Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan, the WTDC-25 discussions will focus on promoting universal, meaningful and affordable connectivity.
“For the 2.6 billion people who are not connected, digital development is more than a technical challenge. It is a testament to our collective commitment to an inclusive and sustainable digital future for all,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “WTDC-25 is our opportunity to turn that commitment into action, so that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from technology.”.
Promoting connectivity and digital development.
The WTDC, held every four years, strengthens global collaboration on telecom challenges and develops innovative solutions that unlock the potential of technology for the benefit of society.
“Hosting WTDC-25 in Baku, the first in the Commonwealth of Independent States, is an honor and a historic vote of confidence from the ITU, forged over three decades of collaboration since 1992,” said Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport. “Providing the venue for this important conference underscores Azerbaijan’s growing leadership in meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation, as well as our determination to shape the future of global telecoms and digital inclusion.”.
Under the theme "Universal, meaningful and affordable connectivity for an inclusive and sustainable digital future", WTDC-25 will emphasize the digital development needs of the least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS).
The ITU, the United Nations agency responsible for digital technologies, estimates that around 2.6 billion people worldwide lack internet access. Expanding connectivity remains particularly challenging in LDCs and LDDCs, where just over a third of the population has internet access.
Setting priorities for telecommunication development:
In Baku, ITU Member States will set priorities for the next four years for the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D), the ITU body that promotes socio-economic development through information and communication technologies.
Delegates will also adopt regional initiatives and approve the issues to be addressed by ITU study groups during the same period, 2026–2029.
“Sustainable digital transformation demands bold, people-centered action, along with investments in resilient infrastructure, innovation, and inclusion,” said Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. “The 25th World Digital Transformation Meeting (WDM-25) is our opportunity to define the next steps together with our members and partners to bridge the multiple digital divides and make meaningful connectivity a reality for all.”.
