September 2026

 

Recent Events:

 

·        The 19th APT Policy and Regulation Forum for Pacific (PRFP-19)

·        The 5th Meeting of the APT Preparatory Group for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (APT PP26-5)

 

Upcoming Events:

 

·        The 37th Meeting of the APT Wireless Group (AWG-37)

·        The 26th APT Policy and Regulatory Forum (PRF-26)

·        The 2nd Meeting of the Correspondence Group for the Strategic Plan of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity for 2027 – 2029 (CGSP-2)

·        SATRC Workshop on Recent Trends and Technologies (Postponed until further notice)

·        APT Symposium on Digital Transformation and the Universal Service Fund

·        The 27th Meeting of South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-27)

·        The 14th Meeting of the Working Group of Management Committee on APT Legal Instruments (WGMC-14)

 

 

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Recent Events

 

The 19th APT Policy and Regulation Forum for Pacific (PRFP-19):

4 – 6 August 2026, Funafuti, Tuvalu

 

The 19th APT Policy and Regulation Forum for Pacific (PRFP-19) was held from 4 to 6 August 2026 in Funafuti, Tuvalu, bringing together representatives of APT Members in the Pacific, Affiliate Members, international organizations and other stakeholders to exchange views on key policy and regulatory priorities for the region.

 

 

Hosted by the Ministry of Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation, Government of Tuvalu, the Forum was attended by 73 participants, including representatives from 12 APT Members, 7 Affiliate Members and 4 international organizations. The Forum was supported through the APT Extra-Budgetary Contributions provided by the administrations of Australia, the People's Republic of China and Japan.

 

PRFP-19 provided an important regional platform for Pacific Members and stakeholders to discuss current and emerging issues relating to digital transformation, connectivity, resilient digital infrastructure, emergency communications, satellite services, digital government and innovation, among other areas of growing importance to the Pacific.

 

The discussions placed particular emphasis on practical policy and regulatory approaches that reflect the unique circumstances of Pacific Island countries, including geographical isolation, vulnerability to natural disasters, infrastructure constraints and the need to ensure affordable, resilient and inclusive digital connectivity.

 

Among the key outcomes of PRFP-19 were:

 

·        Approval of the ECRS Framework and Guidelines: The Forum considered and approved the Emergency Communications Regulatory Sandbox (ECRS) Framework and Guidelines, providing Pacific Island countries with a voluntary reference framework to support the implementation of ECRS initiatives. The Framework is intended to facilitate flexible and responsive regulatory approaches in support of emergency communications and recovery efforts.

·        Nomination and appointment of PRFP Office Bearers: The Forum nominated and re-appointed Ms. Tupou'tuah Baravilala of the Republic of Fiji as Chair of PRFP, and Mr. Domingo Bauro Kabunare of the Republic of Kiribati and Mr. William Stanon Ahio of the Kingdom of Tonga as Vice-Chairs for the next two-year term.

 

PRFP-19 delivered substantive outcomes while further strengthening regional dialogue, cooperation and knowledge-sharing among Pacific Members and partners. The Forum reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing digital connectivity, resilience, innovation and inclusive digital transformation across the Pacific and underscored the importance of continued regional collaboration in addressing common policy and regulatory challenges.

 

Click here for more details and photo gallery

 

 

The 5th Meeting of the APT Preparatory Group for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (APT PP26-5): 24 – 28 August 2026, Brisbane, Australia

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) convened the 5th Meeting of the APT Preparatory Group for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (APT PP26-5) from 24 to 28 August 2026 in Brisbane, Australia. The meeting was held physically with remote participation and was hosted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts of Australia.

 

 

APT PP26-5 was attended by 218 participants representing 30 APT Members, 18 Affiliate Members, and 7 International/Regional Organizations.

 

The meeting considered 30 Input Documents and 16 Information Documents. Representatives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), League of Arab States (LAS), and Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications (RCC) provided updates on their respective preparations for PP-26. The APT Secretariat also presented an overview of the APT’s preparations for PP-26 and the ongoing regional coordination activities.

 

Substantive deliberations were conducted across the Working Groups and their associated spin-off groups. As a result of these deliberations, APT PP26-5 developed 12 Preliminary APT Common Proposals (PACPs) concerning Resolutions 25, 51, 71, 131, 139, 140, 180, 182, 196, 205, 218 and 219, as well as one APT Position on Resolution 219. These results further advanced the development and consolidation of coordinated regional positions in preparation for PP-26.

 

The meeting also provided an opportunity for APT Members to engage directly with candidates for elected official positions of the ITU. These exchanges enabled Members to gain further insight into the candidates’ respective visions, priorities and perspectives concerning the future work of the Union.

