Ooredoo Group Celebrates ITU 160th Anniversary at Georgetown University - Qatar
Exploring 160 Years of Progress in Connectivity and the Road Ahead for Global Connectivity
26 April 2025
Doha, Qatar – Ooredoo Group brought the future of connectivity into focus, hosting a landmark conference in celebration of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) 160th anniversary under the theme: “From Telegraphs to Terabytes: Exploring the Legacy and Future of Global Connectivity.”
Held at Georgetown University in Qatar, the event gathered global telecom leaders, policymakers, digital experts and students, for bold conversations on bridging the digital divide, harnessing AI, and building inclusive digital ecosystems.
The conference kicked off with an engaging introduction by Sheikha Haya Alwaleed AlThani, Senior Regulatory Analyst at Ooredoo Group, followed by welcoming remarks from Dr. Gerd Nonneman, Professor of International Relations at Georgetown University in Qatar.
Hilal Bin Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Group Chief Legal, Regulatory, and Governance Officer at Ooredoo, opened the day with a call to action: “This event is a moment to reflect on 160 years of progress in connectivity and focus on the priorities that will define the future: closing the digital divide, ensuring equitable access, and harnessing AI responsibly. Connectivity today is about dignity, opportunity, and resilience - and we are more committed than ever to building inclusive infrastructure that empowers and protects communities worldwide.”
In her keynote address, delivered via video message, saw ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted ITU’s mission to ensure meaningful connectivity for all and accelerate inclusive digital transformation on a global scale.
The day’s first panel, “Envisioning the Future of Global Connectivity”,brought together leading voices including Robert Laws (Georgetown University in Qatar), Mark Brownscombe (Ooredoo Group), and Suresh Rajendran (Ooredoo Fintech). The discussion focused on the transformative potential of 5G, satellite internet, and quantum networking - and how multi-sector collaboration can bridge the digital divide and shape a secure, inclusive digital future.
A presentation followed on “Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Next Generation of Connectivity” by Richard Majoor of Detecon International. He shared how AI is revolutionising network management and connectivity, while raising critical ethical and operational questions.
The final panel, “Connectivity in Times of Conflict: A Lifeline for Crisis Management”, moderated by Sheikha Haya Alwaleed AlThani, featured Osama Qawasma (Ooredoo Palestine), Helen Mason (Child Helpline International), and Caroline Masboungi (UNICEF). Together, they explored the role of telecoms in protecting lives and enabling humanitarian action during crises - and how to keep networks secure, reliable, and inclusive under pressure.
The conference closed with a resounding message: As we step into the next era of digital development, progress must be inclusive, ethical, and human-centered.
-END-
About Ooredoo
Ooredoo is an international communications company operating across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. Serving consumers and businesses in nine countries, Ooredoo delivers leading data experience through a broad range of content and services via its advanced, data-centric mobile and fixed networks.
Ooredoo generated revenues of QAR 23 billion as of 31 December 2024. Its shares are listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
