Doha, November 09 (QNA) - Chair-Designate of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (ITU PP-26) and President of the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), Eng. Ahmad Abdulla Al Muslemani, said the conference is a key milestone in strengthening international cooperation and setting strategic directions for the future of telecommunications and digital transformation amid rapid technological change.

Addressing the conference's first plenary session, he said PP-26 is the International Telecommunication Union's highest policymaking body, responsible for setting its strategic and financial direction, electing its leadership and defining priorities for the coming period, including responses to emerging technological disruptions.

Under the theme "Together for a Connected Digital Future," he called for efforts to bridge the global digital divide, strengthen cybersecurity and trust in the digital environment, and ensure inclusive digital transformation, particularly for women, young people and persons with disabilities.

Al Muslemani expressed pride in chairing the conference, thanking Qatar for nominating him and member states for their confidence.

He said the role carries a responsibility to serve all members impartially, fairly and transparently, safeguard the integrity of proceedings and build trust among participants.

Reflecting on the conference's cultural symbolism, he referred to the pearl-trading heritage featured in the opening ceremony through a presentation titled "Pearl of Connectivity".

He said pearl diving, an important part of Qatar's and the region's heritage, represents patience, courage, teamwork and trust, values central to multilateral cooperation.

Reaching a pearl once required determination, depth and close cooperation among divers, he said, adding that meaningful conference outcomes likewise require attentive listening, dialogue, joint efforts and a search for common ground rather than words alone.

He noted that technology is reshaping economies, societies and public practices at an unprecedented pace.

Connectivity, he said, is no longer limited to infrastructure networks; it is also about expanding opportunities, encouraging innovation and enabling development, while ensuring services are safe, inclusive and sustainable for all.

The digital divide, trust, security, inclusion and responsible use of emerging technologies remain cross-border challenges requiring collective action and balanced practical solutions, he added.

Al Muslemani said the conference's impact would extend beyond its adopted resolutions to shaping the ITU's future work and strengthening international cooperation on telecommunications and digital transformation.

The program includes plenary sessions, committee work, elections, policy statements and thematic discussions.

The first plenary session will establish the conference's organizational structure, form its committees and set procedures to ensure efficient and transparent deliberations.

He stressed that success should be measured not only by the number of decisions adopted, but also by the consensus behind them and their long-term impact.

He pledged to ensure clear procedures and equal opportunities for all member states to express their positions and participate.

He urged delegations to engage constructively, respect time limits and procedural rules, and show flexibility in bridging differences.

Differences, he said, do not obstruct multilateral work; rather, the ability to address them through dialogue, respect and wisdom gives it its true value.

He also emphasized inclusive participation, ensuring all member states are heard and that outcomes reflect their diverse needs, circumstances and priorities.

The conference's focus on women's and youth participation and accessibility reflects the need for connectivity to become more inclusive alongside technological progress, with technology serving people, development and peace.

Al Muslemani thanked the ITU and all teams and organizations involved in preparing and organizing the conference.

He said the gathering of member states in Doha offers an opportunity to strengthen the Union and advance more inclusive, secure and sustainable connectivity.

He expressed hope that the conference would turn differences into understanding, understanding into consensus, and consensus into decisions with tangible impact, saying shared responsibility and ambition for a better digital future would guide the proceedings. (QNA)