Global Collaboration for Digital Inclusion: World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 Opens in Baku

On November 17, 2025, the conference center in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, became the focus of global digital development. The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25), jointly organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, officially opened on this day. This high-level meeting, themed "Universal, Meaningful and Affordable Connectivity for an Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Future," brought together representatives from member countries worldwide to jointly plan the priorities and core strategies of the ITU's development sector for the next four years, outlining a clear path for global digital transformation.

I. Opening Ceremony Highlights and High-Level Addresses

The opening ceremony marked the official launch of WTDC-25. Rashad Nabiev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, read an address from President Ilham Aliyev at the opening ceremony, highlighting the host country's high regard for the conference and its agenda. President Aliyev's speech is expected to address support for global digital cooperation and Azerbaijan's commitment to digital transformation.

Following him, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and ITU Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), Kosmas Luxon Zawazawa, delivered speeches. As the head of the UN specialized agency responsible for information and communication technology (ICT), Secretary-General Bogdan-Martin's speeches typically focus on global challenges, emphasizing the urgency of bridging the digital divide and the importance of international cooperation in promoting meaningful connectivity. Director Zawazawa's remarks are likely to focus more on the specific work of the Telecommunication Development Bureau, how to support developing countries in improving their digital infrastructure and services through technical assistance, capacity building, and policy recommendations.

During the conference, delegates watched a special video documenting the history of telecommunications development in Azerbaijan. This segment not only showcased the host country's evolution and achievements in the field of communications technology but also provided a concrete national case study for discussing the global digital development process.

II. Conference Background and Global Significance

The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) is a crucial component of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) mechanism. As a high-level platform, it is held every four years between two Plenipotentiary Conferences. Its core function is to enable member states to jointly formulate and determine the priorities and strategies of the ITU's development sector for future cycles. Its outcomes directly influence the ITU's resource allocation and technological cooperation priorities, having a profound impact on the global digital development landscape.

The theme of this conference—"Universal, Meaningful, and Affordable Connectivity for an Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Future"—precisely reflects the core challenges and opportunities currently facing the global digital sphere.

* Universal Connectivity: Despite the continued growth in the number of global internet users, data from the ITU and other organizations shows that billions of people worldwide still lack internet access, especially in the least developed countries, remote rural areas, and certain vulnerable groups. The lack of "connectivity" remains the primary barrier to their participation in the digital age.

* Meaningful Connectivity: Beyond simple network accessibility, "meaningful connectivity" emphasizes the quality, reliability, and speed of connections, along with accompanying digital skills and localized content. Ensuring connectivity is effectively used in services such as education, healthcare, finance, and government, empowering individual and societal development.

* Affordable Pricing: Affordability is key to widespread connectivity. High costs exclude a large number of potential users. Exploring how to reduce access costs through technological innovation, market competition, and policy regulation is a core issue in achieving digital inclusion.

* An Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Future: The ultimate goal is to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach everyone, preventing the digital divide from further exacerbating social inequality. Simultaneously, the development and application of digital technologies must be aligned with environmental sustainability goals, promoting green and low-carbon development.

The continued hosting of the World Digital Congress aims to systematically address these challenges through global cooperation, promoting digital transformation globally, and making digital technology an effective tool for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

III. Host Country Role and Regional Impact

The hosting of WTDC-25 in Baku holds special significance for Azerbaijan. Reports indicate that this is the first time the CIS region has hosted the World Technology Development Congress. This event is seen as international recognition of Azerbaijan's efforts in digital infrastructure development, fostering a technological innovation ecosystem, and promoting government digital transformation. The successful hosting of this event is expected to significantly enhance Azerbaijan's influence and visibility in the regional and global technology and digitalization fields, strengthening its position as a regional digital hub. By showcasing its development experience and participating in global dialogue, Azerbaijan is expected to play a more active role in future international digital cooperation, attracting more international cooperation opportunities and investment, and further promoting the development of its digital economy.

IV. Conference Agenda Outlook and Global Expectations

WTDC-25 will run until November 28th. In the coming days, representatives from participating countries, industry experts, and representatives from the private sector and civil society will engage in in-depth discussions on the conference theme. The agenda typically includes plenary sessions, thematic workshops, high-level dialogues, and bilateral talks. Discussions will cover many key areas, including broadband network deployment, digital transformation policies, cybersecurity and trust, spectrum management, emergency communications, digital skills dissemination, and the role of ICT in climate change.

All parties expect that this conference will help to reach consensus on key issues and formulate declarations, resolutions, or action plans to guide future actions. These outcome documents will provide a framework and guidance for cooperation among ITU member states, departmental members, and academic institutions between 2026 and 2029. Against the backdrop of ongoing global geopolitical and economic uncertainties, the success of WTDC-25 in promoting pragmatic cooperation, jointly addressing the risks of digital fragmentation, and fostering inclusive growth is attracting significant international attention.

Conclusion

The opening of the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 in Baku once again demonstrates the international community's determination to address common digital challenges through multilateral cooperation. Under the overarching theme of "Universal, Meaningful, and Affordable Connectivity for an Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Future," global stakeholders gathered not only to formulate a technological development agenda but also to shape a more equitable, open, secure, and resilient global digital ecosystem. Until the conference concludes on November 28, the discussions and consensus reached will inject new momentum into promoting global digital inclusion and sustainable development, with far-reaching implications.