Mufarreh Nahari is a seasoned professional in the ICT industry, with over 16 years of diverse experience across multiple roles and organizations. He currently serves as an Acting Deputy Governor of International Affairs and Partnerships, as well as a Deputy Governor of Studies and Innovation at the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) in Saudi Arabia, where he leads market and economic studies, data and advanced analytics, innovation, in addition to international affairs and partnerships.

Throughout his career, Mufarreh has held key positions that have significantly contributed to the ICT sector. His previous roles at CST include General Manager of ICT Studies, Acting General Manager of Space Market Intelligence and Research. Mufarreh’s career began at Cisco Systems as an Account Manager, where he gained valuable insights into customer relationship management and technology solutions, followed by working at the telecom operator “Mobily” as a Director of Enterprise Fixed Products. These positions have allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, regulatory affairs, and competitive strategy within the ICT landscape.

His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Additionally, Mufarreh has pursued numerous executive education programs from prestigious institutions such as IMD, Oxford, Berkeley, INSEAD, Harvard, and Stanford. These programs have equipped him with advanced knowledge in business leadership, digital transformation, and financial management.

Mufarreh’s extensive experience enabled him to play a pivotal role in the major transitions within Saudi Arabia’s ICT sector. His strategic insights and leadership contributed significantly to the sector’s evolution, ultimately positioning it as one of the leading ICT markets globally.

Sulyna Abdullah is the Chief of the Digital Knowledge Hub Department in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). She was formerly Chief Officer of Corporate Strategy and Chief Transformation Officer at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, where she was for almost two decades. Before ITU, she had a short stint at Netflix. Sulyna is an Advocate and Solicitor of the Malaysian Bar.

Sulyna Abdullah is the Chief of the Digital Knowledge Hub Department in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). She was formerly Chief Officer of Corporate Strategy and Chief Transformation Officer at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, where she was for almost two decades. Before ITU, she had a short stint at Netflix. Sulyna is an Advocate and Solicitor of the Malaysian Bar.

Paul Garnett is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of experience in telecommunications and technology law and policy, market development, business development, strategic alliances, and technology and business model incubation. Prior to founding the Vernonburg Group, Paul created and led Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, leveraging a partner-driven approach to extending broadband access to unserved communities in the U.S. and globally. The Airband Initiative’s portfolio encompassed over 100 projects in 20 countries across 5 continents, where Paul and his team worked with internet service providers, energy access providers, and other partners to deploy new last-mile access technologies, cloud-based services, and business models that extended broadband internet access for tens of millions of people. Paul and his team also focused on key enabling verticals such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and small business. While at Microsoft, Paul was also the founder and Chairman of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance.
Throughout his career, Paul has consistently been drawn to the challenge of universal access. As Assistant Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, at CTIA-The Wireless Association®, he represented the U.S. wireless industry before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Congress. Paul also worked at the FCC in its Wireline Competition Bureau working on complex rule makings on universal service and intercarrier compensation regulations. Paul was an Associate in Swidler Berlin’s telecommunications practice and a Consultant at Price Waterhouse advising on the privatization of state-owned telecommunications and utility monopolies. Paul Garnett earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at Union College and his law degree at the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. Paul is a member of the Bar of the District of Columbia.

Daniel B. Cavalcanti is a career public servant, currently a Senior Advisor – Digital and Telecommunications Policy, Brazilian Federal Government. Previously he held positions at the Ministry of Management and Innovation, the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Earlier he worked as Advisor to the Board of the National Telecommunications Agency – Anatel.

For many years he has represented Brazil at several international organizations and fora, including the International Telecommunication Union – ITU, the G20 Digital Economy Working Group, the OECD Committee on Digital Policy, the BRICS ICT Working Group, and the UN ECLAC Digital Agenda.

Before joining the Federal Public Service, he worked for several years in the private sector, both in Brazil and abroad, and taught Telecommunications Engineering at two universities.

Mr. Cavalcanti holds M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada.

• CEO SAMENA Telecommunications Council – UAE


• Member Review Board, 5th Generation Collaborative Regulation (G5) Benchmark – ITU


• Commissioner Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development – UN


• Member Edison Alliance, World Economic Forum (WEF)


• Member 2020 G20 Summit Advisory Board – (Former) Digital Economy Task Force – KSA


• Chairman Industry Advisory Group for Development Issues & Chief Regulatory Officers Meeting (IAGDI/CRO) – ITU

Lele Modise is the Group Chief Legal and Regulatory Affairs Officer (GCLRO) at MTN Group Limited (MTN), and was previously the MTN Group Chief Legal Counsel, having joined MTN Group in August 2019.

In her current role as the Group Legal and Regulatory Officer, she provides legal, regulatory and public policy strategic direction, including the implementation of the Group’s legal and regulatory risk management and regulatory advocacy and engagement programs. In her previous role, she was Barclays Africa Group Limited (Absa Africa)’s General Counsel for Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) from October 2014 and was appointed as General Counsel for both Wealth, Investment Management and Insurance (WIMI) and CIB in November 2015.

