Fahmi leads Malaysia's bid for re-election to ITU Council

PUTRAJAYA: Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil is leading Malaysia's delegation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26) in Doha, Qatar, from Nov 6 to 11.

The visit comes as Malaysia seeks re-election to the ITU Council for the 2027-2030 term.

Malaysia's participation in the quadrennial conference, the ITU's highest decision-making platform, aims to ensure the country's interests remain represented in shaping global telecommunications and information and communications technology (ICT) policies.

The conference will chart the ITU's policies and strategic plans for 2027 to 2030, while electing its top leadership, members of the Radio Regulations Board, and 48 member states to the ITU Council.

The cabinet approved Malaysia's re-election bid through the Communications Ministry on June 5, 2025, and endorsed Fahmi as head of the delegation on Sept 2 this year.

Malaysia aims to reinforce its role in shaping international telecommunications policies while engaging fellow member states to muster support for its candidacy.

Securing a seat on the ITU Council would allow Malaysia to participate directly in decisions steering global telecommunications and ICT development, including digital infrastructure, technology standards, cybersecurity, and initiatives to bridge the digital divide.

The 48-member council acts as the union's governing body between plenipotentiary conferences, overseeing policy implementation, strategic planning, finances, and work programmes.

Re-election would also enable Malaysia to contribute to international regulations and standards, especially technological compatibility and interoperability, while fostering a more inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem.

Membership would further elevate Malaysia's digital diplomacy, international footprint, and cooperation with other member states, particularly across the Asia-Pacific region.

Malaysia joined the ITU on Feb 3, 1958, and served four consecutive terms on the council from 1998 to 2014 before winning a seat for the 2023-2026 term at PP-22 in Bucharest, Romania.

Fahmi is scheduled to attend the heads of delegation meeting, the opening ceremony, and the plenary session on Nov 9, where he will deliver Malaysia's national policy statement.

He will also take part in a high-level thematic discussion on strategic telecommunications and ICT development issues.

Malaysia will host a luncheon at the conference venue to deepen diplomatic ties with member states and showcase its achievements during its 2023-2026 council tenure.

Ahead of the conference, Fahmi is scheduled to meet the Malaysian diaspora in Doha, including representatives of the Malaysian Association in Qatar, the Malaysian Business Executive Council-Qatar, community groups, and students.

He is also expected to attend Sukan Malaysia Qatar, organised by the Malaysian Association of Qatar alongside the Malaysian diplomatic mission in Doha. — BERNAMA