DOHA, Nov 9 (Bernama) – The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26) officially opened in Doha today, bringing together telecommunications leaders, policymakers and government representatives from around the world to discuss the future of global digital connectivity.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, who is leading the Malaysian delegation, is scheduled to deliver Malaysia’s policy statement during the first plenary session at 2.30 pm local time (7.30 pm Malaysian time) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The conference, which runs from Nov 9 to 27, is the ITU’s highest decision-making platform. It determines the organisation’s strategic direction, policies and leadership for the next four years.

Malaysia’s participation is particularly significant as the country seeks re-election to the 48-member ITU Council for the 2027–2030 term.

According to Fahmi’s official programme, his engagements include a meeting of Heads of Delegation and the conference’s opening ceremony.

He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with representatives from Fiji, Costa Rica and Finland to strengthen Malaysia’s international telecommunications cooperation.

In addition, Fahmi is expected to meet senior representatives of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) to explore opportunities for closer engagement with the global mobile communications industry.

The conference will also see member states elect the ITU’s top executive leadership, members of the Radio Regulations Board and 48 countries to serve on the ITU Council.

Fahmi is on a working visit to Doha from Nov 6 to 11 to lead Malaysia’s delegation and secure the country’s re-election to the ITU Council for the 2027–2030 term.

He is accompanied by Communications Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Telecommunications Infrastructure) Mano Verabathran.

This story reported by Bernama Samantha Tan Chiew Ting