International events focused on telecommunications, digitalization and information and communication technologies began in Dushanbe and will continue through Sept. 30.

The International Telecommunication Union Regional Development Forum for the Commonwealth of Independent States was held in the Tajik capital, bringing together representatives of CIS member states, regional and international organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, development partners and financial institutions.

A joint meeting of the Council of Heads of Communications Administrations of the Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications and the Coordinating Council of CIS Member States was also held as part of the forum.

Participants discussed the development of information and communication technologies, expanding internet access and digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, regional cooperation and equal access to digital technologies.

Isfandiyor Sa’dullo, head of the Communications Service under the Government of Tajikistan, said the country has been a member of the International Telecommunication Union for more than 30 years and has taken measures to strengthen international cooperation in communications and telecommunications.

New opportunities are also being created to advance telecommunications, digitalization and artificial intelligence, he said.

«In 2025, the Strategy for the Development of the Communications Sector through 2040 was adopted in Tajikistan. Today, we are already seeing tangible results from the work undertaken. In the first half of 2026, the growth rate of telecommunications infrastructure increased by 7% compared with the same period in 2025,» Sa’dullo said.

Tajikistan is also continuing to expand its communications infrastructure and is gradually transitioning to fifth-generation, or 5G, technology. Officials say the development of modern communications infrastructure will improve telecommunications services, support the digital economy and expand digital services.

According to the Speedtest Global Index, Tajikistan ranked 117th out of 153 countries for fixed broadband speeds in March 2026, four places higher than previously.

Cosmas Zavazava, director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union, thanked the Tajik government for hosting the event and the Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications for its cooperation.

Zavazava said the forum is an important part of the region’s preparations for the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference and could help shape the position of CIS countries at the global level.

«The digital divide remains a reality. More than 2 billion people worldwide still lack access to the internet. We must leave no one behind,» Zavazava said.

The forum also focused on implementing regional initiatives adopted at the World Telecommunication Development Conference in the CIS region.

The forum continues Sept. 30 with a special session on landlocked countries and their needs in developing digital connectivity, expanding international communications corridors and implementing the Avaza Programme.

Tajikistan is expected to present its experience in developing digital infrastructure and propose initiatives including a cooperation platform for scientific institutions, a regional 5G laboratory and a joint declaration on digital transformation in public administration and the development of digital government.