Kuwait calls for global protection of telecom infrastructure

Detailed summary

DOHA: Kuwait on Monday called for stronger international protection of civilian telecommunications infrastructure, urging countries to shield vital networks ...

DOHA: Kuwait on Monday called for stronger international protection of civilian telecommunications infrastructure, urging countries to shield vital networks from conflict and reject their targeting or threatened disruption as a means of exerting pressure on states or undermining their security. Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture Omar Al-Omar made the appeal while addressing the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha.

Al-Omar stressed the importance of international cooperation to maintain uninterrupted telecommunications services, describing them as essential to development and saving lives. Their continuity must be ensured during both peacetime and crises, he said. The minister outlined Kuwait’s efforts to upgrade its telecommunications networks and adopt modern technologies, including advanced fifth-generation services and a national emergency early warning system.

He also highlighted Kuwait’s hosting of the Digital Cooperation Organization’s fifth General Assembly and the adoption of the “Kuwait Declaration on Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Global Digital Prosperity.” Addressing Kuwait’s candidacy for the ITU Council for the 2027-2030 term, Al-Omar said the country hopes to continue contributing to efficient radio spectrum management, stronger network resilience and affordable connectivity, while sharing expertise with developing countries. On the sidelines of the conference, Kuwait hosted a luncheon for participating delegations under Al-Omar’s patronage. The minister welcomed delegates in remarks at the gathering.

Al-Omar is leading Kuwait’s delegation to the conference, which opened Monday and runs until Nov 27. The delegation includes Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, Ambassador to Qatar Ahmad Al-Shuraim, Chairman of the Communication…

Opening of the article, excerpted from Kuwait Times. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.