Ms Modise holds a B.Proc, LLB from the University of Pretoria (2001) and Masters in Banking Law (LLM) from the University of South Africa (2006). She was admitted as an Attorney in 2003.

Amy Alvarez serves is the AVP, International External and Regulatory Affairs at AT&T. In this capacity, she advocates AT&T’s positions on international telecommunications issues to the U.S. Executive Branch agencies and the Federal Communications Commission in support of AT&T’s global business and international wholesale business units.  Her portfolio also includes the management of AT&T Global Services Canada regulatory matters and the coordination of AT&T’s telecommunications and Internet policy positions before multilateral organizations, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), and the Organisation for Economic and Co-operative Development (OECD).
  
Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Boston University and a Master’s degree in Communication, Culture and Technology from Georgetown University.  She is based in Washington, D.C.

Cosmas Zavazava took office as Director of the​ Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) at the International Te​lecommunication Union (ITU) on 1 January 2023.

With more than 30 years in telecommunications, including over 20 years in ITU’s Development Sector, Dr Zavazava has promoted and implemented impactful information and communication technology projects around the world.

Prior to his election as BDT Director, he served as ITU’s Chief of Partnerships for Digital Development , overseeing development-related projects, strategic partnerships, and resource mobilization between 2019 and 2022, while launching new initiatives that have boosted the engagement of industry, private-sector and academia members in ITU’s work.

Previously, as ITU’s Chief of Projects and Initiatives, he oversaw development projects focused on gender, youth, and people with special needs, along with capacity building, emergency telecommunications, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and e-waste management.

Isabelle Mauro is Director General of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) that represents the interests of the satellite industry ecosystem. Under Isabelle’s leadership, GSOA and its member CEOs lead the effort to showcase the benefits of satellite communications for a more inclusive, sustainable and secure society – vital to bridging the world’s digital divide, achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and realizing the full potential of the 5G & 6G ecosystem.

Isabelle has 25 years’ experience in the Telecoms and Technology sector, starting at the GSMA, where she was responsible for International & External Affairs for fifteen years. In 2015 she moved to New York to join the World Economic Forum as Head of the Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Industry, managing the portfolio of over 60 Tech companies globally and leading initiatives on inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.

Isabelle is passionate about inclusion and sustainability. She is a Commissioner of the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development. Isabelle is also Member of the Advisory Board of Access Partnership and of the High-Level Advisory Board of the DigitalGoesGreen Foundation. She also sits on the Advisory Board of Women in Tech.

Isabelle holds an MSc in European Politics and Policy from the London School of Economics. She is fluent in French, English, Italian and Spanish.

James Claude is the CEO of Global Voice Group, a leading RegTech and GovTech provider that works exclusively for government institutions and regulatory bodies since 2005. Before he was nominated to this post in October 2018, he had worked for the company for thirteen years. He has been one of the key members of GVG’s management team since 2009.

Since James Claude has been a member of GVG’s Board of Directors, the company has received numerous recognitions: “Technology Company of the Year” in 2021 by Africa Techweek, “Data Management Partner for Regulatory Compliance” in 2022 by Central Banking, and “Most Innovative RegTech Solution Provider” at the end of 2022 by Digital Banker Africa. Furthermore, GVG has been listed in Deloitte’s RegTech directory, which includes the top 30 regulatory technology companies offering real-time transaction monitoring and verification solutions, and Global Fintech’s Regtech100 directory, which includes the top 100 companies in the industry. In addition, as a result of his tenure as CEO of GVG, James was awarded Africa Tech Week’s 2020 CEO of the Year award.

Fluent in English, Spanish and French, Mr. Claude holds a Master’s Degree in Management from Boston University and a First Degree in Telematics Engineering from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra. He has also completed numerous training courses in advanced technologies and business administration, such as the “Transforming your Leadership Strategy” and “Negotiation for Executives” courses offered by the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Fatou Sow Kane is a recognized Senegalese leader in the telecommunications sector. Since December 2022, she has held the position of General Director of Expresso Sénégal, a subsidiary of the Sudatel Group.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in private law from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, obtained in 2001, and continued her studies with a master’s degree from the IAM Group, as well as a certificate from INSEAD. Her professional career began in 1999 at Philip Morris International. In 2000, she joined Millicom, and then joined Expresso Sénégal in 2008. Within this company, she has held various positions of responsibility, including Chief Enterprise Business Officer and more recently Chief Strategy and Business Planning Officer, before being appointed to lead the company.

As the first woman to lead Expresso Sénégal and the first female CEO within the Sudatel Group, Fatou Sow Kane is determined to revitalize the company by providing an exceptional customer experience and developing new products and services. She also emphasizes improving service quality, marketing and communication, as well as the company’s geographical expansion.

Under her leadership, Expresso Sénégal adopts a strategy focused on innovation and digital transformation, aiming to position the company as a key player in the telecommunications sector in Senegal and the sub-region.