 

Building on the progress achieved throughout the preparatory cycle, the APT PP-26 preparatory process has developed the following Preliminary APT Common Proposals and APT Position for PP-26:

 

·   Preliminary APT Common Proposal

 

Sl

Resolution

Title

1

25

Strengthening the ITU regional presence

2

30

Special measures for LDCs, SIDS, LDC and countries with economies in transition

3

51

ITU staff participation in conferences of the Union

4

70

Mainstreaming a gender perspective in ITU and promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through telecommunications/ information and communication technologies

5

71

Strategic plan for the Union for 2024-2027

6

122

The evolving role of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly

7

131

Measuring information and communication technologies to build an integrating and inclusive information society

8

136 

Use of telecommunications/information and communication technologies for humanitarian assistance and for monitoring and management in emergency and disaster situations, including health-related emergencies, for early warning, prevention, mitigation and relief 

9

139

Use of telecommunications/information and communication technologies to bridge the digital divide and build an inclusive information society

10

140

ITU's role in implementing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as in their follow-up and review processes

11

175

Telecommunications/ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs

12

177

Conformance and interoperability

13

179

ITU's role in child online protection

14

180

Promoting deployment of Internet Protocol version 6

15

182

Role of telecommunications/information and communication technologies in regard to climate change and the protection of the environment

16

186

Strengthening the role of ITU with regard to transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities

17

191

Strategy for the coordination of efforts among the three Sectors of the Union

18

196

Protecting telecommunication service users/consumers

19

197

Facilitating the Internet of Things and smart sustainable cities and communities

20

198

Empowerment of youth through telecommunication/information and communication technology

21

203

Connectivity to broadband networks

22

205

ITU's role in fostering telecommunication/information and communication technology-centric innovation to support the digital economy and society

23

218

ITU's role in the implementation of the "Space2030" Agenda: space as a driver of sustainable development, and its follow-up and review process

24

219

Sustainability of the radio-frequency spectrum and associated satellite-orbit resources used by space services

25

New

Enhancing transparency in the financial management of the ITU

 

·   APT Position

 

1

219

Sustainability of the radio-frequency spectrum and associated satellite-orbit resources used by space services

 

In addition to the substantive results, APT PP26-5 finalized the nominations submitted by APT Members for the positions of Office Bearers and Tellers of PP-26 and identified APT Focal Points for the relevant Resolutions. The meeting also considered the tentative schedule for APT coordination meetings during PP-26, thereby putting in place the necessary arrangements to facilitate effective regional coordination and the collective engagement of APT Members throughout the Conference.

 

APT PP26-5 marked an important milestone in the regional preparatory process for PP-26. The meeting consolidated the progress achieved throughout the preparatory cycle, further strengthened regional consensus, and established the necessary coordination arrangements to support the effective, cohesive and well-coordinated participation of APT Members at PP-26.

 

Click here for more details and photo gallery

 

Upcoming Events

 

The 37th Meeting of the APT Wireless Group (AWG-37)

7 - 11 September 2026, Dhaka, Bangladesh  

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) will organize the 37th Meeting of the APT Wireless Group (AWG-37) from 7 to 11 September 2026 in Dhaka, People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The Plenary Sessions will be conducted as Physical Meeting with Remote Participation, and the Non-Plenary Sessions will be conducted as Fully Virtual modality. The meeting will be hosted by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

 

AWG covers various aspects of wireless systems to meet the emerging digital convergence era in the Asia-Pacific region. It also assists in providing effective radiocommunication solutions and facilitating the transfer of technology and knowledge. In its 37th meeting, the AWG will continue to study the existing work items, report on the progress of studies, and discuss the proposal of new work items as well as other relevant issues.

 

In addition, to provide a comprehensive overview and to facilitate the updating of APT Member’s information in the APT Frequency Information System (AFIS), a training session will be conducted in physical mode from 5 to 6 September 2026, back-to-back with AWG-37. APT would also like to encourage the in-person participation of relevant officials from APT Members in this training session.

 

 

 

The 26th APT Policy and Regulatory Forum (PRF-26)

15 - 17 September 2026, Paro, Bhutan  

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) will organize the 26th APT Policy and Regulatory Forum (PRF-26) from 15 to 17 September 2026 in Paro, Bhutan as a physical meeting with remote participation modality. The Forum will be hosted by the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) of Bhutan. It is also supported by the generous contribution from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, People's Republic of China.

 

PRF-26 will consist of the following special features: 

 

·      High-Level Dialogue: A session among Ministers, Vice Ministers and high-level officials to reaffirm their commitment to the Tokyo Statement and exchange views on national strategies, policy frameworks, and regional cooperation to advance digital transformation. 

·      Regulators’ Roundtable: A roundtable among the Heads of the Regulators to share their experiences and express their views on shaping policies and regulatory approaches that strike a balance between enabling innovation and ensuring appropriate regulation. 

·      Business Dialogue: A session to provide a platform for industry stakeholders to exchange experiences, discuss emerging trends and challenges, identify investment opportunities, and strengthen partnerships for sustainable digital transformation.

