic, Director Tech Sustainability Strategy at HSBC, UK (Remote)

This panel explored how the AI Skills Coalition, led by AI for Good, is bridging the global AI skills gap, focusing on empowering IT professionals and individuals in developing and Least Developed Countries. Emphasizing inclusivity, the initiative highlights AI training for underrepresented groups, including women and girls, to boost digital literacy and productivity in education and work. Attendees gained insights from public, private, and international sectors on how accessible training, inclusive resources, and partnerships are transforming AI into a driver for sustainable development and progress.


Moderated by:
Kseniia Fontaine, Operations Officer, AI for Good, ITU

Panellists

  • Marcin Skucz, Director, Deloitte Consulting SA, Switzerland
  • Stefano Pisotti, Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Switzerland

This session celebrated the legacy of WSIS in bridging the digital divide and announced the upcoming WSIS+20 High-Level Event in July 2025. We also honored the WSIS Prizes 2024 awardees and finalists, showcasing their innovative solutions that inspire P2C pledges and advance the SDGs.


Moderated by:
Gitanjali Sah, Strategy and Policy Coordinator, WSIS, ITU

Panellist

Anna Rogozińska, President’s Representative for International Affairs, Director, Department of Foreign Affairs, Office of Electronic Communications (UKE), Poland
Agi Veres, Director, Representation Office, United Nations Development Programme UNDP
Anouar El Jacifi, Co-Founder, SMIAfrica, Morocco (Remote)
Osvaldo I. Larancuent Cueto, President, ISOC, Dominican Republic (Remote)

Highlighting new P2C pledges aligned with the Action Framework—Access, Adoption, Value Creation, and Accelerating Investments—to showcase impactful collaborations and solutions.


Moderated by:
Sulyna Abdullah, Chief, Strategic Planning and Membership Department, ITU

Panellists

  • H.E. Erik Slottner, Minister of Public Administration, Sweden
  • Dr Rajesh Sharma, Technical Expert & Counselor, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations
  • Elisabet Fonalleras Nadal, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Satelio IoT Services, Spain
  • Charlotte Cardona, Vice-President, Intersec, France
  • Ibrahima Guimba Saidou, Chief Executive Officer, Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA)
  • Lisa Kurbiel, Head of Secretariat, Joint SDG Fund, USA (Remote)
  • Shergaun Roserie, Director, Orbtronics Ltd, Saint Lucia (Remote)
  • Never Ncube, CEO, Dandemutande, Zimbabwe (Video message)
  • Mariama Kabia, Digital Equity Accelerator Lead, Hewlett Packard (Remote)
  • Christopher S. Yoo, Professor of Law, University of Pennsylvania, USA
  • Adrian Lotz, Co-Founder, Ilitha Telecommunications, South Africa
  • Joyce Dogniez, Vice-President, Internet Society Foundation ISOC, Luxembourg
  • Joe Griffin, Senior Manager, Vodafone, UK
  • Hussein Mogaibel, Manager, Economic Infrastructure Division, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
  • Zurkarnain Mohd Yasin, Deputy Managing Director, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission

Four breakout groups explored partnerships under the P2C Action Framework, i.e. Access, Adoption, Value Creation, Accelerating Investments. Participants pitched pledges and ignited impactful collaborations to drive progress and shared goals.


Introduced by:
Antonio Human, Project Manager, P2C, ITU


ACCESS
Breakout Group moderator: Adeleh Mojtahed, UN and Swiss ecosystems Lead, Giga, ITU

Firestarter:
Yolanda Rueda, President, Fundación Cibervoluntarios, Spain
Sheikha Haya Alwaleed AlThani, Senior Regulatory Analyst, Ooredo Group, Qatar


ADOPTION
Breakout Group moderator: Dunola Oladapo, Digital Inclusion Programme Officer, ITU

Firestarters:
David Drever, Director International Partnerships, VeryPay, Uganda


VALUE CREATION
Breakout Group moderator: Maximilian Bode, Programme Officer, ITU

Firestarter:
Karen Tse, Founder and CEO, International Bridges to Justice


ACCELERATE
Breakout Group moderator: Carolina Anselmino, Giga Programme Officer, ITU

Firestarters:
Henri Dommel, Director, Inclusive Digital Economies, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)

Summarizing outcomes and future collaboration efforts, with reflections from key leaders.


Closing remarks by:  

  • Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU
  • H.E. Marcos Gómez Martínez, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations Office at Geneva
  • Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General, ITU

An informal networking session to connect, exchange ideas, and foster partnerships for meaningful connectivity.