Doha, November 01 (QNA) - The State of Qatar is standing for election to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council from Region E (Asia and Australasia) for the 2027–2030 term, building on its longstanding partnership with ITU, its advanced telecommunications and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, and its commitment to contributing to a secure, inclusive and sustainable digital future.

The ITU Council acts as the Union's governing body in the interval between Plenipotentiary Conferences. Comprising 48 Member States, the Council plays a key role in overseeing ITU's policies, strategies and activities, and in facilitating the implementation of the Union's decisions.

Council members will be elected by ITU Member States entitled to vote during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26), taking place in Doha from Nov. 9 to 27, 2026. Region (E) is allocated 13 seats, with the candidates receiving the highest number of votes elected to the seats available for the region.

Qatar's candidacy builds on more than five decades of active partnership with ITU since joining the Union in 1973. Throughout this partnership, Qatar has actively contributed to ITU's work and initiatives, supporting international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and expertise among Member States.

Qatar's advanced position in the ICT sector also serves as a key foundation for its candidacy, underpinned by its advanced digital infrastructure, an innovation-friendly regulatory environment, and long-standing experience in developing the sector and advancing digital transformation. This experience enables Qatar to add value to the work of the Council and contribute to addressing the sector's shared priorities and challenges.

Qatar's candidacy is anchored in three strategic priorities. The first is recognizing telecommunications as a fundamental human right to ensure universal access to vital information and services. The second focuses on fostering globally inclusive innovation by strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and the Internet of Things. The third aims to advance universal and meaningful connectivity through reliable, affordable, and secure digital infrastructure that bridges the digital divide and supports inclusive growth.

On this occasion, Eng. Hussain Abdulla Salatt, Public Relations and Communication Manager at CRA, said: "We look forward to Qatar's election to the ITU Council, enabling the country to leverage its expertise and capabilities to contribute effectively to the Council's work, strengthen cooperation and knowledge sharing among Member States, and help translate shared priorities into tangible outcomes. We also look forward to the confidence and support of Member States for Qatar's candidacy and to working together to advance the future of ICT globally."

Through its candidacy, Qatar looks forward to continuing its role as an active and constructive partner within ITU, supporting international cooperation and contributing to a more connected, inclusive and sustainable digital future. (QNA)