Minister of Communications and Media Calls for International Protection of Telecommunications Infrastructure

Doha, 9 November (KUNA) -- Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture, Omar Al-Omar, stressed on Monday the importance of strengthening international cooperation to ensure the continuity of communications services, and condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure or threats to disrupt it in order to pressure states or undermine their security. He called for enhanced international protection of these facilities and their shielding from conflicts.

This was stated in the address delivered by Minister Al-Omar at the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, which is the highest policy-making body of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), responsible for setting its strategic direction, approving its plans, and electing its leadership.

In his speech, the Minister of Communications and Information emphasized that communications services constitute a cornerstone of development and a means of protecting lives, underscoring the necessity of ensuring their continuity during both peacetime and crises. He also outlined Kuwait’s efforts to develop its communications networks and leverage modern technologies, including advanced fifth-generation (5G) services and the National Early Warning System for emergencies.

He highlighted Kuwait’s hosting of the fifth General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization and the adoption of the “Kuwait Declaration on Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Global Digital Prosperity.”

Minister Al-Omar addressed Kuwait’s candidacy for membership on the ITU Council for the 2027–2030 term, affirming Kuwait’s aspiration to continue contributing to efficient spectrum management, enhancing network resilience, providing affordable communication services, and exchanging expertise with developing countries.

On the sidelines of the conference, Kuwait hosted a luncheon for participating delegations, under the patronage of Minister Al-Omar and the accompanying delegation, as part of Kuwait’s participation program. In a speech at the event, the minister welcomed the participating delegations.

Minister Al-Omar leads the Kuwaiti delegation to the conference, which opened today and will run until 27 November. The Kuwaiti delegation includes Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hin; Kuwait’s Ambassador to Qatar, Ahmed Al-Sharim; Dr. Khaled Al-Zamil, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Communications and Information Technology; and Eng. Meshal Al-Zaid, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport.

The Plenipotentiary Conference is the highest policy-making body of the International Telecommunication Union, tasked with setting its strategic direction, approving its plans, and electing its leadership. (End) S.S.S / H.S.S