Saudi Arabia chairs final preparatory meeting for 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference

Saudi Arabia chaired the final meeting of the Arab Working Group, affiliated with the Arab League, in Riyadh to prepare for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026, which the Kingdom will host from October 11 to 14.

The meeting was led by Mansour Al-Qurashi, Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology for International Cooperation and Partnerships. Its aim was to unify Arab efforts and perspectives on decisions and joint positions related to the conference, as well as to support Arab countries’ nominations for elective positions to be voted on during the event.

The meeting coincided with the International Telecommunication and Space Sustainability Event in Riyadh, reflecting the Kingdom’s advanced standing in the communications and information technology sector, its prominent role in international decision-making, and its support for the ITU’s objectives.

Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting international communications

Informed sources indicated that Saudi Arabia’s leadership of the Arab Working Group is a result of its prominent position and active participation as a strategic partner of the ITU in implementing outcomes and achieving sustainable development goals, as well as its efforts to promote a culture of innovation in communications, space, and technology at the international level.

Significance of the Plenipotentiary Conference

The Plenipotentiary Conference is the highest decision-making body of the ITU, the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies. Held every four years, the conference enables member states to determine the ITU’s future role, set its direction and activities, and thus contributes to the development and guidance of the global communications and technology sector.