International. Regulator leaders from around the world have agreed on a new set of guidelines to ensure an inclusive and sustainable digital future for all.
Best practice guidelines adopted at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-23), held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, define regulatory and economic incentives to incentivize the deployment of digital infrastructures for all people, everywhere.
GSR-23 has been hosted by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) of Egypt, under the auspices of His Excellency Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
"Technology is advancing rapidly and does not wait for us to catch up," said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. "The commitment and agreement reached on the regulatory guidelines discussed at this Global Symposium for Regulators show the way forward, and are a guarantee that technology can benefit all people and our planet."
To promote universal and effective connectivity, the guidelines focus on regulatory approaches to rural, underserved and underserved areas, as well as emerging technologies.
"The ICT sector is at the forefront of sectors driving the sustainable development movement," said H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) of Egypt. "The importance of the Global Symposium for Regulators, which Egypt has been honoured to host this year, is that it is a platform where decision-makers, telecommunications regulators, academic specialists and industry pioneers from both developed and developing countries can exchange knowledge and experiences."
Since 2003, the GSR Best Practice Guidelines reflect the regulatory principles established to foster a competitive, secure and inclusive environment.
The 2023 Guidelines analyse and identify what incentives can be used to expand connectivity and encourage access, adoption and use. It also defines novel, innovative, pioneering and evidence-based cross-sectoral digital policy and regulatory principles that can contribute to creating a sustainable digital future for all global citizens.
Based on contributions from national and regional policy makers and regulators, regional and international organizations, civil society and the private sector, these guidelines define collaborative approaches to foster the development of investment-friendly markets that promote competition and, in turn, stimulate innovation.
According to Eng. Hossam El-Gamal, Chairman of GSR-23 and Executive Chairman of Egypt's National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), "the true potential of emerging technologies lies in their ability to uplift and empower underserved communities, thereby creating a more inclusive and equitable future." "This new set of guidelines will facilitate the transition from offline to connected to productive users in order to ensure an effective contribution to socio-economic development."
During the three days of this event, participants discussed the issues that regulators need to address today and, in addition, planned for the future.
"Dialogue between policymakers, regulators and industry is crucial," said Cosmas Zavazava, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau. "Each of us has a role to play in ensuring universal and effective connectivity which, as we know, has the potential to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Best Practice Guidelines build on the collective body of knowledge and a common commitment to provide the tools we need to drive universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation."
