New Milestone in Digital Cooperation: BIMSTEC Joins ITU Development Sector
Dhaka, 01 June 2026: The BIMSTEC Secretariat is pleased to announce that BIMSTEC (Bay of
Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) has been admitted as a
Sector Member of the International Telecommunication Union Development Sector (ITU-D).
The ITU Council, at its 2026 Session held from 28 April to 8 May 2026, approved BIMSTEC’s
application for membership in ITU-D. The decision was formally communicated by H.E. Ms.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU , through her letter dated 28 May 2026
addressed to H.E. Indra Mani Pandey, BIMSTEC Secretary General.
This development marks a significant milestone in strengthening BIMSTEC’s engagement with
ITU for advancing regional cooperation in information and communication technologies, artificial
intelligence, digital connectivity, capacity building and telecommunications development.
BIMSTEC’s participation in ITU-D is expected to facilitate closer collaboration with ITU and create
additional opportunities for BIMSTEC Member States to benefit from ITU’s expertise, resources,
programmes and activities. The BIMSTEC Secretariat will endeavour to leverage these
opportunities, particularly in the fields of ICT and AI, for the benefit of the BIMSTEC Member
States.
BIMSTEC attaches high importance to digital and AI technologies as key enablers of socioeconomic development, regional connectivity, innovation and digital transformation. Its
association with ITU will provide a valuable platform to further advance cooperation in emerging
technologies, promote inclusive digital development and support sustainable development across
the BIMSTEC region.
: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation