Guidelines to support delegations in the preparation of policy statements for PP-26

Introduction

In 2026, ITU Member States will convene for the Plenipotentiary Conference (PP26), the Union’s highest decision-making body. The Conference provides an opportunity for governments to renew their shared vision for the future of telecommunications and digital development and to shape the priorities of the Union for the coming strategic cycle.

Under the theme “Together for a connected, digital future”, PP-26 builds on the achievements of the ITU Strategic Plan 2024–2027 —particularly progress towards universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation— while setting the direction for the Strategic Plan 2028-2031.

The theme reflects the growing recognition that digital technologies are essential infrastructure for modern societies and economies. Achieving a connected digital future requires collective leadership, forward-looking policies and strengthened international cooperation to ensure that connectivity and digital transformation are inclusive, resilient, secure and sustainable.

In this context, policy statements delivered by high-ranking delegates from ITU Member States during the opening week of PP-26 will contribute to shaping the strategic dialogue of the Conference.

Policy statements at PP-26

During the first week of the Conference, high-ranking delegates from ITU Member States  will be invited to deliver policy statements in Plenary. These statements provide an opportunity to:

Highlight national progress and achievements since PP‑22
Share national strategies and priorities for the next phase of digital development
Identify emerging opportunities and challenges in the evolving digital landscape and
Provide perspectives on how international cooperation, including through ITU, can best support Member States.

To support a forward-looking dialogue, Member States may wish to frame their interventions around the two strategic goals in the Strategic Plan of the Union:

Goal 1 – Universal Connectivity: Enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs.
Goal 2 – Sustainable Digital Transformation: Foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development.

Together, these goals support the shared ambition of building a connected digital future for all.

Key areas shaping the digital future

As countries advance towards universal connectivity and inclusive digital transformation, several priority areas are emerging across national digital strategies. Ministers may wish to reflect on how these evolving areas are shaping national policies and international cooperation.

1. Expanding connectivity infrastructure and investment

Achieving universal connectivity will require continued investment in infrastructure, including digital networks, international connectivity and future-generation communication systems. Policy statements may highlight national efforts to expand broadband infrastructure, attract investment in digital networks and promote innovative connectivity solutions to reach underserved areas.

2. Strengthening the resilience of infrastructure

Digital networks have become critical infrastructure for societies and economies. Ensuring their resilience and continuity of service is increasingly important, Member States may wish to share experiences related to strengthening network resilience, protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring reliable international connectivity.

3. Ensuring reliable emergency and humanitarian communications

Telecommunications play a vital role in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Robust emergency communication systems enable governments to deliver early warnings, coordinate response and maintain essential communications during crises. Ministers may highlight national initiatives aimed at strengthening emergency communication capabilities.

4. Advancing space-based connectivity and sustainability

Space technologies are increasingly important in expanding connectivity and supporting critical services worldwide. As the use of satellite systems grows, ensuring sustainable and responsible use of space resources and strengthening the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks are becoming global priorities, as reflected in ITU-R Preparatory Studies for the World Radiocommunication Conference to convene in 2027 (WRC-27).

5. Harnessing emerging technologies for development

Emerging technologies —including artificial intelligence and other advanced digital innovations— are transforming economies and societies. Their responsible deployment and standardization offer significant opportunities to accelerate digital transformation and support sustainable development. Ministers may highlight national initiatives aimed at achieving digital transformation for development.