ITU Secures $82 Billion for Global Connectivity Initiative

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has received $82 billion in pledges from various partners to bolster its Partner2Connect initiative, which aims to enhance global internet connectivity and bridge the digital divide. Announced by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, the initiative was launched in 2021 and seeks to provide internet access to the 2.2 billion people currently offline.

The pledges are part of a broader goal to reach $100 billion by the end of 2026. Notable contributions include Ooredoo Group's commitment of $1.715 billion for investments in data centers, submarine cables, and next-generation network infrastructure, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to become a connectivity hub.

The initiative has garnered support from 1,000 pledges across 149 countries, focusing on modernizing digital infrastructure and ensuring reliable internet access for underserved populations.