The 2026 IEEE Connecting the Unconnected (CTU) LATAM Summit will take place on October 20–21, 2026, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in conjunction with the 2026 IEEE International Humanitarian Technology Conference (IHTC). The Summit aims to foster collaboration among industry leaders, government representatives, academia, international organizations, and technology professionals to address the digital divide and promote meaningful connectivity across Latin America. Through technical presentations, live demonstrations, multi-stakeholder discussions, and community engagement activities, the Summit will highlight innovative approaches to expanding digital access, strengthening communications infrastructure, and leveraging technology for humanitarian and social impact. The program focuses on three key areas: - Technological Innovation: Exploring advanced wireless networks, amateur radio communications, resilient communications systems, and the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed. - Meaningful Connectivity: Bringing together policymakers, telecommunications operators, industry associations, and academia to discuss strategies for affordable, accessible, and meaningful connectivity. - Humanitarian and Community Impact: Engaging United Nations agencies and local communities to identify challenges and opportunities for technology-driven social development. The Summit will also feature the Connected Community Initiative, providing participants with an opportunity to engage directly with a local digital inclusion initiative in Durán, Ecuador. By connecting technology, knowledge, institutions, and communities, the 2026 IEEE CTU LATAM Summit seeks to foster partnerships and inspire sustainable solutions toward a more inclusive digital future. Registration for the 2026 IEEE CTU LATAM Summit is free of charge and provides access to the Summit activities scheduled for October 20–21, 2026. Please note that the CTU LATAM Summit is held in conjunction with the IEEE International Humanitarian Technology Conference (IHTC 2026). Free registration for the CTU LATAM Summit does not include access to other IHTC 2026 conference sessions or activities that require separate registration. Speaker(s): , , Agenda: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 – Technological Innovation and Meaningful Connectivity 13:30 – 14:30 | Technical Sessions and Innovation Presentations - Miroslav Skoric – Amateur Radio and Resilient Communications: Applications of amateur radio technologies in emergency communications, resilient networks, and humanitarian contexts. 14:30 – 16:30 | Technology Showcase and Live Demonstrations - IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed: Live demonstrations highlighting next-generation mobile networks, experimental research platforms, and opportunities for academic collaboration. - Guayaquil Radio Club Showcase: Demonstrations of amateur radio technologies and resilient communication solutions, including applications in emergency response and community connectivity. 15:30 – 16:00 | IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed Presentation - Daniel Altamirano - An overview of the IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed, its capabilities, research applications, and opportunities for collaboration. The technical presentation and technology demonstrations will take place in parallel sessions. 16:30 – 18:00 | Panel: Meaningful Connectivity in Ecuador A multi-stakeholder discussion featuring representatives from government, telecommunications operators, industry associations, and academia. The panel will address the challenges and opportunities of expanding meaningful connectivity, promoting digital inclusion, and strengthening collaboration between public and private stakeholders. Wednesday, October 21, 2026 – Humanitarian Technology and Community Engagement 10:00 | Humanitarian Dialogues and Technological Challenges A dialogue featuring United Nations agencies in Ecuador to explore the role of technology, digital inclusion, and connectivity in addressing humanitarian challenges and supporting sustainable development. 15:30 – 16:30 | Connected Community Initiative – CEMATID Digital Center, Durán A community engagement visit involving students and conference participants to explore local digital inclusion initiatives, interact with community representatives, identify technological needs, and promote future collaboration opportunities. The activity seeks to connect the discussions held during the Summit with real-world community needs and opportunities for sustainable impact. Bldg: Hotel Oro Verde, Av. 9 de Octubre , Garcia Moreno , Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador