WTDC-25
snapshot report
Connecting people for meaningful development
Member States of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) agreed on a roadmap to bring connectivity to everyone around the world at the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Baku Action Plan agreed at WTDC-25 sets the agenda for human-centred digital development driven by telecommunications and information and communication technologies with a focus on the needs of developing countries, underserved communities and vulnerable populations.
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.
WTDC-25 ran from 17 to 28 November.
BDT Director’s message
Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava
Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU
Global digital development cooperation has entered a new and highly ambitious phase. The 2025 World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) has underscored shared global priorities, from affordable connectivity to inclusive and secure digital development.
This in turn will spark renewed vigour into the work of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) under the uniquely positioned Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) to ensure digital transformation happens sustainably and benefits everyone, everywhere.
ITU’s Member States and development community came together in Baku, Azerbaijan – where the conference took place between 17 and 28 November – because billions of people depend on us to turn emerging technologies into new opportunities, and digital breakthroughs into real human progress.
About the conference
Held every four years, WTDCs set the strategies and objectives for the development of telecommunication/ICT, providing future direction and guidance to the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D).
High-level plenary segment
During the high-level plenary segment on 17-18 November, 58 ministers, regulators and ambassadors delivered policy statements on emerging digital trends and matters of strategic importance to the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. They shared their perspectives on opportunities and challenges shaping global telecommunication and ICT development.
“WTDC is about creating the conditions that leave no one behind, in a world being reshaped by technology faster than ever. In Baku, delegates sparked new life into global digital development work, something that can only be done by all of us, together.”
— Doreen Bogdan-Martin
ITU Secretary-General
WTDC-25 by numbers
~2000
participants
153
Member States*
47
ITU-D Resolutions
52
journalists
* plus the State of Palestine under ITU Resolution 99
“Hosting WTDC-25 in Baku — the first in the CIS — is an honour and a historic vote of confidence from the ITU, forged over three decades of partnership since 1992. It underscores Azerbaijan’s rising leadership in meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation, and our determination to shape the future of global telecommunications and digital inclusion.”
— Rashad Nabiyev
Minister of Digital Development and Transport,
Azerbaijan
WTDC-25 outcomes
Baku Declaration and Action Plan
New resolutions
AI for development
Strengthening the role of regional offices in accelerating digital transformation and leveraging partnership
Provision of assistance and support to Sudan to reconstruct the damaged infrastructure and bridging the digital divide
Implementation of the Pacific Lagatoi Declaration
“Azerbaijan was honoured to host and chair WTDC-25, and we were proud that Baku became a place where Member States and partners agreed on practical outcomes to guide ITU’s development work for the next four years.”
— Samaddin Asadov
Chair, WTDC-25
Regional Initiatives 2026-2029
WTDC-25 approved a new set of Regional Initiatives for the period 2026-2029. The Regional Initiatives outlined in the Baku Action Plan address specific needs for each major region of the world to advance and accelerate digital transformation.
