Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU, speaking at the WTPF-26 digital policy forum. — Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU. Photo: ITU

Global Leaders Align on Digital Policy Priorities at WTPF-26 Ahead of Plenipotentiary Conference

The World Telecommunication and ICT Policy Forum 2026 (WTPF-26) concluded in Nassau, The Bahamas, with the adoption of five pivotal Opinions guiding the global digital future. These non-binding policy frameworks establish international consensus on critical issues like connectivity, green transformation, and space-based networks. The outcomes of this forum set a collaborative foundation for the International Telecommunication Union’s upcoming Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) in two months.

RMN Digital Events Desk
New Delhi | September 7, 2026

Nassau, The Bahamas — In a major step toward aligning global digital policies, representatives from governments, private industry, academia, civil society, and the technical community have adopted five critical Opinions at the World Telecommunication and ICT Policy Forum 2026 (WTPF-26). Held from September 2 to 4 in Nassau, The Bahamas, the event gathered more than 500 in-person and online participants to address pressing digital issues.

The forum was preceded on September 1 by a high-level Strategic Dialogue, which spotlighted the perspectives of small island developing states and other vulnerable economies. This dialogue examined how international cooperation, policy, investment, and innovation can successfully translate rapid technological advancement into tangible advantages for people globally.

Building Consensus Ahead of PP-26

The Opinions adopted at WTPF-26 are non-binding but carry substantial weight as the global community prepares for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26). Scheduled to take place in two months, PP-26 is the highest decision-making meeting of the ITU, the United Nations agency for digital technologies. By forging consensus early, WTPF-26 establishes a clear roadmap for the upcoming discussions.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU, emphasized the practical focus of the discussions, noting that the delegation arrived in Nassau determined to move from vision to action to foster an inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and innovative digital future. She added that the five adopted Opinions successfully sharpen global focus while keeping people at the center of digital transformation.

Five Key Areas of Digital Policy

As technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), space-based connectivity, and shifting digital infrastructure redefine society, the WTPF-26 Opinions offer direct guidance to the 194 Member States and over 1,000 sector members of the ITU. The adopted policy priorities focus on five core challenges:

Bridging Digital Divides: Focusing on closing the gender and age divides, alongside improving digital skills and infrastructure connectivity.
Green Digital Transformation: Mitigating climate change and championing environmental sustainability within the technology sector.
Enhancing Resilience: Strengthening the reliability and resilience of telecommunication and ICT systems globally.
Expanding Space Connectivity: Navigating and utilizing space-based connectivity opportunities.
Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems: Fostering entrepreneurship and ICT-centric innovation environments.

Sebastian Bastian, Bahamas Minister of Innovation and National Development, highlighted the significance of the forum’s location, stating that small island developing states must actively participate in shaping global digital policy rather than just experiencing its effects. Minister Bastian noted that the objective is to transition from basic technology access to building capabilities and creating opportunities that enable people to benefit meaningfully from emerging technologies.

A History of Navigating Technological Shifts

WTPF-26 marks the seventh occurrence in this periodic event series, which the ITU convenes to ensure international policy keeps pace with rapid technological evolution. Historically, these forums have guided the global community through monumental digital transitions, including the rise of broadband, internet telephony, new telecommunication services, and public policy challenges related to the internet and AI.

Randol Dorsett, Chair of WTPF-26 and the Bahamas Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), remarked that the issues addressed in Nassau are shaping the future of global societies and economies. According to Dorsett, the collaborative work completed during the forum has generated practical, forward-looking outcomes designed to influence international telecommunications and digital policy for years to come.