Diana Mejía is a global compliance and market access strategist dedicated to making technology safer, more transparent, and truly global. As Founder and CEO of Entirety LLC, she partners with leading tech firms and regulators across 190+ countries to navigate complex certification landscapes. Her work bridges policy, engineering, and strategy—ensuring products meet regulatory demands while empowering teams and protecting end users. Diana is known for her deep expertise, values-driven leadership, and unwavering commitment to integrity and impact.

Mr. Algibreen has over 27 years of experience in the field of ICT, specializing in Regulatory and Compliance with versatile experience in strategic planning, market and competition analysis, national and international ICT laws, regulations and policies development and compliance with a background in project management, sales, marketing and business development. Currently he is stc’s Group Chief Regulatory Affairs and Compliance leading regulatory and compliance activities for/within the group dealing with Government and Regulatory bodies in KSA and supporting stc subsidiaries in this domain. He worked for a duration of 16 years at CST (previously known as CITC the Saudi ICT regulator) in several positions leading major national projects, strategies, initiatives, several national and international committees. Moreover, held several positions in AT&T and Lucent Technologies in Public Affairs, Sales & Marketing and Business Development. Also was awarded a full scholarship from Lucent Technologies to The George Washington University in Washington DC and obtained a Master of Science degree in Project Management.

CK is the Group Chief Regulatory Officer, Axiata Group Berhad and part of its Senior Leadership Team. CK has close to 30 years of experience in telecommunication, with roles in regulatory strategy and policy development with prior experience in network engineering and project management. CK holds a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (First Class) from Queen’s University Belfast, UK and an MBA and LLM (IT and Telecoms Law) from the University of Strathclyde, UK. He also completed a Certificate in Public Policy Analysis from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

CK is a member of Board and member of Board Audit Committee of Smart Axiata Co Ltd, one of the leading mobile network operators in Cambodia and is a frequent speaker, panellist and moderator in various regional regulatory forums, covering issues such as spectrum policy, telecom investment policies, digital policies and more.
CK is currently serving a 2-year term as Chair of GSMA’s Global Spectrum Strategy Management Group (SSMG). The GSMA is the global mobile industry association, representing over 750 mobile operators and further 400 associate members from the mobile ecosystem. Comprising of global experts on spectrum regulation and technical issues, the SSMG is an advisory body to the Global Policy Group and GSMA Board.

Jawad leads the GSMA MENA team that is responsible for GSMA work & activities in the MENA region, which spans 25 countries. He oversees the MENA advocacy activities and GSMA programs such as future networks and technology programs. Jawad’s team engages with GSMA members, including mobile operators, in the deployment strategies of mobile services such as 5G networks, the internet of things, digital identity and AI.

We work with a team of mobile experts from the GSMA including its HQ in London and other locations around the world. The work includes collaborating with stakeholders in MENA and advocacy work to ensure sustainable investments in mobile broadband networks. Activities include promoting the mobile industry’s positive contributions to regional and national economic development at the highest levels, influencing the region’s major opinion leaders.

Jawad’s career experience in ICT and media spans 33 years. Before joining the GSMA as head of MENA in Oct 2015, Jawad managed the Arab Advisors Group, which he had founded in 2001; he sold 55% of the company to the Arab Jordan Investment Bank in 2005. Prior to that, Jawad’s career experience included working as a senior telecommunications and technology consultant with the Yankee Group in Boston, USA. Between 1998 and 2000, Mr. Abbassi was a senior analyst with the communications research arm of the Economist Intelligence Unit in Boston.

Jawad is also a frequent guest speaker at conferences and seminars related to technology, communications and media in the Arab world.

Jawad has received his BSc in engineering from the American University in Cairo, Egypt in 1993 and received a scholarship for an MSc in information systems from the London School of Economics in 1998. He also completed executive education courses in finance for senior executives from Harvard Business School in July 2010 as well as comparative tax policy in August 2018, Infrastructure in a Market Economy in May 2022, Leading Green Growth April 2024 and attained a Certificate in Economic Development in April 2024 from Harvard Kennedy School.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin took office as Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 1 January 2023.

Ms Bogdan-Martin has held leadership positions in the field of international telecommunications policy for over two decades, with a track-record of brokering innovative partnerships to expand digital inclusion and connectivity for everyone around the world. Following her historic election by ITU Member States in September 2022, she became the first woman ever to head the organization, which was first established in 1865 and became a UN specialized agency in 1947.

As ITU Secretary-General, she aims to drive innovative solutions, maximize ITU’s relevance for its 193 Member States, intensify global cooperation on connecting the unconnected, and strengthen the alignment of ITU’s programmes with the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations. Ms Bogdan-Martin has consistently emphasized the need for digital transformation to achieve economic prosperity, job creation, skills development, gender equality, and socio-economic inclusion, as well as to build circular economies, reduce climate impact, and save lives.

As Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau for a four-year term starting in 2018, she helped put sustainable digital development at the forefront of international cooperation, including with the private sector and civil society. Among other ITU development priorities, she actively promoted the Partner2Connect initiative, which has mobilized unprecedented pledges of funding and support for meaningful Internet connectivity in developing countries.

