Baku: Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov recently met with Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin. The meeting underscored the significance of the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) held in Baku, marking the first occasion the event took place in the South Caucasus and Central Asia region, attracting 2,500 specialists.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the discussions highlighted the establishment of the ITU Regional Acceleration Center in Baku, anticipated to become a pivotal hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Both parties acknowledged Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to advance the ICT sector, enhance the information and knowledge economy, develop artificial intelligence, expand digital infrastructure, and combat cyber threats.
Prime Minister Asadov emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev has prioritized ICT sector development nationally. This year, Azerbaijan approved the Digital Development Concept and the Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025-2028. The Prime Minister pointed out Azerbaijan’s leadership in the region, boasting 100% broadband internet coverage.
The development of high technologies has laid the groundwork for the ‘smart city/smart village’ concept, with its innovative urban planning model being implemented in liberated territories. Discussions also explored future cooperation between Azerbaijan and the ITU in areas like digital transformation, cybersecurity, and e-government.
The parties agreed that employing ITU’s global expertise, particularly in digital governance and skills development, would be advantageous for Azerbaijan. Additionally, they deliberated on increasing Azerbaijani representation in ITU’s governing bodies and working groups, extending Azerbaijan’s ITU Council membership, and other bilateral cooperation topics.