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The opening ceremony of the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) was held in Baku today.
Organized in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the event focuses on the theme “Universal, meaningful, and accessible connectivity for an inclusive and sustainable digital future.”
Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev delivered the address of President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the conference participants. The message highlighted Azerbaijan’s commitment to advancing global digital development and ensuring inclusive connectivity for all.
At the opening ceremony, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, and the Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava also delivered remarks.
A video presentation dedicated to the history of telecommunication development in Azerbaijan was shown during the event.
It should be noted that the World Telecommunication Development Conference is held every four years by the ITU to bridge the digital divide between countries and promote digital transformation.
For the first time in the CIS region, Azerbaijan will host WTDC, further strengthening the country’s role in the technological and scientific fields, as well as in digitalization, while enhancing its international standing. The event will take place from 17 to 28 November at the Baku Convention Center. WTDC-25 will provide a unique platform to review development-related topics, projects, and programs in areas such as cybersecurity, digital inclusion, ICT applications, innovation, ICT statistics and indicators, ICT regulation, and other related fields.
Among the key outcomes of the Conference are:
- Adoption of the Global Roadmap for Digital Development (2026–2029)
- Preparation of a globally agreed Declaration and Action Plan
- Identification of new regional initiatives
- Identification of global priorities for telecommunication development
- A dedicated focus on addressing the digital development needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
It should also be noted that the event gathered 2,500 participants from more than 160 countries, including the USA, Germany, Türkiye, Russia, France, Israel, Japan, China, Thailand, Switzerland, Greece, Malaysia, Slovakia, and Kazakhstan. Delegates at the minister and deputy minister level from around 60 countries were also in attendance.
Furthermore, over 500 young people took part in the conference. Their participation, both international and local, provided valuable opportunities to explore global technological trends and foster international partnerships.
