Baku: The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25), held in Baku from November 17-28, marked a significant milestone with its record-breaking number of participants and high-level guests. The event surpassed previous years in attendance, highlighting its growing significance on the international stage.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, a total of 2572 individuals registered for ‘WTDC-25’, making it the most attended event among recent ‘WTDC’ gatherings. For context, ‘WTDC-2017’ saw 1360 physical attendees, while ‘WTDC-2022’ had 1763 participants. Additionally, the presence of 196 high-ranking guests at the conference was notably higher than in previous years, indicating the increasing importance of the conference.
The conference was commended for its efficient organization, with participant convenience, protocol, media, and communication being effectively managed. These factors, combined with the extensive participation of international partners, contributed to the conference’s positive evaluation.
A significant achievement of ‘WTDC-25’ was the adoption of the Baku Action Plan, which will guide global digital development from 2026 to 2029. The plan focuses on strategic directions for human-centered and inclusive digital development, with an emphasis on addressing the digital needs of developing countries and underserved communities.
The importance of this initiative is underscored by the global challenge that over two billion people still lack internet access. The Baku Action Plan aims to address this issue by promoting universal and accessible connectivity, which is crucial for sharing the benefits of the digital economy across societies worldwide.