Global Leaders to Converge in Baku for WTDC-25, Charting Course for Universal Connectivity

0Shares

World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25). Photo: ITU

Global Leaders to Converge in Baku for WTDC-25, Charting Course for Universal Connectivity

Taking place every four years, WTDC strengthens global collaboration on telecommunications challenges and seeks to develop forward-thinking solutions that unlock technology’s potential to benefit society.

RMN News Technology News
October 7, 2025

Geneva, 06 October 2025 — Global leaders in information and communication technologies (ICT) are set to meet in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25). Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN agency for digital technologies, the conference will take place from 17 to 28 November to draw up a new roadmap for inclusive digital development.

WTDC-25 aims to set a path for global connectivity and digital progress, focusing on the critical push for universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity. The conference is held under the theme, “Universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity for an inclusive and sustainable digital future”.

The challenge of bridging the global digital divide remains immense, with the ITU estimating that approximately 2.6 billion people around the world lack access to the Internet. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin stressed the importance of this commitment, noting that for the unconnected, digital development is “more than a technical challenge” but “a test of our collective commitment to an inclusive, sustainable digital future for all”. WTDC-25 is viewed as the moment to transform that commitment into action.

The conference will specifically emphasize the digital development needs of the world’s least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing states (SIDS). Connectivity expansion remains particularly challenging in LDCs and LLDCs, where just over one-third of their populations are currently online.

Setting the Agenda for Digital Progress

In Baku, ITU Member States will set priorities for the next four years for the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D), the ITU body dedicated to promoting socio-economic development through ICTs. Delegates will also be responsible for adopting regional initiatives and approving questions to be addressed by ITU study groups during the 2026-2029 period.

Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, stated that “sustainable digital transformation calls for bold, human-centred action coupled with investment in resilient infrastructure, innovation and inclusiveness“. He highlighted that WTDC-25 offers the opportunity to define the next steps together with members and partners to bridge the multiple digital divides.

A Historic Host

WTDC-25 is hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan. Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, called hosting the event an “honour and a historic vote of confidence from the ITU”. This marks the first WTDC held in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Nabiyev added that providing the venue “underscores Azerbaijan’s rising leadership in meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation”.

WTDC-25 is set to reaffirm the crucial importance of digital technologies in advancing people’s well-being, protecting the planet, and boosting prosperity as the end of the decade approaches.

The ITU, established in 1865, coordinates the global use of radio spectrum and satellite orbits, establishes international technology standards, and drives universal connectivity and digital services. The organization, which has 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, and civil society groups, is committed to connecting the world and beyond.

The WTDC-25 features an Opening Ceremony and Press conference on 17 November, followed by a High-Level Segment spanning 17-18 November.