Doha, November 10 (QNA) - Participants in the fifth plenary session on the second day of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26) called for substantially augmenting digital infrastructure through stronger international cooperation, expanding connectivity to reach all communities, and ensuring network security and resilience in the face of crises and disasters.

The delegates also emphasized leveraging emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to support sustainable development. Accomplishing digital transformation, they argued, isn't confined to expanding telecom grids and coverage rates, but requires affordable and reliable services and proportionate opportunities for people to benefit from technology.

This would help narrow the digital gap among nations and communities, the attendees contended, recalling that it is quite important to continue investing in fiber-optic grids and satellite communications and to develop digital infrastructure.

Speakers pointed out that expanding the scope of communications, especially in remote zones and less-advantaged communities, is a core pillar of achieving digital inclusivity and enabling individuals to access public, educational and economic services. They also stressed the importance of responsibly handling AI-powered technologies.

It is quite essential for these sorts of technologies to be leveraged to the advantage of development and the reduction of inequalities, while augmenting international cooperation to establish common frameworks that ensure their safe use, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and safeguard data privacy and states' sovereignty over their data, the participants underlined.

They noted that the rapid evolution of AI engenders new requirements that communication networks must meet, going beyond serving individuals and enterprises to accommodate billions of smart devices and systems. This calls for modernizing infrastructure and bolstering its storage and operational capacities.

  Some speakers at the conference highlighted that marine cables and international communication networks are quite important, as 99 percent of data are relayed through them, positioning them as a vital backbone of data traffic and global communication.

They warned of the impact of digital infrastructure disruption on the continuity of services and socioeconomic activities, clamoring for stronger protection of these facilities and the mechanisms for rapid response to malfunctions and cyber threats.

Building a digital space requires combined international efforts to fend off cyber threats and misinformation, the participants underscored, emphasizing that it is quite imperative to share expertise and best practices, in addition to investing in recruiting a professional workforce and promoting awareness of digital security to foster confidence in services and cutting-edge technologies.

In terms of digital flexibility, the attendees argued that it is quite imperative to have continuous communication services in times of crises and natural disasters, such as floods, storms and power blackouts. They also asserted the significance of mobilizing early warning systems, fostering recovery capabilities and network reoperation, in addition to prioritizing the needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the most vulnerable communities.

The delegates explained that gauging the success of digital transformation shouldn't be limited to the number of those connected to the network, but should extend to recalibrating the opportunities technology offers to improve people's lives and reinforce their capabilities to access services and participate in the digital economy.

With respect to the ITU's role, the participants called for substantially augmenting its role in coordinating international standards, managing the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite-orbit resources, and providing technical assistance to developing countries, thereby ensuring the equitable and efficient use of digital and space resources and strengthening cooperation among Member States.

What matters most here, the speakers stressed, is for the ITU's programs and these states' contributions to focus on projects of direct impact. They also recalled that national capabilities should be bolstered, with particular emphasis on knowledge and technology transfer and honoring the linguistic characteristics and development needs of each country.

The delegates concluded their remarks by emphasizing that the future of digital transformation requires a shared vision and a powerful international partnership grounded in solidarity, the sharing of expertise and equal opportunities.

This, they asserted, would ensure that technology serves people and achieves sustainable development, in addition to building a more communicable, secure digital world capable of navigating challenges. (QNA)