The growing influence of space-based systems, AI and other emerging technologies on global communications will be central to the discussions in Doha.
Preparations for the next International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) have reached the one-year countdown, marking a significant milestone in the years-long effort to ensure a successful event. The conference, scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, from 9 to 27 November 2026, will bring together ITUs global membership to shape the future of the digital world.
With the start of the preparatory period, nominations have officially opened for ITUs top leadership roles, which will be elected during the conference. Member States will also determine how the UNs specialised agency for digital technologies should respond to shared global priorities, including the management of radio-frequency spectrum, responsible technology standards, and equitable digital development.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said: “The Plenipotentiary Conference is where ITU’s global membership sets the course for humanity’s shared digital future. Next year in Doha, our 194 Member States will come together to agree on strategies that ensure technology from satellites to 5G to AI drives meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation for all people, everywhere.”
Discussions at PP-26 will reflect the ever-increasing importance of space and satellites, artificial intelligence (AI) and other advancing technologies to support global communications networks.
ITU Member States selected Doha to host PP-26 during the organisations last plenipotentiary conference in Bucharest, Romania in 2022.
Engineer Ahmad bin Abdulla AlMuslemani, President of Qatars Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) and Chair-Designate of PP-26, added: “Hosting ITU PP-26 in Doha represents a milestone in Qatars ongoing efforts to drive the global digital agenda and foster dialogue on the future of the global Information and Communications Technology sector. Qatar reaffirms its commitment to working with ITU Member States to promote innovation, inclusion, and sustainable digital development for the benefit of nations and communities.”
Elections for ITUs five top leadership positions at PP-26 comprise the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and Directors of the organisations three technical bureaux: Radiocommunication, Telecommunication Standardisation and Telecommunication Development.
The Plenipotentiary Conference will also elect 48 Member States to serve on the ITU Council as well as the 12 members of the Radio Regulations Board (RRB) for their 2027-2030 terms.
The ITU Council acts as ITU’s governing body in the intervals between plenipotentiary conferences. The RRB is responsible for applying and interpreting the ITU Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
Nominations for all positions are open from one-year until one-month before the conference.
In addition to elections, PP-26 will set ITUs strategic and financial direction for the coming years. It will also address key issues and questions raised by ITU Member States on information and telecommunication technologies.
