Kuwait has officially declared its candidacy for membership on the Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for the forthcoming term, signaling its intent to play a more active role in guiding global telecommunications and digital transformation efforts. The announcement was made on April 29, 2026, by Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, during an ITU Council meeting held in the Swiss city.

Ambassador Al-Hayen highlighted Kuwait’s long-standing relationship with the ITU, noting that the country has been a member since 1959 and previously served on the Council beginning in 1982. He emphasized that Kuwait’s bid aims to reinforce its commitment to supporting the ITU’s goal of fostering a prosperous digital future amid rapidly evolving global communication technologies.

The selection of Council members will take place at the ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled for November 2026 in Qatar. Kuwait is seeking the backing of member states ahead of that vote. According to Ambassador Al-Hayen, Kuwait’s candidacy underscores its desire to contribute actively to the ITU’s policy-making, strategic direction, and initiatives, particularly those focused on inclusive digital access and sustainable technological advancement worldwide.

Furthermore, Kuwait aims to align its efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the frameworks established by the World Summit on the Information Society. The ambassador noted that this involves enhancing communication infrastructure, ensuring a secure and legally governed digital environment, and harnessing information and communication technologies (ICT) as drivers of development and international connectivity.

Kuwait’s renewed push for Council membership reflects a broader ambition to support global cooperation in digital transformation and to promote equitable access to digital resources in concert with international partners.