Participants will meet to adopt non-binding opinions and produce a Chairman’s report about pressing policy issues emerging in the telecommunications and ICT landscape. WTPF-26 Theme is Accelerating an inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and innovative digital future.
The Internet Society and the WTPF
Since 2024, the Internet Society has actively contributed to the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum (WTPF) process by promoting complementary access and networking solutions, such as community-centered connectivity solutions, to connect the unconnected in rural, urban, and remote areas. The WTPF-26 is an opportunity to gather various ideas and reach consensus on policies and strategies that can enable access and connectivity to help achieve the SDGs.
During the Strategic Dialogue, to be held in Nassau on 1 September 2026, the Internet Society will also participate in the high-level multistakeholder segment dedicated to discussing an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable digital future.
About the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum (WTPF)
The WTPF is hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It facilitates the sharing of ideas and information on emerging issues arising from technological advancements and the changing telecommunications landscape. The WTPF is held on an ad hoc basis once there is consensus among Member States to reconvene it, and it is open to all ITU Member States and Sector Members (organizations from civil society, the private sector, and the technical community).
Preparations for the WTPF 2026, Secretary-General Report, and Draft Opinions
To assist in the preparation of the ITU Secretary-General’s report, an Informal Expert Group (IEG) was convened, in which the Internet Society participated. Alongside the draft report, a set of opinions is included to discuss opportunities, challenges, and policies to address diverse issues.
The following draft opinions are part of the WTPF-26 preparatory process:
- DRAFT OPINION 1: Bridging digital divides, particularly on gender and age, as well as skills and connectivity
- DRAFT OPINION 2: Green digital transformation: climate change and environmental sustainability
- DRAFT OPINION 3: Resilience of telecommunications/ICTs
- DRAFT OPINION 4: Space connectivity
- DRAFT OPINION 5: Strengthening ICT-centric innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurship
The forum’s outcome will be the Chairman’s report, based on the Secretary-General’s report, which will include draft opinions and the main views expressed at the forum.
Fostering an enabling policy and regulatory environment for Community Centered Connectivity
Draft opinion 1 contains text that emphasizes the need for “complementary access and networking solutions” to extend connectivity to rural, remote, unserved, and underserved areas, as well as the urgent need to support Indigenous communities, women, and girls so they can actively participate in the digital economy. The Internet Society firmly supports the text enabling these solutions. They are valued by many stakeholders, and the opinion encourages Member States to consider establishing an enabling environment. They also invite multistakeholder more active engagement with local populations to understand their needs.