In the quest for impactful and transformative information and communication technologies (ICTs), gatekeepers around the world gathered, for the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-24) in Kampala, Uganda.
The symposium tagged: “GSR-24 Best Practice Guidelines” focuses on balancing innovation with regulation to ensure that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) have a positive impact on societies and economies.
Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the United Nations (UN) Agency for Digital Technologies, the event brought together over 600 participants, including ministers, heads of regulatory authorities, industry executives, and academics. The event was inaugurated by H.E. Ms. Jessica Alupo, Vice-President of the Republic of Uganda, who spoke on behalf of H.E. Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda.
At the crucial event, the ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin noted that with one-third of humanity still offline and women and other vulnerable groups on the wrong side of the globe’s digital divides, GSR-24 and the Best Practice Guidelines highlight the need for innovation, trust, and inclusivity in the policy and regulatory environment.
Bogdan-Martin added: “With change being the only certainty facing regulators and policymakers, we must work together to pursue regulatory approaches to leverage transformative technologies such as AI, promote the space economy, encourage innovation, and support climate action and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
Meanwhile, in his address, Uganda’s Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi expressed excitement that the GSR provides a platform for thought leaders, regulators, industry players, and other key ICT stakeholders to converge, dialogue, and set the policy and regulatory agenda that will guide the global digital industry in the near future.
“Best practice now calls for a coordinated and collaborative approach that is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders if we are to achieve the impact that we all desire. We commit to align our national policies and regulatory frameworks around the well-thought-out Best Practice Guidelines that will encourage investment, innovation, and growth in the ICT sector.” Baryomunsi stated
The Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, said that their recent meeting focused on core policy and regulatory issues to ensure digital technologies have the greatest impact on improving lives. He further discussed key topics such as advancements in generative AI and robotics, fostering an inclusive, safe, and sustainable space economy, and the necessary interventions to address climate change challenges.
“We brought the global community of regulators together to strengthen our collective capacity to navigate the fast-changing technology landscape and drive sustainable and inclusive digital transformation. We heard from young innovators and entrepreneurs and adopted action-oriented Best Practice Guidelines to help us chart the course of transformative technologies for positive impact.” Zavazava said.
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The event also featured the Regional Regulatory Associations (RA) and Digital Regulation Network (DRN) meeting, where participants shared experiences and knowledge for collaboration. The meeting highlighted the achievements of the first year of the DRN, focusing on capacity building, thought leadership, and regulatory experimentation and innovation. Key activities included knowledge sharing through the ITU Academy, the broadband mapping project, capacity-building activities, contributions to ITU-D Study Groups, and participation in interactive workshops.
