Doha Selected As Host For ITU’s 2026 Conference; AlMuslemani Appointed Chair-Designate

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Qatar to host ITU’s PP-26 in 2026, with CRA President AlMuslemani nominated as Chair-designate, guiding strategic and financial plans for global digital technologies.

Qatar, the upcoming host of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), has put forward Eng. Ahmad Abdulla AlMuslemani, the President of the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), as the Chair-designate.

The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP) is the paramount decision-making entity of the ITU, a United Nations agency for digital technologies. PP-26 is scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar, from November 9 to 27, 2026.

“ITU’s next Plenipotentiary Conference in Qatar will set the stage for a digital future where human-centered technology drives progress and inclusion for everyone,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “Under Eng. Ahmad Abdulla AlMuslemani’s leadership, I’m confident that PP-26 will make great strides in advancing ITU’s mission to connect the world meaningfully and sustainably.”

Every four years, delegates from ITU’s 193 Member States convene at the Plenipotentiary Conference to establish the organization’s strategic and financial plans. During this conference, they also elect the senior management team of the ITU, the Member States of the ITU Council, and the members of the Radio Regulations Board.

His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, said: “This appointment underscores Qatar’s commitment to shaping the future of global communications and ensuring equitable access to information and communication technologies for all.  We are confident that AlMuslemani’s extensive experience will be instrumental in guiding the conference towards impactful resolutions and fostering a collaborative environment for the ITU member states.”

As the Chair-designate, AlMuslemani will collaborate with ITU and its Member States to prepare for PP-26. This conference will shape the organization’s agenda through 2030, focusing on global radio spectrum allocation, the development of international technical standards, and the promotion of sustainable development through enhanced digital connectivity.

“Qatar has a proven track record of successfully organizing and hosting major international events. We are confident that Qatar will be an exemplary host for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. It will be our honor to welcome the global ICT community to Doha, where we will share our rich culture, heritage, and hospitality. This conference presents an invaluable opportunity for us to collectively advance the global ICT agenda, fostering innovation and cooperation that will shape the future of digital technologies worldwide,” said AlMuslemani.

The decision to host PP-26 in Doha was made by consensus among ITU Member States in October 2022 during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference held in Bucharest, Romania.

In its bid to host PP-26, Qatar highlighted its robust information and communication technology infrastructure and its reputation as a global leader in organizing major events, including high-level international and regional conferences across various sectors.

As President of the CRA, AlMuslemani brings over 18 years of extensive experience in the information and communication technologies sector, strategically shaping regulatory policies and digital infrastructure development. His leadership is instrumental in aligning Qatar’s digital transformation efforts with the National Development Strategy and Digital Agenda 2030.

AlMuslemani holds a Master’s degree in Communication Systems from the Swiss Institute of Technology and a Master’s in Management from HEC Paris in Qatar. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Ohio State University, USA. His technical and managerial expertise spans Big Data, the Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, and notably, the deployment of 5G networks, which are essential for enhancing connectivity and technological access throughout Qatar. This expertise will undoubtedly contribute significant value to the PP-26 discussions.