ICT Minister Joins WTDC-25: Driving Innovation in Global Telecommunications

ICT Minister Joins WTDC-25: Driving Innovation in Global Telecommunications

TEHRAN – A significant event in the telecommunications sector is underway as an Iranian delegation, led by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Sattar Hashemi, participates in the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25). This conference, which runs from November 17 to November 28, 2025, is hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan in Baku. The theme for this year’s event is “Universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity for an inclusive and sustainable digital future,” according to reports from IRIB.

The opening ceremony took place on Monday and featured a keynote address by Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union. The event has attracted about 150 representatives, including 40 ministers or deputy ministers from various countries around the globe, highlighting its international significance.

On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Hashemi is scheduled to engage in discussions with his counterparts and numerous high-level delegates. These meetings aim to share expertise and promote technological collaborations in several key areas, including:

  • Fiber Optic Networks
  • 5G Technologies
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

WTDC serves as a vital catalyst for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategic decision-making within the telecommunications sector. This landmark digital development conference aims to facilitate affordable and meaningful connectivity for the estimated 2.6 billion individuals worldwide who currently lack internet access. Furthermore, the conference will adopt a global roadmap for digital development, which will be implemented over the next four years (2026-2029) by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Development Sector. This process will culminate in a globally agreed Declaration and Action Plan.

Iran’s Role in the Digital Landscape

Iran’s unique combination of talent, data, and innovation positions it as a key player in the regional AI value chain, driving meaningful cooperation and development. Minister Hashemi emphasized Iran’s commitment to fostering regional collaboration and building a future where AI contributes to prosperity and unity during his address at the Iran Corridor 2025 conference held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Highlighting Iran’s significance in the regional digital landscape, Hashemi asserted that the country is a major player in AI within the Persian Gulf region. He expressed Iran’s readiness to initiate cooperation with neighboring states in this critical area.

During his remarks, Hashemi pointed out that Iran’s mobile phone operators, along with its flourishing digital service platforms such as Snapp! and Digikala—which cater to over 30 million users—generate a wealth of multifaceted data that is essential for advancing AI technology, as reported by Press TV.

Despite facing economic sanctions, Iran has successfully cultivated a resilient fintech ecosystem that continues to thrive and innovate. Hashemi noted, “Our country’s academic and research capabilities have propelled us to the forefront of AI advancements. In 2023, Iran ranked second in the region in terms of the number and quality of scientific papers in AI, demonstrating our commitment to cutting-edge research and development.”

Furthermore, the Iranian minister highlighted that Iran ranks second in the region for AI developers, showcasing the depth of the skilled workforce. Additionally, the country holds the fourth position in the region regarding the number of AI firms, underscoring its dynamic and rapidly growing ecosystem.

In summary, the participation of Iran in the WTDC-25 reflects its commitment to enhancing global connectivity and advancing technological collaboration. As the world increasingly moves toward a digital future, Iran’s efforts in AI and telecommunications are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of digital development.

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