She was previously instrumental in establishing the ITU-UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, serving as its Executive Director for more than a decade; contributed to the success of ITU’s Global Symposium for Regulators as the pre-eminent worldwide meeting for digital policy makers; and led ITU’s youth engagement strategy. She also pioneered ITU’s ongoing contribution to the EQUALS Global Partnership for Gender Equality in the Digital Age and initiated ITU’s collaboration with UNICEF on the Giga project to connect every school worldwide to the Internet.

Within ITU, she has promoted gender equality and encouraged bringing more women into the workforce, as well as helping women grow professionally and contributing to networks of women pursuing gender-balanced participation in conferences and policy making.

From 2008 until 2018, Ms Bogdan-Martin served as Chief of ITU’s Strategic Planning and Membership Department, overseeing corporate communications, external affairs, corporate strategy, and membership. Earlier, she headed the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau’s Regulatory and Market Environment Division and Regulatory Reform Unit.

Before joining ITU in 1994, she worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce as a Telecommunication Policy Specialist in the National Telecommunication and Information Administration.

Ms Bogdan-Martin holds a Master’s in International Communications Policy from American University in Washington, DC, a post-graduate certification in Strategies for Leadership from the Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, and a certification in Accountability and Ethics from the UN Leaders Programme. She is also a qualified amateur radio operator.

Ms Bogdan-Martin is married with four children.

Cosmas Zavazava took office as Director of the​ Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) at the International Te​lecommunication Union (ITU) on 1 January 2023.

With more than 30 years in telecommunications, including over 20 years in ITU’s Development Sector, Dr Zavazava has promoted and implemented impactful information and communication technology projects around the world.

Prior to his election as BDT Director, he served as ITU’s Chief of Partnerships for Digital Development , overseeing development-related projects, strategic partnerships, and resource mobilization between 2019 and 2022, while launching new initiatives that have boosted the engagement of industry, private-sector and academia members in ITU’s work.

Previously, as ITU’s Chief of Projects and Initiatives, he oversaw development projects focused on gender, youth, and people with special needs, along with capacity building, emergency telecommunications, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and e-waste management.

Cosmas Zavazava took office as Director of the​ Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) at the International Te​lecommunication Union (ITU) on 1 January 2023.

With more than 30 years in telecommunications, including over 20 years in ITU’s Development Sector, Dr Zavazava has promoted and implemented impactful information and communication technology projects around the world.

Prior to his election as BDT Director, he served as ITU’s Chief of Partnerships for Digital Development , overseeing development-related projects, strategic partnerships, and resource mobilization between 2019 and 2022, while launching new initiatives that have boosted the engagement of industry, private-sector and academia members in ITU’s work.

Previously, as ITU’s Chief of Projects and Initiatives, he oversaw development projects focused on gender, youth, and people with special needs, along with capacity building, emergency telecommunications, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and e-waste management.

Graduated in Economics from the University of Brasília (UnB), with master’s and doctoral degree in Economics from the Catholic University of Brasília (UCB). In the telecommunications field since 2006, he worked as a consultant and sectoral information analyst for an association of mobile operators. He also served as an undergraduate professor at the Catholic University of Brasília (UCB), at the Institute of Higher Education of Brasília (IESB), and at the Brazilian Institute of Capital Markets (IBMEC). He has written articles and book chapters published in Brazil and abroad. He has been a tenured civil servant at the National Agency of Telecommunications of Brazil (Anatel) since 2009, where he held positions such as Executive Superintendent, Competition Superintendent, Chief of Technical Advisory, and Control of Obligations Superintendent. He served as a Commissioner from October 2020 to April 2022, when he became the Executive President and President of the Board of Anatel.

Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is an officer of the Indian Railway Service of Engineers from the 1984 batch. He had superannuated as Chairman & CEO, Railway Board on 31st August 2023 after a career spanning about 37 years Indian Railway. He is a graduate in Civil Engineering from Madhav Institute of Technology and Science, Gwalior, with gold medal and has master’s degree in engineering (Structures) from IIT Roorkee. He has worked in various positions in the Central, Northern, North Central, Western, and West Central Railway, as well as in the Railway Board.

Besides Chairman & CEO, Railway Board, some of the important positions held by Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti include Member Infrastructure, Railway Board, General Manager of Central Railway and Western Railway, Divisional Railway Manager, Lucknow, Northern Railway, Chief Administrative Officer (Construction), Northern Railway and Executive Director, Railway Board. Post his retirement, Ministry of Railway had appointed him to a One-Man Expert Committee for improvement in inspection and maintenance of track. In December 2023, Gati Shakti Vishvavidyalaya, Vadodara, a Central University appointed him as a Distinguished Visiting Professor.

His expertise includes railway operations, track maintenance, project execution and station redevelopment. During his illustrious career, Shri Lahoti initiated several reforms in execution of infrastructure projects and took several initiatives to modernize and mechanize track maintenance on Indian Railways. During his stints as CRB & CEO, GM and DRM, he brought about significant improvement in freight transport performance and took several customer friendly initiatives to improve the quality of service and ease the customer interface. He has also extensively contributed to planning and structuring of station redevelopment projects in various positions served by him.

