WTDC25 in Baku spotlights digital inclusion and global cooperation
The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC25) gathered international policymakers, ministers and digital leaders in Baku to address how nations can build a more secure, inclusive and sustainable digital future.
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00:00And having this conference in Azerbaijan by no means is an accidental.
00:05Azerbaijan's growing international reputation as well as effective and efficient cooperation with ITU made it happen.
00:14Universal, meaningful and affordable connectivity for an inclusive and sustainable digital future.
00:22That's the theme of the World Telecommunication Development Conference this year.
00:26The 12-day event offered a unique platform for high-ranking officials from the International Telecommunications Union
00:33to come together to help achieve their mission, connecting the world and beyond.
00:38I think that Pakistan and Azerbaijan, our relationship goes way behind and beyond our digital collaboration.
00:47And whether it has been geopolitics, economic stability, our people-to-people relationships.
00:52Our relationship has always stood the test of times and we've always worked together.
00:59A key aim for the World Telecommunication Development Conference is clear.
01:05How to create a new progressive digital future.
01:09But what does that mean?
01:10There are areas dominating discussions like how policy can advance inclusivity
01:16and what more can be done for connectivity and innovation.
01:20This conference in the heart of Baku, where thought leaders, industry experts and policy makers gather,
01:27acts as a global enabler for those involved in the sector.
01:31The idea is to have a certain level of openness, yet be very careful around our data security, our digital boundaries.
01:40But Azerbaijan, as a trusted brother and a friendly country, is one that we're very comfortable with having conversations.
01:47ITU member Kenya reiterated the host nation was advancing within the sector,
01:55stressing that sharing those good practices is beneficial to other member states.
01:59I can say we have a cordial relationship between ourselves and the people of Azerbaijan.
02:05Of course, you understand that, you know that they are quite advanced in terms of cyber security, e-government.
02:15And we hope to be able to work together with the people of the Ministry of Digital here in Azerbaijan.
02:22Acknowledgement of global wealth inequalities by leaders furthered conversations on emerging trends and developmental strategies within the telecommunication industry.
02:33Our collaborative work with industry and private sector, from also stretching to cyber security issues, skills, identifying gaps, like rural, urban gaps, etc., etc.
02:46So it is very important for us and also to take care of the developmental aspects as they relate to emerging technologies
02:54and making sure that the least developed countries, developing countries are not left behind. So it is very important.
03:01The ITU is also clear about why each member should be considered to host.
03:06It is very important. It is the first time that an ITU statutory meeting has been held in the CIS region. All regions are equal.
03:15The cost of digital inclusivity is and will continue to be costly. But this landmark conference in Azerbaijan welcomes leaders to be transparent about the financial barriers.
03:26It is a chance to acknowledge inequalities and endeavour to solve those challenges. Sustainability, affordability and how to tackle the digital divide is top of the agenda.
03:38And the important thing about ITU is to try and get a balance so that the unconnected are connected. The underserved are served. And that can only happen if cost of connectivity comes down.
03:54We have to be very cognizant of the fact that emerging technologies need to be deployed in a very equitable and ethical manner as we move on for a sustainable and equitable growth across.
04:05The ITU has held similar conferences across its member states for over 30 years. The role that Azerbaijan plays within the organisation has proven to be crucial.
04:15Azerbaijan is a member of the International Telecommunication Union for more than 30 years and was able to have a very successful cooperation with the ITU.
04:25As of today, we have about 2,500 participants attending this event, which is an historical record for ITU development conferences.
04:37There is no doubt the conference is a significant platform for not only Azerbaijan and the closer region, but for all 48 members of the ITU, bringing together over 1,000 organisations and 194 national governments.
04:50This comes as global connectivity becomes more and more important in an ever-changing world.
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