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CRA launches national initiative to celebrate 160 years of Int'l Telecommunication Union

CRA launches national initiative to celebrate 160 years of Int'l Telecommunication Union

Qatar Tribune18-05-2025

Tribune News Network
Doha
In celebration of the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has launched a national initiative featuring a variety of community-focused programmes. The programme kicked off on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day and reflects Qatar's longstanding collaboration with the ITU and its commitment to inclusive digital advancement in line with the CRA Strategy and the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The national initiative, running under the unifying slogan 'Everyone Connected, Everyone Engaged', affirms Qatar's commitment to supporting global efforts in digital transformation. It focuses on achieving tangible benefits within the country by promoting the use of telecommunications and information technology, contributing to the ITU's vision of connecting the world through modern and sustainable digital means.
Commenting on programme, Engineer Ahmad Abdulla Al-Muslemani, president of CRA and chair-designate of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026, said: 'As we join the global community in marking the ITU's 160th anniversary, Qatar reaffirms its dedication to a digitally empowered and inclusive future. This programme is a testament to our enduring relationship with the Union and our shared mission to effectively regulate telecommunications and information technology, improve quality of life and transform digital opportunities into tangible achievements for all members of society.'
The initiative features a diverse sequence of programmes developed in collaboration with local organisations and international partners. It begins an awareness workshop aimed at enhancing digital safety for the elderly, in cooperation with Ehsan – Centre for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly, to provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and independently engage with the digital world.
Manal Ahmed Al Mannai, CEO of Ehsan, emphasized the value of digital inclusion, stating: 'Our partnership with the Communications Regulatory Authority enables us to extend our long-standing mission into the digital world, and empower the elderly to use technology safely and confidently, ensuring that all generations benefit from Qatar's digital transformation '
The initiative also includes a range of diverse programmes developed in collaboration with several local organizations, aimed at engaging all segments of society, empowering people with disabilities, supporting the elderly, and inspiring youth pursuing careers in ICT.
These efforts reflect Qatar's steadfast dedication to achieving digital inclusion and enhancing its active presence both regionally and internationally in the journey toward a knowledge-based digital economy that ensures equal opportunities for access and progress for all.

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