Shri Lahoti has travelled to various countries in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia in connection with official assignments. He has undertaken executive training programmes at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA, SDA Bocconi Business School, Milan, Italy and Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.

He was born to Freedom Fighter Late Shri Ratan Lal Lahoti and Late Smt. Kanchan Devi Lahoti at Guna, M.P. and is the younger brother of former Chief Justice of India Late Justice R.C. Lahoti. His wife is a homemaker and his son is a working professional in Bangaluru.

Ms. Helena Fernandes is currently the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the INCM, where she also played the role of an Executive Board Member in charge of Corporate Affairs (September 2021 to July 2024). Previously, she served as Director of Administration and Finance at INCM and Head of Department of Finance at the Ministry of Science, Technology and High Education.

As a leader at INCM, she has been contributing to the development of the postal and telecommunications sectors in Mozambique.

At the international level, Mrs. Fernandes chaired the Finance and Audit Committee of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO) and the Communications Regulatory Association of Southern Africa’s (CRASA) Finance and Audit Committee, for 7 years. She chaired the WTDC-17’s Finance Committee in Buenos-Aires and vice-chaired the Committee 3 of ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-18) in Dubai.

Mrs. Fernandes has actively participated in the financial and management reforms process of the CTO and the Portuguese Speaking Countries Telecommunication Regulatory Association (ARCTEL-CPLP).

Currently, Mrs. Fernandes is the Chairperson of the CTO Executive Committee.

Mrs. Helena Fernandes graduated in Economics and holds a MBA.

Fatou Sow Kane is a recognized Senegalese leader in the telecommunications sector. Since December 2022, she has held the position of General Director of Expresso Sénégal, a subsidiary of the Sudatel Group.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in private law from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, obtained in 2001, and continued her studies with a master’s degree from the IAM Group, as well as a certificate from INSEAD. Her professional career began in 1999 at Philip Morris International. In 2000, she joined Millicom, and then joined Expresso Sénégal in 2008. Within this company, she has held various positions of responsibility, including Chief Enterprise Business Officer and more recently Chief Strategy and Business Planning Officer, before being appointed to lead the company.

As the first woman to lead Expresso Sénégal and the first female CEO within the Sudatel Group, Fatou Sow Kane is determined to revitalize the company by providing an exceptional customer experience and developing new products and services. She also emphasizes improving service quality, marketing and communication, as well as the company’s geographical expansion.

Under her leadership, Expresso Sénégal adopts a strategy focused on innovation and digital transformation, aiming to position the company as a key player in the telecommunications sector in Senegal and the sub-region.

Ekaterine Imedadze has been a commissioner of the Georgian National Communications Commission (ComCom) since March 2021. Prior to taking up her position, she headed the Telecommunications Market Regulation Department at ComCom.
Ms Imedadze has over 15 years of professional experience in telecommunications with a global perspective. Ms Imedadze has held several key positions at the international telecommunications group company VEON Ltd., leading the Global Process unit responsible for the group’s digital transformation. She also served as the group’s internal control and risk management lead for several years. Ms. Imedadze had previously served as the Head of Finance and Operations for a number of large private organisations, as well as a business consultant for leading ICT companies.
Ms Imedadze holds an MBA from the University of Bradford School of Management and completed the Innovation Leadership programme at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Previously, she earned a master’s degree in physics as well as a postgraduate diploma in artificial intelligence and fuzzy logic from Tbilisi State University, and she is currently pursuing an LL.M. in competition law and economics at the Brussels School of Competition (BSC).
She speaks Georgian, English, German and Russian.

As Director General of Spectrum Management and Standardization of Post and ICT, Ministry of ICT of Indonesia, Dr. Ismail leads the directorate general with approximately 2200 civil servants throughout Indonesia to fulfill an effective, efficient, dynamic and optimal frequency spectrum management, as well as encouraging the use of innovative technology that meets technical requirements. Currently, He is focusing on how government could drive the ICT ecosystem thus Indonesia could harness the full potentials through digital transformation, digital economy, and industry 4.0.

Mothibi Glenview Ramusi is the Chairperson of the Independent Communi-cations Authority of South Africa. A qualified electronic systems engineer, and an information technology certified professional. Mothibi has over three decades of working experience in the ICT sector, ranging from telecommu-nications, satellite, lotteries and broadcasting. Mothibi has an extensive leadership portfolio, which extends to Executive positions in both public and private sectors.

He has played a critical role in spearheading the role of ICT and satellite in community upliftment and development, especially in underserved and rural areas. Mothibi was part of the group of experts that developed the Telecommunications, broadcasting and satellite policy and regulatory framework in South Africa post 1994. Mothibi’s professional expertise includes mergers of entities, development of strategic partnerships relating to enterprise development, ICT infrastructure and spectrum management.
Mothibi holds a Bachelor’s Degree (BEng) in Electronic Systems Engineering from the University of Essex, B-Tech Higher National Diploma in Electronic Systems Engineering from Anglia Higher Education Institute, now Ruskin University, Transnet Executive Development Programme from GIBS and International Executive Development Programme from Witwatersrand University.

