Telecommunications regulators from around the world endorsed today a comprehensive set of guidelines to navigate digital challenges and opportunities at the Global Symposium for Regulators 2026 (GSR-26).
The new guidelines, 2026 Best Practice Guidelines: Regulatory Governance Essentials, are a digital regulation toolkit to address emerging technologies, infrastructure resilience, youth safety, disaster management and the persistent global digital divide.
Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and held this year in Türkiye, the annual symposium issues guidelines to help regulators govern the complex digital market with clarity, evidence and coherence.
"Regulators today must do more than oversee markets — they must shape the conditions for innovation, investment and meaningful connectivity," said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. "At GSR-26, regulators rose to the challenge of navigating these new, fast-moving digital frontiers with confidence, agility and trust."
A blueprint for digital transformation
The regulatory guidelines endorsed at GSR-26 outline innovative approaches to advance evidence-based regulation, stronger cross-sector coordination, responsible experimentation, and regional and international cooperation.
In support of the guidelines, ITU also presented new tools to support sustainable digital development for all:
“The 2026 Best Practice Guidelines reflect our shared commitment to fostering resilient, inclusive and future-ready digital ecosystems," said Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, Chair of GSR-26 and President of Türkiye's Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). “In a world shaped by rapid technological transformation, it is essential to have international cooperation, adaptive regulation and shared responsibility to ensure that digital innovation benefits all societies."
A legacy of global collaboration
Since its inception in 2000, the Global Symposium for Regulators series has provided an annual platform to guide countries toward harmonized, forward-looking regulation in the rapidly evolving digital era.
"GSR-26 has delivered vital guidance for regulators navigating the complexities of today's digital landscape," said Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau. “The discussions held will allow regulators to address emerging challenges in a manner that is constructive, forward-looking and collaborative. I thank the Government of Türkiye for their generous support and partnership in making this Symposium a platform for global progress."
Over 1,000 participants took part in the four-day GSR-26 event, including Ministers, Heads of Regulatory Authorities, industry leaders and other key digital stakeholders.
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Resources and background information:
- Learn more about GSR-26 here.
- Photos can be found here. Watch the Highlights video here.
- View the 2026 Best Practice Guidelines: Regulatory Governance Essentials here.
Select activities at GSR-26 included:
- Regional Regulatory Associations (RA) and Digital Regulation Network (DRN) meeting on regulation keeping pace with changing digital ecosystems.
- Heads of Regulators Executive Roundtable on institutional responses needed to navigate today's digital frontier.
- Industry Advisory Group on Development Issues and Private Sector Chief Regulatory Officers (IAGDI-CRO) meeting and outcome statement.
- Network of Women (NoW) in ITU's Telecommunication Development Sector session to empower women to actively participate in decision-making within the sector.
About ITU:
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation for people and the planet with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, civil society, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, ITU coordinates the global use of the radio spectrum and satellite orbits, establishes international technology standards, drives universal connectivity and digital services, and is helping to make sure everyone benefits from sustainable digital transformation, including the most remote communities. From artificial intelligence (AI) to quantum, from satellites and submarine cables to advanced mobile and wireless broadband networks, ITU is committed to connecting the world and beyond. Learn more: www.itu.int