The State of Qatar, represented by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), is taking part in the 2026 session of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, being held in Geneva from April 28 to May 8. The Qatari delegation is led by Engineer Ahmad bin Abdulla AlMuslemani, who also serves as President of CRA and Chair-Designate of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26), and includes representatives from CRA and the Permanent Committee for Organising Conferences (PCOC).
Qatar’s participation highlights its continued commitment to strengthening international cooperation and contributing to global discussions shaping the future of telecommunications and digital technologies. The engagement aligns with broader efforts to foster a more inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem in line with ITU’s mission.
During the Council session, CRA is contributing to discussions on key priorities such as enhancing global connectivity, internet governance, child online protection, and the oversight of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence. These deliberations are aimed at supporting international initiatives to build resilient and secure digital infrastructure capable of meeting future global demands.
Meanwhile, the PCOC is presenting Qatar’s preparations to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Doha this November. Held every four years, the conference is the ITU’s highest decision-making body, bringing together ministers, regulators, industry leaders, and international organisations to define the Union’s strategic direction.
On the sidelines of the Council meetings, AlMuslemani, in his role as PP-26 Chair-Designate, is chairing the second informal inter-regional preparatory meeting on April 30. The meeting gathers regional groups of ITU Member States to enhance coordination, exchange information, and align positions ahead of the conference. The Qatari delegation also hosted a luncheon for ITU Member States and senior officials, as part of efforts to promote Qatar’s candidacy for ITU Council membership for the 2027–2030 term and to deepen engagement with participating countries.
Engineer Ahmad bin Abdulla AlMuslemani, President of CRA and Chair-Designate of the ITU PP-26 stated: “Qatar’s participation in the ITU Council reflects our commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and advancing a secure and inclusive digital future. Our candidacy for the ITU Council for the 2027–2030 term underscores its continued commitment to supporting the Union’s work and advancing policies that expand access to digital technologies worldwide.
“As we prepare to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Doha, we look forward to bringing the international ICT community together to shape the next chapter of global connectivity and continue to support international efforts to harness ICTs for sustainable development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Qatar National Vision 2030.”
He added: “As Chair-Designate of the ITU PP-26, this leadership role is central to steering the conference’s preparatory process at the international level, by chairing interregional preparatory meetings and guiding coordination and alignment among regional groups, thereby strengthening the coherence of positions and ensuring full readiness for the successful delivery of this global event.”
ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for digital technologies (ICTs). The Organisation is made up of a membership of 194 Member States and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and with regional offices on every continent, ITU is the oldest agency in the UN family – connecting the world since the dawn of the telegraph in 1865. The State of Qatar joined the ITU in 1973, and since then has been an active contributor to its work, supporting the advancement of the global ICT sector.
