Preparations for the next meeting of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) have reached the one-year countdown. This is a key milestone in the continuous efforts over the past several years to ensure the successful hosting of the conference, set to take place in Doha, Qatar, from 9 to 27 November 2026.
The preparatory period marks the formal opening of nominations for ITU's top management posts to be elected at the meeting of the organization's principal governing body.
During the conference, ITU Member States will consider how the UN agency for digital technologies should address shared priorities such as managing the world's radio-frequency spectrum, setting responsible technology standards and advancing digital development for all.
"The Plenipotentiary Conference is where ITU's global membership sets the course for humanity's shared digital future," said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. "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 organization's last plenipotentiary conference in Bucharest, Romania in 2022.
"Hosting ITU PP-26 in Doha represents a milestone in Qatar's ongoing efforts to drive the global digital agenda and foster dialogue on the future of the global Information and Communications Technology sector," said Engineer Ahmad bin Abdulla AlMuslemani, President of Qatar's Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) and Chair-Designate of PP-26. "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."
Electing leaders to shape the digital future
Elections for ITU's five top leadership positions at PP-26 comprise the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and Directors of the organization's three technical bureaux: Radiocommunication, Telecommunication Standardization, 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 ITU's 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.