 

PRF-26 will also include the following specific thematic sessions:

 

·      Digital infrastructure as the engine of digital transformation

·      Promoting connectivity for all – Expanding network access, last-mile connectivity, spectrum policy and harmonized use of spectrum

·      Inclusiveness and digital empowerment – Breaking the barriers for inclusion

·      Strategy for online safety and data protection - Cybersecurity workforce development as priority

 

 

 

 

The 2nd Meeting of the Correspondence Group for the Strategic Plan of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity for 2027 – 2029 (CGSP-2)

22 - 23 September 2026, Fully Virtual Meeting  

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) will organize the 2nd Meeting of the Correspondence Group for the Strategic Plan of the APT for 2027-2029 (CGSP-2) from 22 to 23 September 2026 in fully virtual modality via the Zoom platform.

 

The objectives of the CGSP-2 are to continue to discuss the initial draft and deliberate further inputs from the Members and develop the first draft of the Strategic Plan of the APT for 2027-2029.

 

 

 

 

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

 

SATRC Workshop on Recent Trends and Technologies

6 - 8 October 2026, Kathmandu, Nepal  

 

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) will organize the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC) Workshop on Recent Trends and Technologies from 6 to 8 October 2026 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The workshop will be conducted as a hybrid event, allowing both physical attendance and remote participation. The workshop will be hosted by Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), Nepal.

 

The SATRC Workshop on Recent Trends and Technologies will be organized as part of the implementation of the SATRC Action Plan Phase X. The workshop will focus on recent developments, emerging trends and innovative technologies that can support and accelerate the digital transformation of economies and societies across SATRC Member countries. In this context, the workshop aims to enhance participants’ understanding of the evolving telecommunication/ICT landscape and provide insights into the emerging technologies shaping the future of the digital economy.

 

 

 

APT Symposium on Digital Transformation and the Universal Service Fund

13 - 15 October 2026, Islamabad, Pakistan  

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) will organize the APT Symposium on Digital Transformation and the Universal Service Fund from 13 to 15 October 2026 in Islamabad, Pakistan. The event will be hosted jointly by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the Universal Service Fund Pakistan. Please note that the Symposium was originally scheduled for 25–27 March 2026 but had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. We are pleased that, with the renewed support and preparations of the host administration, arrangements have now been made to hold the Symposium as rescheduled.

 

The objective of the Symposium is to provide APT members with a platform to discuss and explore new technologies, policies, and financing models that will ensure that digital transformation becomes sustainable, inclusive and equitable for all in Asia-Pacific taking into account the roles of the Universal Service Fund (USF) in digital transformation. The Symposium aims to encourage dialogue among high-level policy makers, regulators, and other stakeholders in the region on the following issues:

 

·        highlight connectivity and inclusion gaps

·        explore emerging technologies and innovative models

·        discuss affordability and sustainable financing

·        promote digital readiness and inclusive content ecosystems

·        strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks

·        foster regional collaboration and partnerships.

 

 

 

 

The 27th Meeting of South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-27)

20 - 22 October 2026, Colombo, Sri Lanka  

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) will organize the 27th Meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-27) in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 20 to 22 October 2026. The meeting will be hosted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL). SATRC-27 will be held as a physical meeting with remote participation modality. Remote participation will be arranged through Zoom meeting platform.

 

The SATRC meeting is convened annually to discuss and coordinate regulatory and other related issues in the fields of telecommunications and ICT that are of common concern to the regulators of SATRC Member countries. The meeting brings together the heads of telecommunications regulatory authorities and designated senior-level officials from SATRC Member countries.

 

SATRC-27 will discuss the key policy and regulatory issues in the SATRC countries and review the implementation of SATRC Action Plan Phase X adopted at SATRC-26. SATRC-27 will include sessions for Regulators’ Roundtable, Industry-Regulator Dialogue, Industry Session and Sharing Regulatory Experiences Sessions to facilitate the development of the telecom/ICT sector in South-Asia. The Regulators’ Roundtable will be held exclusively for the heads of regulators to discuss and share thoughts on important regulatory issues that need regional collaboration specifically for the SATRC Member countries and generally to the Asia-Pacific region.

 

 

 

 

The 14th Meeting of the Working Group of Management Committee on APT Legal Instruments (WGMC-14)

29 - 30 October 2026, Fully Virtual Meeting  

 

The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) will organize the 14th Meeting of the Working Group of Management Committee on APT Legal Instruments (WGMC-14) from 29 to 30 October 2026 as a virtual/online meeting. WGMC-14 will review and discuss the task assigned by MC-49, i.e. review the existing Guideline 18 (MC-44, 2020) and collect the best practices of other organizations in relation to the rights of remote participants.

 

 

 

 

Other Upcoming Events in 2026

Title

Date

Venue

1.     Preparatory Meeting for the 17th Session of the General Assembly (GA-17 Prep.)

13 Dec

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

2.     The 17th Session of the General Assembly of the APT (GA-17)

14-15 Dec

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

3.     The 50th Session of the Management Committee of the APT (MC-50)

16-18 Dec

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

 

 

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