Broadband Commissioners at GSR-23 Symposium Call for a Sustainable Digital Future

The ITU Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-23) was held from 5-8 June 2023 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, held under the theme “Regulation for a sustainable digital future.”  

Since 2000, the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) has convened heads of telecom/ICT regulatory authorities from different countries to discuss and exchange their expertise and insights on the most pressing regulatory issues. GSR fosters global conversations on the challenges to regulators and policymakers brought about by the digital transformation of markets and societies.  

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the GSR Best Practice Guidelines, a set of regulatory best practice guidelines adopted by regulators at conclusion of GSR. The participating regulators have collectively contributed, identified, and endorsed the GSR-23 Best Practice Guidelines to continue moving toward an inclusive and sustainable digital future.  

Broadband Commissioners and Leaders at GSR-23 

This year, GSR-23 brought together leadership from governments, regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders in the ICT field to express their perspectives on significant challenges within the ICT sector.  

The Secretary-General of ITU and Co-Vice Chair of the Commission, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin along with several Broadband Commissioners were present including:   

Additionally, representatives from commissioner-led organizations such as GSMA, Intelsat, Huawei, MTN Group, and Nokia were also present and contributed to the discussions at the Symposium. 

Event Recap

GSR-23 DAY ONE

GSR-23 DAY TWO

At the Opening Ceremony, ITU Secretary-General and Co-Vice Chair of the Broadband Commission, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin‘s opening speech addressed the question “What can regulators do to build a sustainable digital future for all, before it’s too late?” She offered the following three thoughts: 

  • First – tech won’t wait. Regulators need to move faster. 
  • Second – humans and nature are one and the same. Technology is a means, not an end. 
  • And third – international, regional, and inter-governmental collaboration and cooperation are paramount. 

At the end of her speech, ITU Secretary-General stated, “We won’t stop until we can bridge every last silo in national institutions and policy implementation – and until every country has harnessed the full potential of digital” (Ms. Bogdan-Martin further extended her remarks in an article titled “GSR-23: A defining moment for digital regulators.”)

GSR-23 DAY THREE & FOUR

Looking ahead.

The upcoming months hold significant importance in shaping digital development beyond this decade. The ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23), coinciding with the UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, at the end of the year in Dubai, promises to be decisive.  

Additionally, the SDG Digital Day, scheduled for September 17 in New York, will provide an opportunity to highlight the role of data and digital technologies in creating a shared vision for a common digital future, including through the Global Digital Compact. These endeavors collectively contribute to the ongoing pursuit of an inclusive and sustainable digital landscape. 

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