The United States secured a pivotal win on Thursday as it helped propel leadership in the world’s top regulatory body for communications. The U.S.-backed candidate, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, defeated the rival bid from Russia and was elected Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Bogdan-Martin’s victory marks a historic moment, making her the first woman to hold the ITU’s top post in its 157-year history. It also represents a significant milestone for Washington, which has led the organization’s agenda since the 1960s.
The ITU remains the most influential global authority over telecommunications policy, spanning everything from radio and television spectrum management to internet governance and beyond.
internet freedom
The ITU leadership race was widely seen as a safeguard for open internet principles. While the secretary-general’s mandate carries limited direct power, Russia’s persistent push to influence the institution raised concerns about broader control over internet access and digital rights.
Authoritarian regimes, including those in parts of Asia and the Middle East, have advocated for greater state oversight of online spaces. They argue for stronger government oversight, while democratic nations emphasize pluralism and user rights. The ongoing debate focuses on how to balance security, censorship, and universal access in a rapidly evolving digital world.