The Institute of Information Technology of the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan held discussions dedicated to May 17, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, focusing on digital communication infrastructure and the resilience of internet connection. The aim of the event was to emphasise the strategic importance of resilient and secure digital communication infrastructures, assess global and national challenges and opportunities in internet communications, and highlight Azerbaijan’s efforts to strengthen its digital sovereignty and technological capabilities.
Strategic importance of digital infrastructures
Director General of the IIT, Academician Rasim Alguliyev, highlighted the growing strategic importance of secure and sustainable digital infrastructures in an increasingly interconnected world. Referring to the 2026 theme, “Digital Lifelines: Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World,” he underlined the critical role of internet networks, satellite communications, and fiber-optic infrastructure in ensuring reliable global connectivity.
During the event, the Executive Director of the Institute, Rashid Alakbarov, presented an overview of global and national internet communication networks, including transatlantic and underwater fiber-optic systems, internet exchange points, and satellite communication technologies. Particular attention was given to Azerbaijan’s multidirectional fiber-optic connectivity with neighboring countries and the implementation of the “Digital Silk Road” initiative linking Europe and Asia. The presentation also highlighted the strategic significance of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable project between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, as well as the role of Azercosmos in providing alternative and emergency communication capabilities.
Azerbaijan’s digital sovereignty
In this context, AzScienceNet research and education network represents an important practical example of Azerbaijan’s digital sovereignty. The infrastructure opportunities created by multi-directional fiber-optic connections and projects such as the “Digital Silk Road”, GEANT’s “EaPConnect” and “Horizon Europe GN Projects” provide a vital foundation for AzScienceNet to establish seamless, reliable, and resilient connectivity between Azerbaijan’s scientific and educational institutions and global research networks. Through these activities, AzScienceNet contributes to strengthening the country’s digital sovereignty and advancing the resilience of its communication infrastructure by providing secure, high-speed, and sustainable network services to scientific and educational institutions.
The event concluded with a call for broader international cooperation and research on the sustainability, security, and resilience of global communication infrastructure, as well as the preparation of articles addressing emerging technological risks and challenges.
Celebrated every year on 17 May, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) highlights the transformative role of digital technologies in society and commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Agency for Digital Technologies.
