Policy paper

UK candidate for ITU Council (Region B)

Published 14 November 2025

Welcome

I am proud to present the United Kingdom for re-election to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council in 2026.

Technology has a central role to play in improving the lives of individuals and communities addressing global challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of the ITU is more important than ever.

The UK has been a member of the ITU since 1871. As strong supporters of international cooperation will continue to uphold the ITU’s tradition of consensus-based solutions to global challenges.

We value deeply the ITU’s important work managing spectrum allocation, developing technical standards and bridging digital divides. The UK is active across the ITU, with over 50 UK sector members, associates and academia members. We are proud to play a leading role in CEPT and serve as a vice-chair of the Commonwealth ITU Group.

We have a strong track-record in technology, innovation, and collaboration, including expertise in AI, cybersecurity and quantum. We are proud to be working with the ITU to bridge digital divides through our UK-ITU partnership focused on last-mile connectivity. This project is part of our wider Digital Access Programme, which has sustainably improved the digital inclusion of 17.6 million people so far.

We will bring this expertise and our commitment to partnership and sustainable development to ITU Council. Together we can work to ensure the ITU remains fit for the future so that it can continue delivering for all.

Liz Lloyd CBE
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Vision

Telecommunications/ICTs underpin global communication, drive growth and sustainable development and foster international collaboration.

With 2.6 billion people still unconnected, the ITU’s leading role in bridging digital divides, coordinating spectrum and creating robust technical standards is more important than ever.

On ITU Council, we would work with partners to help ensure that the ITU:

• develops: building the capacity of its members, enabling them to unlock the potential of digital transformation and achieve sustainable development.
• innovates: making the most of advancements in technology and ensuring the Union is ready to address future challenges and opportunities.
• delivers: leveraging its expertise, collaborating with stakeholders and relevant international organisations and strengthening efficiency and transparency in a venue that attracts world-leading experts.

Partnership

The UK is a dependable and collaborative partner. We are committed to working across the ITU to achieve a better digital future for all.

We partner regularly with the ITU, as a sponsor of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum, through strong participation at AI for Good and with active engagement in other ICT initiatives across the UN.

We’re a vice-chair of the Commonwealth ITU Group, working with 55 partners across the Commonwealth to promote digital transformation and ICT-facilitated sustainable development.

We lead the European regional group, including at ITU Council and in the preparations for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027.

“Collaboration and dialogue between the regional telecommunications organisations is at the heart of the ITU’s work, and CEPT strives to bring constructive perspectives from the European region to strengthen the ITU’s governance.”

Oli Bird, Chair of Com-ITU (CEPT)

Expertise

With over 50 sector members, associates and academia members, the UK contributes extensive expertise across the three sectors of the ITU.

Our experts actively engage with partners across the ITU on themes such as digital development, cybersecurity, child online protection and accessibility.

Sector members

R-Sector

“The ITU brings together experts working towards a common goal to connect people. Within ITU‑R SG3, I’ve been happy to see great collaboration to provide evidence-based radio‑wave propagation modelling advice, in support of all services that use radiocommunications.”

Clare Allen, Chair of Study Group 3

D-Sector

“As a co-rapporteur, I’ve seen how the ITU-D can drive impactful work – it provides a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, enabling ITU members to enhance their cyber resilience through shared expertise and targeted capacity-building initiatives.”

Nicole Darabian, Co-Rapporteur of Study Group 2

T -Sector

“Cybersecurity is more essential than ever. In SG17, we’ve advanced global cybersecurity standards and introduced an unprecedented modernization program. We’ve seen an increase in participation from industry and member states, so more stakeholders will benefit from ITU-T’s impactful work.”

Arnaud Taddei, Chair of Study Group 17

Connectivity

The UK believes that for ICTs to benefit all aspects of life, they must be accessible to all through inclusive, affordable and sustainable connectivity.

We have partnered with the ITU on projects promoting digital inclusion, sustainability, cybersecurity and capacity development.

We’re also partnering with developing countries to increase digital literacy and raise cyber-security awareness through initiatives such as ‘Skills for Inclusive Digital Participation’ with the British Council.

We’re very proud of our work with the ITU and partner countries because inclusive digital development is fundamental to unleashing the potential of telecommunications/ICTs as an enabler across all the SDGs.

“Economies can’t grow, governments can’t function, and people can’t maintain relationships unless they can communicate easily. From satellites and mobile phones to tv signals and radios, effective communication isn’t possible without common agreement on how these technologies should operate. The ITU is central to that goal and underpins telecommunication standards and spectrum harmonisation across the world. The UK aims to ensure the standards, co-ordination and capacity building work the ITU does continues to support growth and development worldwide.”

Kumar Iyer CMG, Ambassador and Permanent Representative United Nations, World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international organisations, Geneva

Contact

Seb Kay
Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva.

Email address: sebastian.kay@fcdo.gov.uk.