Africa
- AFR1: Resilient digital infrastructure and universal, meaningful and affordable connectivity for sustainable development
- AFR2: Developing an inclusive, trustworthy artificial intelligence ecosystem in Africa for socio-economic development
- AFR3: Building trust, safety and security in the use of telecommunications/
information and communication technologies - AFR4: Development of digital applications, micro, small and medium enterprises and digital innovation ecosystems
- AFR5: Sustainable funding mechanisms for Africa’s digital transformation
Americas
- AMS1: Facilitating resilient infrastructure to enable deployment of universal and meaningful connectivity
- AMS2: Digital inclusion, digital skills/competencies
- AMS3: Support for innovative digital ecosystems and the adoption and use of emerging technologies
- AMS4: Promoting cyber resilience and capacity building in cybersecurity and cyber resilience
- AMS5: Governance and enabling regulatory frameworks for sustainable digital transformation
Arab States
- ARB1: Universal meaningful connectivity for inclusive growth
- ARB2: Advancing sustainable digital transformation for resilient and inclusive digital economy
- ARB3: Enhancing emergency telecommunication preparedness and response in the Arab States region
- ARB4: Innovation ecosystems to support the adoption and growth of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence
- ARB5: Cybersecurity resilience for a digital Arab future
Asia-Pacific
- ASP1: Addressing special needs of least developed countries, small island developing states, including Pacific island countries, and landlocked developing countries
- ASP2: Harnessing telecommunications/ICTs to support inclusive and sustainable digital transformation
- ASP3: Fostering development of infrastructure to enhance digital connectivity and connecting the unconnected
- ASP4: Enabling an innovative and sustainable telecommunication/information and communication technology sector
- ASP5: Supporting a safe, secure and resilient telecommunication/information and communication technology environment
Commonwealth of Independent States
- CIS1: Introduction of new and emerging telecommunication/information and communication technology systems and networks
- CIS2: Telecommunication/information and communication technology education and skills, including for persons with disabilities and persons
with specific needs - CIS3: Security in the use of telecommunications/information and communication technologies, including countering fraud
- СIS4: Enabling environment and telecommunication/information and communication technology regulation
- CIS5: Development and implementation of artificial intelligence technologies
Europe
- EUR1: Digital infrastructure development
- EUR2: Digital transformation for resilience
- EUR3: Digital inclusion and skills development
- EUR4: Trust and confidence in the use of telecommunications/information and communication technologies
- EUR5: Digital innovation ecosystems
Telecommunication Development Advisory Group
The new Bureau for ITU’s Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG) will be led by Regina Fleur Assoumou Bessou.
ITU-D Study Groups: New leadership and questions
Study Group 1:
Universal meaningful connectivity for bridging the digital divide
Chair: Roberto Hirayama
- Question 1/1:
Enabling policies and strategies for universal connectivity with a focus on underserved, remote and rural areas - Question 2/1:
Enabling policies and regulations for adopting digital telecommunication/ICT services and technologies for distribution and broadcasting - Question 3/1:
The use of telecommunications/ICTs for disaster risk reduction and management - Question 4/1:
Economic aspects of national telecommunications/ICTs - Question 5/1:
Consumer protection and empowerment, and meaningful accessibility for all, especially for persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs
Study Group 2:
Digital transformation
Chair: Fadel Digham
- Question 1/2:
Enabling telecommunications/ICTs for digital transformation and smart sustainable cities and communities - Question 2/2:
ICTs for the environment, and assessment of human exposure to electromagnetic fields - Question 3/2:
Securing information and communication networks: Best practices for developing a culture of cybersecurity - Question 4/2:
Availability and affordability of user devices, and telecommunication/ICT equipment issues, including conformance and interoperability - Question 5/2:
Adoption and utilization of new and emerging telecommunication/ICT services and technologies, and development of digital skills
Agreements signed
Enhancing the sustainability of Smart Villages and Smart Islands in Asia-Pacific:
Building on the success of the Smart Islands Smart Villages initiative, this new project with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA) of Australia will benefit seven countries and 3,000 people in the Asia and the Pacific region over the next two years.
SatCom Capacity Building:
Collaboration with Intersputnik will promote capacity building and digital skills for 300 professionals in the field of satellite communications and broadcasting technologies in the CIS region.
Enabling Gender-Inclusive Digital Trade Ecosystems in Senegal:
The project with Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes (ARTP), Senegal, will train 200 young women entrepreneurs in the country to use digital solutions to improve their business. This collaboration will provide a model to be replicated in other Francophone Least Developed Countries.
Exhibit
The exhibition area showcased stands from our Premium Plus sponsors — China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, GSMA, and Welchman Keen — as well as our premium sponsors: Centre for Development of Telematics, China Branch of BRICS Institute of Future Networks, and Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
An ITU booth highlighted the work done by BDT through impact stories and video clips. At the booth, meet-and-greet sessions were held with the individuals who have benefitted from the work of BDT and its members and partners, giving delegates the opportunity to meet them in person and hear their personal stories. Elected officials visited the ITU booth and the stands to learn more about the work of ITU membership and their contributions to driving digital development globally.
The exhibition area also featured a dedicated photo space where participants captured moments from WTDC, with more than 500 photos taken throughout the conference.
