ISLAMABAD, October 15, 2026 — The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Symposium on Digital Transformation and the Universal Service Fund (USF) concluded in Islamabad today. The three-day international forum was co-hosted by the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication (MoITT) and Universal Service Fund Pakistan. It brought together high-level policymakers, global regulators and telecom industry leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region, and was seen as a defining milestone for regional telecommunications policy and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Reviewing Progress After the Tokyo Statement 2025
The symposium served as a platform to review regional digital progress in light of the Tokyo Statement 2025. Its central aim was to chart a collective roadmap for transforming Universal Service Funds. Instead of focusing on traditional voice and basic coverage models, USFs are being encouraged to adopt agile, outcome-oriented frameworks. These frameworks support high-speed fiberization, gigabit broadband and resilient digital ecosystems.
Ten Sessions, Key Regional Priorities
Over three days, speakers and experts took part in ten sessions on the region’s most pressing priorities. Delegates worked to align regional strategies for harnessing emerging technologies, bridging persistent digital divides and driving equitable digital transformation across member states.
A major theme was future-proofing USFs against evolving digital inclusion gaps. Participants discussed moving beyond simple infrastructure access to a focus on quality, capability and AI readiness.
Cost-Effective Deployment in Difficult Terrain
Experts evaluated innovative and affordable deployment models for underserved and rugged areas.
These included:
Low-cost fiber backhaul
Mobile broadband
Satellite connectivity
Green telecom infrastructure
Making Connectivity Affordable
The forum also examined regulatory incentives, device subsidy programs and innovative financial mechanisms. The goal is to improve affordability and sustainable financing so that meaningful connectivity reaches low-income households, small enterprises and marginalized communities.
Closing the Gender Digital Divide
Several sessions stressed targeted policy interventions, specialized digital literacy programs for women and girls, and support for digital entrepreneurship. Together, these measures aim to close the gender digital divide and empower women across the region.
Empowering Local Content and Ecosystems
Stakeholders underlined the need to strengthen local content and ecosystems. They called for culturally appropriate, language-specific digital services and e-government platforms, which can stimulate local economies and drive digital adoption.
Remarks by the APT Secretary-General
On the final day, APT Secretary-General Masanori Kondo described the symposium as a platform for practical exchanges and partnerships, and for advancing the commitments of the Tokyo Statement 2025. He officially announced the event’s successful conclusion. He also thanked MoITT and USF Pakistan for organizing the event, for their exceptional hospitality and for sharing Pakistani cuisine.
Vote of Thanks by USF CEO
In his formal closing remarks, USF CEO Chaudhary Mudassar Naveed thanked international and national leadership for making the symposium a success. He extended special appreciation to Minister of IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja for her support and presence at the inaugural session.
He also thanked the APT and Secretary-General Kondo for partnering with Pakistan to host the event and for their guidance. His thanks went to international delegates from APT member states, session chairs, panellists and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Special recognition was given to leading operators and technology partners, including Jazz, PTML, Zong, Huawei and GSMA, for their commitment to multi-stakeholder cooperation. He further acknowledged the International Coordination and Telecom Wings of MoITT, the Joint Organizing Committees, the USF Pakistan team, and all venue, media and support staff.
Looking Ahead
As the symposium closed, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to carrying forward the spirit of partnership from Islamabad.
Their shared goal is to ensure that future-ready digital transformation reaches every community and leaves no citizen behind across the Asia-Pacific.
