Baku: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil is leading the Malaysian delegation to the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25) from today until November 19. Organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by Azerbaijan, the conference aims to focus on 'Universal, Meaningful, and Affordable Connectivity for an Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Future.' The event is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including heads of state, ministers, and high-level delegates from around the globe.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi is scheduled to deliver Malaysia's statement during the high-level segment of the conference on Tuesday. He will also engage in a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from countries such as Azerbaijan, the Bahamas, Brazil, Bulgaria, India, Iran, Samoa, South Africa, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, Fahmi will witness the exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) documents between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Brazil's National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL).
Fahmi is also slated to attend the ITU Member States Heads of Delegation Celebration Dinner and meet the Malaysian diaspora in Azerbaijan. His participation in WTDC-25 is part of efforts to retain Malaysia's seat as a member of the ITU Council for the 2027-2030 term. During the World Summit on the Information Society+20 High-Level Event (WSIS+20) in Geneva on July 9, Fahmi officially announced Malaysia's candidacy for re-election to the council, highlighting the country's ongoing active role within the ITU.
Malaysia currently holds a seat on the ITU Council for the 2023-2026 term, allowing the country to contribute to shaping the ITU's strategic policy direction and represent the interests of the Asian region in advancing telecommunications and digital infrastructure. The ITU, as a United Nations specialised agency for telecommunications and digital technology, allocates radio frequency spectrum, develops international standards to ensure interoperability of communications networks, and works to close digital divides worldwide.