Special session for LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS
During the High-Level Dialogue for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Ministers from Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cuba, Fiji, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Rwanda, Samoa, St Kitts and Nevis, Uganda and Zimbabwe shared their commitments on expanding broadband coverage to advance people-centred sustainable development and ensure a secure future for all. For these communities, connectivity is essential for empowerment and socio-economic development.
Network of Women in ITU-D
The Network of Women (NoW) in ITU-D held a breakfast session focused on “Advancing Gender Empowerment in the Digital Development Agenda.” A video shared at the event showed the network’s achievements since 2023 along with other flagship BDT initiatives to bridge the digital gender divide. Activities like the Empowering Women Leaders Mentorship Programme, Confidence Booster Training, and the Super Women Webinar Series have strengthened connections among women delegates, enhanced their leadership skills, and equipped them to engage effectively at conferences like WTDC-25.
Acceleration Centre opened in Baku
A new ITU Regional Acceleration Centre will help nurture talent, strengthen innovation and expand opportunities for digital growth across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region and beyond, working in constellation with 16 other centres in other regions worldwide. ITU opened the centre in Baku with the Government of Azerbaijan and Ministry of Digital Development and Transport during WTDC-25, as part of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development.
Delivering impact on the ground
BDT4Impact Advocates
From empowering small business owners to achieve financial stability, to helping communities access resources and opportunities, the work of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau helps transform people’s lives in powerful ways.
Meet BDT4Impact Advocates
30+ years of impact
The ITU-D Celebratory Dinner hosted by the BDT Director celebrated 30 years of achievements by ITU’s Telecommunication Development Sector and the continued commitment to putting people at the heart of digital transformation.
Participants heard from the ITU Secretary-General, the BDT Director and H.E. Samaddin Asadov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with speeches focused on the achievements of the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector and on driving digital development that is inclusive, innovative, and measurable.
Gold sponsors – H.E. Takuo Imagawa, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan, and Elizabeth Migwalla, Vice President, Government Affairs, Qualcomm Incorporated – also gave remarks at the event.
Participants enjoyed musical performances from each ITU-D region. They also heard inspiring testimonies from people whose lives have been transformed thanks to the work of BDT.
Gold sponsors
“On the occasion of celebrating over 30 years of achievements since the establishment of ITU-D, Japan commends its unwavering dedication to empowering developing countries through inclusive and actionable digital strategies. We believe that strengthening industry engagement, promoting universal and meaningful connectivity, and expanding outreach to communities worldwide, in partnership with ITU, are essential to realizing the full potential of ICT. These values, shared across sectors, ensure that digital transformation reaches those who need it most. We extend our sincere congratulations to ITU-D and look forward to continuing our close cooperation.”
– Takuo Imagawa, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Japan
“Digital transformation is reshaping how communities connect, learn and thrive. At Qualcomm, we see AI as a new interface for human potential. When combined with the power of 5G, AI can accelerate innovation across industries—from agriculture and healthcare to education and smart cities. Purposeful innovation in AI, edge computing and connectivity will unlock a future with ample potential and opportunity for everyone. Accelerating access to 5G in all regions is essential to empower communities globally. Qualcomm’s partnership with ITU-D, encompassing projects through our Wireless Reach™ Initiative, mentorship programs and ecosystem investments, as well as membership on ITU’s Digital Innovation Board, demonstrate our commitment to expanding access, driving equity and shaping a future where no one is left behind.”
– Elizabeth Migwalla, Vice President, Government Affairs, Qualcomm Incorporated
Silver sponsor
Bronze sponsors
Global Youth Celebration
ITU’s Global Youth Celebration on 16 November, preceding WTDC-25, paid tribute to the energy and innovation of the next generation.
An intergenerational dialogue sparked impactful conversations to help shape inclusive, forward-looking strategies and advance global digital development. This was followed by an immersive programme where young people gained insights on aviation and space communications. The activities concluded with a live connection to the International Space Station (ISS) enabling our young participants to speak with Astronaut Mike Fincke.
The celebration was hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan and generously supported by Intersputnik and ZTE.
Learn more in our blog – and watch the highlights!
Visit to meet the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) brings together 194 national governments and over 1,000 companies and organizations to advance global connectivity.