Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, addressed participants of the World Telecommunication Development Conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Baku, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of Azerbaijan hosting the ITU event for the first time in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s role in digital development globally and its strong cooperation with the ITU. The conference gathers stakeholders in telecommunications and information technologies to discuss strategies for digital transformation and accessibility.
President Aliyev noted the digital era’s importance and the need to ensure everyone is included in the digital future, as over two billion people remain without Internet access. He detailed Azerbaijan’s advancements in communication technologies, including artificial intelligence, cyber-security, and digital infrastructure, positioning the sector as a leading force in the nation’s non-oil economy.
He highlighted Azerbaijan’s achievements, such as 100 percent broadband internet coverage and a leading position in digital identity, with the ‘SIMA’ biometric digital signature system adopted by 3.6 million users. Azerbaijan aims to rank among the top 40 countries on the UN E-Government Development Index.
Baku, as the conference host city, serves as a telecommunications hub and will soon open an ITU Regional Acceleration Center to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. President Aliyev expressed confidence that the conference would foster inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital advancements benefitting billions globally.
The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) opening ceremony emphasized the theme of “universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity for an inclusive and sustainable digital future.” The event is organized by the ITU and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport. Minister Rashad Nabiyev delivered President Aliyev’s message, underscoring Azerbaijan’s commitment to global digital development and inclusive connectivity.