Panama has formally established a regional office for a key United Nations telecommunications agency. The country’s Foreign Minister signed the host country agreement with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on December 23, 2025, solidifying Panama’s role as a regional hub for digital innovation.
This strategic move positions Panama as a central point for technical cooperation in Central America and the Caribbean. The new office will facilitate access to training programs and development projects focused on connectivity and cybersecurity.
“This agreement marks a milestone in international cooperation on telecommunications. It reaffirms the multilateral system’s trust in Panama as a strategic partner,” said Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez. [Translated from Spanish]
The minister specifically thanked Zelmar Rodríguez Crespo, the General Administrator of the National Authority of Public Services (Panama). He recognized the regulator’s fundamental role as the sector’s governing body and a key technical partner for implementing the accord. Coordinated work between the Foreign Ministry and the public services authority was decisive in finalizing the agreement.
Strengthening Regional Digital Infrastructure
Officials expect the ITU’s regional presence to accelerate development programs across several critical areas. These initiatives will focus on connectivity, regulatory modernization, and building a secure digital economy. The benefits are projected to extend directly to the Panamanian state and its citizens.
Panama now reinforces its commitment to multilateralism and sustainable digital infrastructure for the region. The signing ceremony included Alexis Ortega Córdoba, Executive Director of the public services authority, who attended as a witness of honor. His presence provided institutional backing for this national advancement.
“Installing the ITU’s Regional Office in Panama will strengthen technical cooperation. It consolidates the country as a regional hub for telecommunications and digital innovation,” the Foreign Minister added. [Translated from Spanish]
The agreement was signed in a deferred modality. The ITU counterpart had already signed the document previously in Geneva, Switzerland. This completed the legal and diplomatic process for the convention, allowing the Panamanian minister’s signature to finalize the deal. The International Telecommunication Union is the UN’s specialized agency for information and communication technologies.
This development aligns with broader national efforts to modernize Panama’s technological governance. Recent actions by the autoridad nacional highlight the ongoing focus on public sector administration and funding. Establishing the ITU office represents a concrete step toward transforming Panama into a knowledge-based economy for the future.