Governments and industry stakeholders gathered in Porto, Portugal, for the International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit 2026, reaffirming the urgent necessity to enhance the support system for submarine cables, which are pivotal to the global digital landscape. With participation from over 70 countries, the summit served as a platform for representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss strategies to fortify the world’s network of underwater communications. The outcomes of the summit highlighted the critical role submarine cables play in connecting economies and societies across continents, impacting nearly every facet of modern life.
During the summit, a declaration was made that underscored the collaborative efforts required to improve the resilience of the global network of submarine cables. This declaration was bolstered by a series of recommendations developed by the International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience, representing a significant step toward creating a framework for robust international cooperation. The emphasis was placed on the necessity of addressing vulnerabilities within the infrastructure, as well as the need to expedite cable repair processes and extend support to underserved regions.
Submarine telecommunications cables are the backbone of the global internet infrastructure, facilitating the transfer of over 99 percent of international data traffic. Spanning more than 1.7 million kilometers, approximately 500 submarine cables connect various continents, providing essential connectivity for individuals, businesses, and institutions alike. These cables are crucial not only for personal communication but also for social development and economic growth worldwide. Their uninterrupted operation is vital, and yet, they face myriad challenges ranging from natural disasters to human-induced disruptions.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin’s remarks at the summit underscored the notion that resilience must be ingrained in the governance of submarine cables. Bogdan-Martin articulated that this resilience is a collective responsibility—shared among different stakeholders to ensure seamless policy engagement and operational readiness. She reiterated that the summit’s outcomes symbolize a commitment to international collaboration, crucial for nurturing and protecting this shared digital infrastructure.
Moreover, the summit was significantly organized in collaboration with Portugal’s national regulatory authority for communications, ANACOM, and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC). Together, these organizations strive to promote best practices and innovative solutions for submarine cable resilience. The establishment of the International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience in 2024 marked a pivotal shift towards a more coordinated approach to addressing the challenges faced by underwater cables.
Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Chairwoman of ANACOM, expressed pride in leading such a diverse assembly of experts and leaders from various sectors during the summit. She emphasized that the Advisory Body was born out of the need to create tangible impacts, especially for vulnerable regions and isolated communities that lack the economic incentives and infrastructure for prompt responses to cable disruptions. With effective measures and recommendations, the body aims to safeguard these regions from the repercussions of submarine cable outages.
The conversation at the Porto summit was a sequel to last year’s inaugural event held in Abuja, Nigeria, showcasing the progress made over two years in advancing submarine cable resilience. H.E. Minister Bosun Tijani, a key figure in these discussions, reiterated that sustained international cooperation is crucial for moving forward. Recognizing the complexities inherent in the global digital ecosystem, participants explored relationships between governments, industry players, and international organizations, highlighting their roles in building capacitated responses to future challenges.
One focal point of the summit was the future guidance provided by the Advisory Body, which proposed comprehensive strategies and action plans aimed at improving submarine cable infrastructure management. Participants discussed the importance of streamlining the permitting, maintenance, and repair processes for submarine cables, thus reducing operational delays during emergencies. Legal frameworks were also examined to ensure that they adapt to modern communication demands while safeguarding the security and integrity of the cables.
Additionally, the recommendations encouraged promoting geographic diversity and redundancy of cable routes, particularly for regions categorized as Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries, and underserved territories. These areas often suffer from a lack of infrastructure and resources, making them more susceptible to the adverse impacts of cable disruptions. Developing robust systems for these regions would not only enhance their connectivity but would also enable them to partake in the global digital economy more actively.
The summit also underscored the adoption of industry best practices that can assist in assessing, mitigating, and responding to potential risks to submarine cable networks. This includes reinforcing protective measures through better integrated planning across various marine sectors. Each decision taken could strengthen the resilience of these cables and minimize the risk of outages that can dramatically affect millions.
As discussions concluded, participants expressed optimism about the future collaboration between governments and industry professionals. ICPC Chairman Dean Veverka remarked on the necessity of implementing the recommendations made during the summit to fortify both cable protection and overall resilience in the face of ongoing global challenges. These insights emphasize the importance of ongoing dialogues among the myriad stakeholders involved in the submarine cable industry.
As more than 200 cable faults are reported yearly, the ripple effects of underwater cable disruptions extend beyond technical inconveniences; they impact economic stability and access to information across communities worldwide. The Porto summit serves as a catalyst for renewed focus on submarine cables’ crucial position in sustaining global connectivity and ensuring that millions continue to benefit from uninterrupted digital services.
In conclusion, as the world becomes increasingly digital, bolstering the resilience of submarine cable infrastructure will remain a pressing challenge. The recommendations put forth at the International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit 2026 offer a roadmap for achieving this end, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to resilience across borders. The collaborative spirit observed at the summit sets a precedent for the future, as stakeholders strive to safeguard the very infrastructure that facilitates global communication and connectivity essential for the 21st century.
Subject of Research: Submarine Cable Resilience and Infrastructure Protection
Article Title: International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit 2026: Strengthening the Backbone of Global Connectivity
News Publication Date: 3 February 2026
Web References: https://www.itu.int/digital-resilience/submarine-cables/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/Porto-Summit-Declaration.pdf
References: None
Image Credits: © ITU
Keywords
Submarine cables, global connectivity, ITU, resilience, infrastructure, underwater communications, digital economy, cable protection.
