Cuban Vice Minister Addresses World Telecommunications Forum

Pablo Julio Pla Feria, Cuba's Vice Minister of Communications, participated this past week in the Seventh World Telecommunications/ICT Policy Forum 2026 (WTPF-26), held in Nassau, Bahamas, organized by the International Telecommunication Union and hosted by the Bahamian government.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal, Cubaminrex, in his remarks the Cuban representative underscored the need to promote inclusive and sustainable digital transformation, with special attention to developing countries and the most vulnerable groups.

Pla Feria condemned the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, which he described as an obstacle to economic and social development and to access to essential resources and technologies.

He reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to guaranteeing equitable access to information and communications technologies, considered fundamental tools for economic and social progress.

The vice minister highlighted the legacy of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, whose centennial was commemorated this year, in promoting science, innovation, and knowledge as rights of the people and pillars of national sovereignty.

He recalled that, inspired by that legacy, Cuba approved in 2024 the Digital Transformation Policy and the Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence, instruments that set objectives to strengthen the country's technological transformation.

Among the priorities mentioned were the expansion of broadband connectivity in rural areas, strengthening e-government, and digital literacy programs aimed at adults, as part of efforts to reduce digital divides.

Cuba's participation in the forum reaffirmed its willingness to contribute to multilateral dialogue on the future of telecommunications and digital technologies, as well as to share experiences on the role of technological innovation in inclusive and sustainable societies.

WTPF-26 brings together governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia, civil society, and the technical community, with debates centered on reducing digital divides, infrastructure resilience, space connectivity, and strengthening innovation ecosystems.

The holding of the meeting in Nassau constituted a significant event for The Bahamas, which hosted this global space for dialogue on telecommunications and ICT policy for the first time.