During the World Telecommunication Development Conference in Baku (November 17–28, 2025), the RCC, in its capacity as an ITU regional telecommunication organization, submitted 26 common proposals:
• 24 proposals addressed WTDC Resolutions and were prepared by the communications administration of the Russian Federation.
• 2 proposals concerned the Baku Plan of Action and the final Declaration of WTDC-25.
In addition, the Conference considered two multi-country proposals: a joint proposal from Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, and a separate proposal from Azerbaijan.
The proposals primarily addressed the following key areas:
New and Emerging Technologies
• The RCC communications administrations submitted a draft new Resolution on the metaverse and two draft new Resolutions concerning satellite constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO). Although these proposals prompted some of the most extensive discussions at the Conference, their core provisions were successfully incorporated into the final WTDC-25 documents.
• The Conference approved the majority of the RCC's proposed amendments to existing WTDC Resolutions. These amendments addressed key topics, including cybersecurity and bridging the digital divide.
Procedural Matters and Functioning of ITU-D Working Bodies
• The Conference adopted nearly all RCC proposals. These proposals aimed to streamline procedures across all three ITU Sectors and to strengthen the mandates of the Telecommunication Development Advisory Group and the ITU-D Study Groups. A key objective was to expand their agendas to include a greater number of topics on new and emerging technologies.
Telecommunication/ICT Statistics
• Following RCC proposals and the work of the appointed coordinator, WTDC-25 adopted decisions to enhance the transparency of the ITU-D's work on its key statistical products.
Baku Plan of Action for ITU-D
• The Conference agreed on the following thematic priorities to guide the Sector's work for the next four years:
⠀• Enabling affordable connectivity
⠀• Digital transformation
⠀• Fostering a conducive policy and regulatory environment
⠀• Resource mobilization and international cooperation
⠀• Promoting inclusive and secure telecommunication/ICT for sustainable development.
The coordinated efforts of the RCC's appointed coordinators were crucial in mitigating negative amendments to the final texts of the WTDC-25 Resolutions and the Baku Declaration. Their work was particularly impactful on sensitive issues such as:
• The gender agenda
• Inclusion
• Youth policy
• Internet multilingualism
The Sector's newly agreed priorities for 2026-2029 show strong alignment with the Regional Initiatives for the CIS countries, which were also approved at WTDC-25. Both frameworks cover essential thematic areas, including:
• New technologies
• Digital skills development
• Cybersecurity and resilience
• A favourable regulatory environment
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Regarding the Conference's output documents, it is important to note that WTDC-25, despite difficult negotiations, successfully revised Resolution 18 on providing technical assistance to Palestine. Furthermore, it adopted two new resolutions that expand the ITU's mandate in assisting Member States:
• Assistance to Sudan – A resolution on providing support to restore damaged telecommunication infrastructure.
• Support for Pacific Island States – A resolution on supporting their digital transformation in line with the Lagatua Declaration.
The Conference also agreed on several other new resolutions, notably on:
• The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in telecommunication development.
• Strengthening the role of ITU regional offices to accelerate digital transformation and leverage partnerships.
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The draft final report of WTDC-25 is available in both Russian and English on the official RCC Telegram channel.