Vadim Nozdrin received the Telecommunication engineer degree in 1988 and Ph.D. in spectrum management in 1999 from Moscow Technical University of Telecommunication and Informatization and successfully defended his post-doctorate thesis in spectrum economy in St. Petersburg State University of Economics in 2019.

From 1988 to 2000 he has devoted his career to Radio Research & Development Institute (NIIR) in Moscow in positions with increasing responsibility, ultimately attaining the position of Deputy Director on International Spectrum Management Affairs.

In 2000 he has joined Space Service Department of Radiocommunication Bureau in ITU, dealing with preparation to World Radiocommunication Conferences, technical and regulatory applications of Radio Regulations and expert support for international radiocommunication worldwide. Since 2010, he is Counsellor for ITU-R Study Group 7.

He has published more than 60 scientific articles on radiocommunication and spectrum management issues as well as co-authoring three monographs.

Khaled Hegazy is the Chief Operations Officer of e& International, responsible for Regulatory Affairs, Partner Markets and Portfolio Management for the 15 Opco’s outside the UAE.

Prior to that, he was the Chief Strategy and Regulatory Officer for e& International.

Before that, he was Etisalat Egypt’s Chief Business Officer leading the transformation of the Enterprise Business Unit that resulted in significant revenue and market share growth to become the second largest player in Egypt’s Enterprise market for the first time.

Hegazy initially joined Etisalat Egypt in November 2016 as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, where he led the development of several key teams, including Regulatory, Strategy, Legal, International Wholesale, Government Affairs, and Corporate Communications.

Before that he was the External Affairs and Legal Director for Vodafone Egypt from 2009.

Hegazy was the Head of External Relations for Procter & Gamble (P&G) for the Near East Region until 2009.

Hegazy has a BSc. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA, both from the American University in Cairo, Egypt.

He is a board member in several companies and business organizations in Egypt and in the Middle East. The most recent is his appointment as a Director on the Supervisory Board of Maroc Telecom Group, a company listed on Euronext and Casablanca stock market, a member of the Board of Directors of PTCL and Ufone in Pakistan and a board member of SAMENA Telecommunications Council.

Barbee has served as General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Globalstar since July 2010. In this role he has directed Globalstar’s regulatory and licensing activities around the world.

Barbee has led the international regulatory effort required for the commercial introduction of the world’s first satellite direct-to-device service, now providing mobile satellite connectivity to millions of people globally. This effort included the expansion and licensing of Globalstar’s ground network now consisting of 28 gateway Earth stations in 18 countries.

Most recently, Barbee worked to secure the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s reauthorization of Globalstar’s senior HIBLEO-4 constellation filing for an additional 15-year license term.

He holds a law degree from Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in Management degree from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Kalpak Gude is the Head of Global Regulatory Affairs for Project Kuiper at Amazon. He is responsible for global licensing, regulations, ITU filings and regulatory processes, as well as space safety and sustainability, along with global ISP compliance. Prior to Amazon, Mr. Gude was General Counsel at Swarm Technologies and President of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance trade association. He has also had senior roles in the U.S. government at the FCC and U.S. Senate, as well as in industry at OneWeb, Intelsat and PanAmSat.

Emilia Nghikembua is the Chief Executive Officer of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia. She is the holder of a Baccalaureus Juris, Bachelor of Law and Master of Law (cum laude) degrees from the University of Namibia, respectively. Emilia also holds a Master of Arts in Information and Communications Technology Policy and Regulation obtained from the University of the Witwatersrand and an Executive Master of Business Administration with majors in business and technology. She is an admitted legal practitioner of the High Court of Namibia.

Emilia was ranked among the top 100 African economic leaders by Institute Choiseul in 2022, 2023 & 2024, respectively. The ranking identified her as among the 100 Africans under the age of 40 years, expected to play a major role in the continent’s economic development soon. In 2023, Emilia was honoured by the Windhoek Observer as one of 50 Namibians of Merit under the corporate leadership segment. In 2024, Emilia was named the Young African Leader of the Year by the African Leadership Magazine. This award recognised her for her trailblazing contributions to Africa’s communications sector with reforms and regulatory responsibilities.

George Michaelides has over 25 years of experience in the ICT sector. He holds a B.Eng. in Computer Engineering and an MSc in Communication Systems. For more than 14 years, he served in senior regional ICT roles within multinational organizations, where he led major reorganizations, outsourcing initiatives, and the implementation of IT best practices, consistently ensuring the delivering of high-quality ICT services.

Since 2014, he has been heading the Cyprus National Regulatory Authority (OCECPR) for Electronic Communications and Postal Services. In 2018, he additionally assumed leadership of the national regulatory authority for Network and Information Security (NIS), responsible for Critical Information Infrastructures (CIIs), including the establishment and operation of the National CSIRT.

Under his leadership, the authority also oversees the National Coordination Center, enhancing cybersecurity research excellence and competitiveness, and the National Cybersecurity Certification Authority, responsible for supervising and certifying EU cybersecurity schemes for ICT products, services, and processes. He has also established a national ICT Academy focused on skilling, upskilling, and reskilling initiatives at both national and regional levels, offered through both in-person and virtual formats.

His office also serves as the coordinating body for implementing Cyprus’ Cybersecurity Strategy.

As part of his regulatory duties, Mr. Michaelides represents Cyprus as a board member of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) and the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC).

Mohamed Shamroukh is an accomplished telecommunications executive with over 20 years of experience in technical, operational, strategic, and financial management. Currently serving as the Executive President of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) in Egypt, he oversees national telecommunications policies and regulatory compliance, leading initiatives to enhance the resilience and integrity of telecommunications infrastructure.

Previously, Mr. Shamroukh held the position of Senior Vice President for Financial Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at Telecom Egypt, where he managed the company’s investment portfolio, procurement, and supply chain operations, and played a key role in business decision-making for new commercial products. His tenure at Telecom Egypt also included roles as Director of Corporate Strategy and Operations General Manager, where he developed corporate strategies, managed customer service processes, and handled various network engineering tasks.

Mr. Shamroukh holds an EMBA from IESE Business School and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Engineering and Electrical Telecommunications from Cairo University. He is fluent in Arabic and English and brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, financial management, regulatory compliance, and telecommunications infrastructure.

Currently serving as the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Maida plays a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape. Under his leadership, the NCC continues to advance connectivity, foster innovation, and promote a competitive and inclusive telecommunications industry.

Dr. Maida’s career includes significant contributions to leading global organizations such as British Telecom, Cisco Systems, and EE Ltd. He was also a pioneering engineering team member at UbiquiSys Ltd, a groundbreaking small-cell technology startup acquired by Cisco Systems in 2013.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Maida was the Executive Director of Technology and Operations at the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems PLC (NIBSS). There, he spearheaded the modernization of Nigeria’s central digital payments infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a critical enabler of the country’s financial ecosystem.

In November 2024, as CEO, NCC, Dr. Maida joined the International Institute of Communications (IIC) as a Board Director.

Dr. Maida holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Bath, an MEng in Information Systems Engineering from Imperial College London, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship from the Cambridge Judge Business School.

Dr Bilel Jamoussi, a distinguished engineer and diplomat, is the Deputy Director of ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau and Chief, Study Groups & Policy Department (SPD) in Geneva, Switzerland.

His primary mission is to establish the international standards essential for ensuring global telecommunications and ICT interoperability, promote universal, meaningful connectivity and champion sustainable digital transformation. At the same time, Dr Jamoussi is passionate about ensuring inclusivity in standards development and adoption.

A key focus for him has been to intensify industry engagement, and bolster cooperation with other standardization bodies, as well as leading in emerging tech discussions, building strategic partnerships, and pursuing organizational excellence.

In an era characterized by digital transformation, he has championed greatly increased collaboration with vertical sectors such as healthcare, transportation, utility, and banking. In addition, his innovative approach has served as a catalyst to launch new standards initiatives related to emerging technologies such as IoT, Blockchain, AI and Quantum, and attracting a new wave of memberships from non-traditional players.

A standout accomplishment of Dr Jamoussi has been his work in bridging the telecommunications and financial sectors. Through this, he has paved the way for the creation of digital payments guidelines and standards that aim to foster financial inclusion on a global scale.

Prior to 2010, he worked in the private sector for 15 years and held senior executive positions such as Director of Standards for Nortel. In this role, he participated in over 90 standards making bodies worldwide. In the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), he authored a number of Internet standards. As an IEEE Senior Member, he was elected to the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) Board of Governors and the IEEE-SA Corporate Advisory Group. He holds a BSc, MSc and PhD degrees in Computer Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University, USA.

Born in Tunisia, Bilel has lived in Canada, USA, and Switzerland, giving him a unique global viewpoint. He is fluent in Arabic, French, and English.

Mr. WEI Ran is the Chief Engineer of China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT). He is a professorate senior engineer and has long been engaged in the research and development of mobile communication technologies, policies, standards, systems, and testing technologies as well as the construction and operation of large-scale labs. He won the Special Prize of National S&T Progress Award and recently has been mainly engaged in innovation and application of mobile communication technology, and mobile operating system/application innovation and governance issues.

CK is the Group Chief Regulatory Officer, Axiata Group Berhad and part of its Senior Leadership Team. CK has close to 30 years of experience in telecommunication, with roles in regulatory strategy and policy development with prior experience in network engineering and project management. CK holds a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (First Class) from Queen’s University Belfast, UK and an MBA and LLM (IT and Telecoms Law) from the University of Strathclyde, UK. He also completed a Certificate in Public Policy Analysis from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

CK is a member of Board and member of Board Audit Committee of Smart Axiata Co Ltd, one of the leading mobile network operators in Cambodia and is a frequent speaker, panellist and moderator in various regional regulatory forums, covering issues such as spectrum policy, telecom investment policies, digital policies and more.
CK is currently serving a 2-year term as Chair of GSMA’s Global Spectrum Strategy Management Group (SSMG). The GSMA is the global mobile industry association, representing over 750 mobile operators and further 400 associate members from the mobile ecosystem. Comprising of global experts on spectrum regulation and technical issues, the SSMG is an advisory body to the Global Policy Group and GSMA Board.

