Digital Policy & Connectivity: Dushanbe hosted an ITU CIS forum on digitalization, telecom and ICT, with officials discussing wider internet access, digital infrastructure and AI rules, including Tajikistan’s 2040 communications strategy and plans for regional cooperation. Debt-Driven Growth Watch: A new analysis says Tajikistan’s 8.2% first-half GDP growth and fresh World Bank support for Rogun may be masking debt and external risks, with the economy still reliant on remittances and a narrow export base. ICT Leadership Bid: Zimbabwe’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dingumuzi Phuti led a delegation backing ITU BDT chief Dr Cosmas Zavazava for a second term, as the ITU regional forum runs Sept. 29-30 in Tajikistan. Critical Minerals Partnership: Tajikistan and South Korea launched a first comprehensive partnership in Seoul, prioritizing critical minerals, investment and connectivity, with Tajik officials pitching the country as a long-term supplier. Iran Travel Shock: US aviation sanctions are sharply cutting Iran’s international flights, forcing travelers into longer, riskier routes via hubs like Istanbul and even Dushanbe. Bilateral Diplomacy: Tajik and Iranian deputy foreign ministers met in Dushanbe to review bilateral ties and outstanding issues. Regional Security Message: Tajik FM Sirojiddin Muhriddin told the UNGA that Afghanistan needs peace, stability and economic opportunities, linking regional security to development. Rural Broadband Funding: The EBRD is preparing up to €48.4m for a rural broadband project in Tajikistan.