World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 opens in Baku with call for inclusive digital future

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) opened in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday, bringing together government ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders to shape the roadmap for global digital development over the next four years. Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan, the conference will run from 17 to 28 November.

WTDC-25 focuses on advancing universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity, with delegates set to discuss strategies to ensure that high-quality Internet access becomes available to everyone, regardless of geography or economic background. Over 1,500 participants and more than 65 ministers will contribute to the deliberations during the event’s High-Level Segment.

“We are in Baku to breathe new life into global digital development,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin in her opening remarks. “WTDC will help create the conditions that leave no one behind in a world being reshaped by technology, faster than ever.”

The conference places particular emphasis on the digital needs of least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing states (SIDS), acknowledging persistent disparities in digital access and infrastructure.

“It is my honour to address you at the opening of the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference here in Baku,” said Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev. “I am delighted to welcome all participants and to convey the greetings of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, along with his sincere wishes for a successful and productive conference.”

Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, highlighted the significance of the gathering for global cooperation. “Sustainable digital transformation calls for bold, human-centred action,” he said. “WTDC-25 is our opportunity to forge the roadmap for digital development for the next four years. Remarkable progress has been made to connect the world, but more needs to be done to bridge remaining digital gaps, empower communities and uplift lives.”

Held every four years, the WTDC sets priorities for the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) and adopts regional initiatives and technical questions for its Study Groups. This year’s conference aims to deliver a new Declaration and Action Plan that will guide global digital development efforts from 2026 to 2029.