ITU Re-Elects Doreen Bogdan-Martin for Another Four Years as Secretary-General
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has re-elected Doreen Bogdan-Martin as its Secretary-General, giving her another four-year mandate to lead the United Nations agency responsible for global telecommunications and digital technologies.
Bogdan-Martin secured 164 votes out of 173 votes cast during the election held on November 12, 2026, at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Qatar. Her victory reflects strong support from member states for her leadership and the organisation’s ongoing efforts to expand global connectivity and ensure that technological development benefits people across the world.
The re-election means Bogdan-Martin will continue overseeing the ITU’s work at a time when digital technologies are rapidly transforming economies, businesses, education systems and communication networks. Her next term is expected to focus on connecting people who remain without reliable internet access, strengthening digital infrastructure, improving cybersecurity and ensuring that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence create opportunities for everyone.
Her victory is also significant because the digital divide remains one of the major challenges facing the international community. While millions of people enjoy access to fast internet, digital services and advanced communication technologies, billions still lack reliable connectivity.
The ITU estimates that approximately two billion people worldwide remain offline, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing governments, technology companies and international development organisations.
Speaking after her re-election, Bogdan-Martin expressed gratitude to member states for trusting her with another term. She said the digital world had changed significantly over the past four years and would continue evolving rapidly.
She emphasised the need to ensure that technological progress benefits everyone, particularly communities that have remained disconnected from the digital economy.
Her message reflects the central objective of the organisation’s work: building a digital future in which access to technology is not limited by geography, income or other barriers.
A Historic Leadership Journey at the ITU
Bogdan-Martin’s re-election extends a leadership journey that has placed her at the centre of international telecommunications policy and digital development.
She was first elected Secretary-General in 2022 and assumed office in 2023, becoming the first woman to lead the International Telecommunication Union in its long history.
Her appointment was considered a major milestone for women in international technology leadership, particularly within an organisation that plays a central role in shaping global communication systems.
Before becoming Secretary-General, she served as Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau from 2018 to 2022. In that position, she worked on initiatives aimed at expanding telecommunications infrastructure, promoting digital inclusion and supporting developing countries in strengthening their communication systems.
Her experience within the organisation gave her an understanding of the challenges facing countries with different levels of technological development.
Over the years, she has also held several leadership positions within the ITU, building more than three decades of experience in international telecommunications policy.
Her background is expected to remain important as the organisation navigates the growing influence of artificial intelligence, satellite communications, digital platforms and other emerging technologies.
The next four years will therefore provide an opportunity to build on the progress made during her first term while addressing new challenges emerging across the global technology sector.
What Is the International Telecommunication Union?
The International Telecommunication Union is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for issues relating to information and communication technologies.
Established in 1865, the organisation is one of the oldest international institutions and plays an important role in ensuring that communication networks and technologies operate effectively across national borders.
It brings together 194 member states, alongside more than 1,000 companies, universities, research institutions and civil society organisations.
Its responsibilities include coordinating the global use of radio-frequency spectrum, managing satellite orbital resources, developing international telecommunications standards and supporting efforts to expand digital connectivity.
These responsibilities are important because modern communication systems depend on international cooperation.
For example, mobile networks, satellite services, broadcasting systems and other communication technologies require agreed technical standards and coordinated use of limited resources.
Without such cooperation, countries and technology companies could face significant challenges when developing networks and providing services across borders.
The ITU also works with governments and development partners to improve access to telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities.
Its work has become increasingly important as digital technology continues to influence almost every aspect of modern life, from education and healthcare to banking, agriculture, trade and public administration.
Bogdan-Martin’s re-election therefore comes at a time when the organisation’s responsibilities are expanding alongside rapid technological developments.
