President: Azerbaijan leads the region with 100% broadband internet coverage UPDATED

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has sent an address to participants at the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC), currently being held in Baku.

“Communication technologies have turned into the leading driver of Azerbaijan’s non-oil economy and has maintained steady growth over the past four years,” President Ilham Aliyev stated in the address, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The head of state emphasised that this progress is accompanied by consistent measures in the development of artificial intelligence, prevention of cyberattacks, and expansion of digital infrastructure.

“Information security and cybersecurity strategy constitute the foundation of Azerbaijan’s national security architecture,” President Ilham Aliyev said.

In line with the document “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development”, the development of the digital economy has been defined as one of the country’s main strategic directions, Aliyev said.

“We attach particular importance to cooperation between the public and private sectors in this area,” the president emphasised.

The head of state highlighted that the biometric digital signature system “SIMA” has already been adopted by 3.6 million users and integrated into more than 80 state information systems.

“It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan has been placed in the highest category group of the United Nations E-Government Development Index. Our goal is to enter the top 40 countries in this index within the next five years,” the president added.

Aliyev further said: “By hosting the World Telecommunication Development Conference, Baku is not only a global telecommunications center today but also an international platform for digital cooperation.” 

The president noted that, within the framework of the conference, the opening of an ITU Regional Acceleration Centre in Baku is planned, adding: “This Centre, which will become part of the ITU’s global innovation network, will transform into a leading platform for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.”

The WTDC is a global platform dedicated to advancing digital connectivity, fostering innovation, and shaping policies for a more inclusive digital future. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and technology experts, WTDC catalyses collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategic decision-making in the telecommunications sector.

The Conference kicked off today, November 17, and will run until November 28.

By Khagan Isayev