By 
Governments, regulators, and industry leaders will convene at the International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit 2026 in Porto, Portugal, on February 2-3, to develop actionable strategies for safeguarding the world’s most critical digital infrastructure. The event, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), will focus on protecting the cables responsible for over 99% of global data traffic.
A Critical Yet Vulnerable Lifeline
Submarine telecommunications cables form the hidden backbone of the global internet, enabling international communications, finance, and essential services. With hundreds of disruptions reported annually, their protection is paramount for economic stability and uninterrupted connectivity. The summit aims to address these vulnerabilities head-on by bringing together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
Focus on Actionable Solutions and Global Collaboration
Building on the foundation of the 2025 summit in Abuja, Nigeria, the 2026 event will advance concrete solutions. High-level discussions and expert panels will focus on critical areas:
- Accelerating Cable Repairs
- Improving Risk Mitigation
- Enhancing Regulatory Frameworks
- Supporting Connectivity in Underserved Regions
Hosted by the Government of Portugal at the Alfândega do Porto Centro de Congressos, the summit underscores the need for international cooperation to strengthen the resilience of this interconnected system against geopolitical, environmental, and accidental threats.
Event Details and Media Access
- Dates: February 2-3, 2026
- Location: Alfândega do Porto Centro de Congressos, Porto, Portugal
- Format: Hybrid (in-person with webcast)
- Webcast: Available here
- Media accreditation: Reporters are invited to request event accreditation at [email protected] along with a copy of their valid UN badge or a letter of assignment from their editor-in-chief. Additional information may be requested to process accreditation requests.
Access the full agenda and speaker list here.
