U.S. Endorses Leadership at U.N. Telecoms Agency Amidst Policy Shifts

The U.S. government has affirmed its support for Doreen Bogdan-Martin to continue leading the U.N.'s telecom agency, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), signifying a renewed interest in global technology frameworks. This move marks a distinct departure from the Trump administration's stance on multilateral institutions.

Previously, President Trump had taken steps to reduce involvement with U.N. entities, including cutting aid and planning withdrawal from bodies like the World Health Organization. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has endorsed Bogdan-Martin, a New Jersey native with an extensive career at the ITU, highlighting the importance of adept leadership in the face of global digital advancements.

Bogdan-Martin made history as the first woman elected to head the ITU in 2022, after a campaign backed by former President Joe Biden. With elections scheduled for 2026, her candidacy underscores U.S. interest in maintaining a strategic presence in international tech standard-setting, even as broader U.N. relations remain complex.

(With inputs from agencies.)