In March 2025, Bangkok, Thailand, hosted a significant series of events that brought together stakeholders from across the Asia Pacific region to coordinate strategies and priorities in advance of the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25).
Following the 3rd Meeting of the APT Preparatory Group for WTDC-25 (APT WTDC25-3), two key ITU events — the Regional Development Forum for Asia and the Pacific (RDF-ASP) and the Regional Preparatory Meeting for WTDC-25 for Asia and the Pacific (RPM-ASP) — provided further platforms for collaboration, consultation, and alignment on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development goals.
APT WTDC25-3: Regional priorities and proposals
Hosted by Thailand’s Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC), these hybrid-format meetings aimed to support Asia Pacific member states in preparing for WTDC-25, scheduled for 17 to 28 November 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
APT preparatory meetings offer strategic opportunities for APNIC and other Internet organizations to provide technical input into ICT policy development at the regional level ahead of ITU conferences. APNIC has been an Affiliate Member of APT since 2013.
During APT WTDC25-3, participants focused on several key objectives:
- Identification of key ICTs for development issues: Delegates examined critical telecommunications and ICT topics relevant to the region, working to develop consensus APT proposals to amend existing WTDC Resolutions or introduce new ones for WTDC-25.
- Regional initiatives for Asia and the Pacific: Members exchanged perspectives on regional initiatives, aiming to align strategies and solutions to address shared challenges. Discussions on these initiatives concluded during the ITU RPM-ASP at the end of the week.
Implications for the technical community and IPv6
For stakeholders in the Internet technical community, especially those engaged in IPv6 deployment and advancement, outcomes from APT WTDC25-3 carry particular significance. Proposed modifications to ITU WTDC Resolution 63 — focused on “IP address allocation and facilitating the transition to IPv6 in developing countries” (.docx) — highlight several emerging implications:
- Policy development: Discussions are shaping regional policies that may accelerate IPv6 adoption and integration across national infrastructures.
- Collaborative opportunities: The meeting reinforced the need for regional cooperation to support knowledge sharing and capacity building around IPv6.
- Capacity building: Emphasis was placed on technical training and resources to equip communities with the skills needed to deploy IPv6 effectively.
RDF-ASP
Held on 19 March, the RDF-ASP offered a platform for dialogue among ITU Member States, Sector Members, and other stakeholders. The forum reviewed progress on telecommunications and ICT development since WTDC-22, particularly in relation to Regional Initiatives tailored to Asia Pacific needs.
APNIC Foundation’s Neeti Biyani spoke during a roundtable session exploring strategies to accelerate digital infrastructure development. She highlighted the role of the ITU Partner2Connect Digital Coalition (P2C) and shared updates on APNIC and APNIC Foundation initiatives advancing universal and meaningful connectivity.
RPM-ASP
From 20 to 21 March, the RPM-ASP brought together delegates to shape regional contributions for WTDC-25. Participants worked to define priorities, coordinate regional positions, and develop proposals that reflect Asia Pacific interests. This included reaching consensus on a proposal for the next Regional Initiatives that will guide ICT development in the region.
Towards a more connected, secure, and resilient Internet
The meetings in Bangkok this March marked a critical phase in preparing the Asia Pacific region for WTDC-25. With strong engagement from technical stakeholders such as APNIC and a focus on inclusive development, IPv6 adoption, and regional cooperation, these discussions are helping to shape a more connected, secure, and resilient ICT landscape for the region.
More information about WTDC-25, registration, as well as participation and contribution materials, are available online.
The views expressed by the authors of this blog are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of APNIC. Please note a Code of Conduct applies to this blog.