By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin has
outlined the organisation’s progress on digital transformation, institutional
reform, and global connectivity during her State of the Union Address to the
ITU Council 2026 in Geneva.
Speaking
at ITU headquarters, Bogdan-Martin said the world is experiencing a period of
profound digital transformation, driven largely by artificial intelligence,
while also facing increasing fragmentation and inequality in access to digital
opportunities. She stressed the need for resilient global institutions to
ensure technology continues to serve humanity effectively.
She
highlighted ITU’s ongoing three-pillar transformation strategy, noting progress
in strengthening the organisation’s global digital role, expanding strategic
partnerships, and improving organisational excellence.
A
key focus of the address was the integration of artificial intelligence across
ITU operations. She noted that AI has improved efficiency in areas such as
translation, contributing to a reported 20 percent productivity gain, and is
now being expanded into finance, human resources, and event management systems.
Delegates are also expected to experience AI-enabled services at upcoming ITU
events.
Bogdan-Martin
also reported progress in governance reforms, including the establishment of a
fully operational Oversight Unit combining audit and evaluation functions, as
well as a new independent Ombudsman mechanism. She added that the organisation
has strengthened transparency, ethics, and accountability systems.
On
financial performance, she said ITU closed 2025 with a budget surplus and has
maintained a balanced budget proposal for 2026–2027, while continuing to avoid
increases in member contribution units, which have remained unchanged since
2006.
The
Secretary-General also highlighted expanding global membership and
partnerships, noting the organisation is on track to welcome more than 400 new
members and has established approximately 300 partnerships between 2024 and
2025.
She
pointed to ITU’s role in global digital development initiatives, including the
Giga programme with UNICEF, which has mapped over two million schools
worldwide, and the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, which has mobilised more
than $80 billion in pledges across 149 countries.
Bogdan-Martin
also referenced progress in global connectivity, stating that 74 percent of the
world’s population is now online, while emphasising that 2.2 billion people
remain offline and require urgent inclusion efforts.
She
underscored ITU’s work in spectrum management, AI standards development,
submarine cable resilience, and early warning systems, as well as its support
for refugees through connectivity initiatives in several countries.
Looking
ahead, she highlighted upcoming global policy milestones, including the Global
Symposium for Regulators in Ankara, the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy
Forum in Nassau, and the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, which will set
the organisation’s strategic direction for the next four years.
Bogdan-Martin
concluded that the ITU’s continued relevance depends on sustained multilateral
cooperation, noting that technology governance must evolve faster to keep pace
with innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence.
She
reaffirmed that the ITU remains committed to building a “fit-for-future”
organisation capable of delivering meaningful digital transformation and
bridging global connectivity gaps.
