The Arab working team held a meeting to prepare for the Arab League’s Plenipotentiary Conference, chaired by the Kingdom. The meeting aims to unify efforts, align viewpoints, and discuss joint decisions and directions. This coincides with the announcement of the start of preparatory work for the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR25), hosted by the capital city of Riyadh.
During the meeting, discussions took place regarding decisions related to all matters concerning the Plenipotentiary Conference. The Kingdom’s candidacy and the candidacies of Arab countries to retain their seats in the International Telecommunication Union Council, membership in the Radio Regulations Committee, and other efforts aimed at assuming leadership positions in the Union were also examined.
The Kingdom’s leadership of the Arab team is a result of its prominent status, influential roles, and active participation in international decision-making. It reflects the Kingdom’s efforts in supporting the goals of the International Telecommunication Union, acting as a strategic partner in implementing its outcomes and achieving sustainable development objectives, and playing a key role in promoting a culture of innovation in the fields of communications, space, and technology at the international level.
It is worth noting that the Plenipotentiary Conference is the highest authority of the International Telecommunication Union—the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technology—and is held every four years. During the conference, member states decide the future role of the Union, outline its directions and activities, and determine the Union’s ability to influence and guide the development of communications and technology worldwide.
Arab League
The Arab League is a regional organization of 22 Arab states, founded in Cairo in 1945 to promote political and economic cooperation among its members. Its history is deeply intertwined with modern Arab politics, including efforts toward pan-Arab unity and responses to regional conflicts. The League’s headquarters has been located in Cairo for most of its existence, except for an 11-year period when it was moved to Tunis.
Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR25)
The Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR25) is a premier annual forum organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that brings together national regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders from around the world. It serves as a platform to discuss key regulatory trends, share best practices, and foster collaboration on policies for the digital economy. The 2025 symposium will continue its history of addressing critical issues like bridging the digital divide and regulating emerging technologies.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, historically a walled oasis town and the ancestral home of the Al Saud dynasty. It transformed from a small desert settlement into a modern metropolis following the discovery of oil in the 20th century, which fueled its rapid economic and infrastructural growth. Today, it serves as the nation’s political and administrative center, blending its deep historical roots with contemporary architecture.
International Telecommunication Union
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized United Nations agency responsible for issues concerning information and communication technologies. It was originally founded in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, making it one of the oldest international organizations. The ITU coordinates the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promotes international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, and works to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world.
Radio Regulations Committee
The Radio Regulations Committee is a specialized body of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that manages the global radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. It was established to update the international treaty known as the Radio Regulations, which governs the use of the radio spectrum to prevent interference between different wireless services. Its work ensures the orderly development and operation of all radio communication services worldwide.
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It replaced the ineffective League of Nations and is headquartered on an international territory in New York City. Today, it provides a forum for its 193 member states to address global issues such as climate change, human rights, and humanitarian crises.
Plenipotentiary Conference
A Plenipotentiary Conference is the supreme decision-making body of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations. Held every four years, these conferences set the union’s general policies, elect its leadership, and revise international telecommunications treaties. The first conference was held in Paris in 1865, establishing the foundational International Telegraph Convention.
International Telecommunication Union Council
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council is the governing body of the ITU, a specialized United Nations agency for information and communication technologies. It was established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, making it one of the oldest international organizations. The Council acts as the ITU’s executive body, overseeing its administrative functions and implementing decisions between the quadrennial Plenipotentiary Conferences.
