BAKU, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 opened Monday in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku, marking the first time the event has been held in the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
Hosted at the Baku Convention Center, the conference brings together regulatory authorities, international organizations and stakeholders from the telecommunications and IT sectors.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary-general of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), said the digital divide remains wide in developing countries despite advancements since the last conference, particularly for women and girls.
During the conference, ITU Member States are expected to set a global roadmap for digital development for 2026-2029. A regional acceleration center will also be launched in Baku to serve as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, linking the city to the ITU global innovation network.
The 12-day conference runs through Nov. 28. Over 2,000 delegates from 150 countries, including more than 300 youth representatives, are expected to attend. ■
