Sofie Maddens

At today’s BDT staff engagement meeting, I connected with colleagues at HQ in Geneva and across our 6 @ITU-D regions. It was a time to share the progress that we are making together in advancing #BDT4Impact. We exchanged views on innovative ways of overcoming challenges and delivering impactful results for the benefit of the people worldwide. We also welcomed colleagues who recently joined the Telecommunication Development Bureau. Grateful to my team for the results they continue to deliver every day. Together, we will continue to effectively implement #WTDC-25 outcomes and advance #BDT4Impact.

20 years ago, at #WTDC-06 in Doha, the first dedicated @ITU-D Study Group Question on access to telecommunication services for persons with disabilities was launched, supporting equal use of technology in the digital ecosystem. Since then, @ITUDevelopment has worked with ITU members, stakeholders, and partners to advance digital accessibility, from practical guidance and policy dialogue to implementation of inclusive national, regional, and global frameworks. At #COSP19, we reaffirm our commitment to a barrier-free digital world where persons with disabilities can participate fully and equally, supporting independent living and an improved quality of life. Learn more about our work on ICT accessibility: itu.int/itu-d/sites/digital-…

One of the greatest strengths of #ITUGSR is the space it creates for regulators to speak openly with one another. Grateful to all heads of regulatory authorities present for the depth of exchange and their continued commitment to digital development. The discussion highlighted the realities, pressures, and opportunities shaping regulatory leadership.

We are ready for #ITUGSR in Ankara. Grateful for the tireless work behind the scenes by everyone at @BTKbasin and my team at @ITUDevelopment in bringing this year’s Global Symposium together. We are ready to welcome participants and engage in conversations that will shape the next digital frontier.

Great to open the national #GirlsInICT Day event in Albania ahead of today’s global celebration. We believe in universal connectivity, access, and opportunities. We are committed to getting girls shape our digital future, especially through AI. Thank you to Albania for hosting us. Happy #GirlsInICT Day!

Pleased to mark an important step for #ITUGSR today at #ITUTDAG with the signing of the Host Country Agreement with our host Türkiye and @BTKbasin. It reflects the strong cooperation behind this year’s symposium and our joint efforts to create a valuable space for regulators and digital leaders to connect, exchange experiences and navigate the digital frontier together. @oakaragozoglu

This May, the beautiful city of Ankara 🇹🇷 will host the global regulatory community for #ITUGSR. Regulators, policymakers and digital leaders will come together to exchange experiences and explore effective pathways for navigating the digital frontier. Be part of it! Register to #ITUGSR-26 👉🏼 itu.int/itu-d/meetings/gsr-2… @oakaragozoglu @BTKbasin

A centrepiece of #ITUGSR is the adoption of the GSR-25 Best Practice Guidelines to empower regulators as digital ecosystem builders. They mark a new compact with the wider ecosystem—regulating is not gatekeeping, it is nurturing a garden. itu.int/net/epub/BDT/2025-GS… @CST_KSA

For a quarter of a century, GSR has served as a cornerstone of global digital development amid waves of technological change. itu.int/hub/2025/09/gsr-25-g…

This year, #ITUGSR marks 25 years of evolving digital regulation, with new questions calling for bold, inclusive dialogue. GSR-25 in Riyadh🇸🇦will bring together digital leaders to tackle the most pressing policy challenges. Check the programme & register: itu.int/gsr25

This November, leaders will gather in Baku, Azerbaijan🇦🇿 for #ITUWTDC-25 to explore how we can turn digital progress into shared prosperity by meaningfully connecting everyone, everywhere. Let’s turn inclusive digital development from a dream into reality: itu.int/wtdc25

Elizabeth from 🇰🇬 is a co-moderator of the #GirlsinICT Global Celebration. Both she + Khadijetou from 🇲🇷 joined me to lead a discussion on inclusive digital transformation, ensuring young women + girls have the tools + support to thrive in the digital age. They are #GirlsinICT!

Girls + young women as innovators + leaders contribute to economic growth powered by digital; they are not just employees but employers! Not just consumers but creators. #GirlsinICT initiatives ensure girls worldwide reach their potential through innovation + entrepreneurship.