ITU Member States to meet in Doha in 2026 to guide the future of global connectivity and digital transformation
Qatar, the host country of the next International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), has nominated Eng. Ahmad Abdulla AlMuslemani, President of the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), as Chair-designate.
The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP) is the highest decision-making body of ITU, the UN Agency for Digital Technologies. PP-26 will take place in Doha, Qatar, from 9 to 27 November 2026.
“ITU’s next Plenipotentiary Conference in Qatar will set the stage for a digital future where human-centered technology drives progress and inclusion for everyone,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “Under Eng. Ahmad Abdulla AlMuslemani’s leadership, I’m confident that PP-26 will make great strides in advancing ITU’s mission to connect the world meaningfully and sustainably.”
Delegates representing ITU’s 193 Member States meet every four years at the Plenipotentiary Conference to set out the organization’s strategic and financial plans. They also elect ITU’s senior management team, the Member States of the ITU Council, and the members of the Radio Regulations Board.
His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, said: “This appointment underscores Qatar’s commitment to shaping the future of global communications and ensuring equitable access to information and communication technologies for all. We are confident that AlMuslemani’s extensive experience will be instrumental in guiding the conference towards impactful resolutions and fostering a collaborative environment for the ITU member states.”
As Chair-designate, AlMuslemani will work with ITU and its Member States to prepare for PP-26, which will guide the organization’s work through 2030 in overseeing global radio spectrum allocation, creating global technical standards, and advancing sustainable development through connectivity to digital technologies.
“Qatar has a proven track record of successfully organizing and hosting major international events. We are confident that Qatar will be an exemplary host for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. It will be our honor to welcome the global ICT community to Doha, where we will share our rich culture, heritage, and hospitality. This conference presents an invaluable opportunity for us to collectively advance the global ICT agenda, fostering innovation and cooperation that will shape the future of digital technologies worldwide,” said AlMuslemani.
The decision to host PP-26 in Doha was adopted by consensus by ITU Member States in October 2022 at ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference 2022, in Bucharest, Romania.
In its bid to host PP-26, the country noted its strong infrastructure for information and communication technologies as well as its status as a world leader in organizing and hosting major events, including high-level global and regional conferences across a variety of sectors.
As CRA President, AlMuslemani leverages over 18 years of rich experience in the information and communication technologies sector to strategically shape regulatory policies and digital infrastructure development. His leadership plays a crucial role in aligning Qatar’s digital transformation initiatives with the National Development Strategy and Digital Agenda 2030.
AlMuslemani holds a Master’s degree in Communication Systems from the Swiss Institute of Technology and a Master’s in Management from HEC Paris in Qatar. He also obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Ohio State University, USA. His combined technical and managerial expertise spans Big Data, the Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, and notably, the deployment of 5G networks, which are pivotal in enhancing connectivity and technological access throughout Qatar. This expertise will undoubtedly add significant value to the PP-26 discussions.