Mr Haji Jailani is the Deputy Chief Executive of Regulatory, International, National Infrastructure Division of Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI). He joined the incumbent Telecommunication Operator Jabatan Telekom Brunei in 1999 in-charge of Frequency Management and Licensing and transferred to Ministry of Communications in 2001 in-charge of the telecom regulatory issues.
He has 20 years working experience in the telecommunication industry covering on licensing, spectrum management, broadband, numbering, convergence, market access, competition and tariff in the telecommunications market. He has involved in various projects in developing telecommunication infrastructure such as Asia America Gateway Submarine Cable Network, AITI Frequency Management System (AFMS) as well as various regulatory projects such as development of Radio Regulation, development of Spectrum Pricing and Numbering Plan for Brunei Darussalam.
He currently led the team that responsible on the regulatory matters in the telecommunications industry, international as well as on the national infrastructure that mainly looking into the broadband deployment in both wired and wireless technology, cybersecurity and postal services.
Mr Haji Jailani also represents Brunei Darussalam in various international meetings in International Telecommunications Union (ITU), APECTEL, ASEAN and Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and have become chairman and moderator in local and international meetings and conferences.
Mr Haji Jailani hold Master of Communications Management from Coventry University under the Chevening Scholarship from United Kingdom in collaboration with Cable & Wireless Ltd Ptd in 2004 and obtained his Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics from University of Glasgow, Scotland in 1999. He also attended Leadership Training Course in National University of Singapore in 2013.

Philip Marnick is the General Director of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). He was appointed early January 2022 by the Members of the Board, to assume the position, paving the way for a more effective regulatory framework by continuing the evolution of the telecom sector liberalization.

Mr. Marnick leads the TRA, including the development of consumer protection initiatives and resolving disputes. The TRA develops regulatory rules that promote competition, innovation, and investment in broadband services and facilities, as well as developing a more comprehensive and competitive framework that aligns with international best practices. Ensuring that Bahrain remains a center of innovation and that its telecommunications sector serves everyone while supporting Bahrain’s strategic objectives.

Before assuming his role at the TRA, Philip managed and directed at Ofcom in the UK, where he was the Group Director of Spectrum responsible for all aspects of UK national and international spectrum management – from strategy to delivery including awards, clearance and enforcement.

Mr. Marnick has worked in the telecommunications sector for over 30 years. He has served as a senior executive in technology, operations, and strategy. Mr. Marnick has worked in both start-ups (from inception to sale) and major corporations, in firms such as UK Broadband, O2, Orange, BT, J-Phone in Japan (now Softbank Mobile), Extreme Mobile, and SpinVox (now Nuance).

From analogue to 5G, he has engaged across every mobile generation. Throughout his carrier he has been at the forefront of industry developments – in both fixed and mobile. He has collaborated on the first deployments of mobile networks utilizing new technologies and standards, this has also included innovative products such as the first camera phone and photo messaging service, as well as mobile internet and hosted voice services.

Louis Marc SAKALA, Directeur Général de l’Agence de Régulation des Postes et des Communications Électroniques (ARPCE) du Congo, est Chevalier dans l’Ordre du Mérite Congolais. Ingénieur en Informatique & Génie des télécommunications (ESIGETEL), Spécialisation : Radiocommunication-mobile, il est titulaire d’un MBA -Exécutive de l’université PARIS DAUPHINE.

Il débute sa carrière professionnelle en 2007 chez European Aeronautic Defence and Space company (EADS)- AIRBUS DEFENSE à Élancourt en tant qu’Ingénieur Système, avant de rejoindre THALES Communication France en qualité d’Ingénieur Système Intégration Validation.

En 2010, il rentre au Congo pour assumer les fonctions de Responsable du Service Gestion du Spectre des Fréquences, au sein de l’ARPCE. Deux ans plus tard, il est promu Conseiller Technique du Directeur Général de l’ARPCE et Responsable des Opérateurs et Prestataires. En 2018, il est nommé Directeur des Réseaux et Services de Communications Électroniques, avant de prendre la Direction Générale de l’ARPCE en 2020. Dynamique et très dévoué, Louis-Marc SAKALA a activement participé à la mise en œuvre et à l’aboutissement des projets majeurs de l’ARPCE.

Président Exécutif de l’ARTAC depuis 2022, il assume aussi la Vice-Présidence de Fratel.

Sandra Maximiano, Chairwoman of ANACOM’s Board of Directors since 15 December 2023, holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Amsterdam. She is an Associate Professor of Economics at ISEG – School of Economics & Management, University of Lisbon, where she is co-coordinator of XLAB – Behavioral Research Lab and of the Master’s Degree in Economics program. She is also a Visiting Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra. She was previously an Assistant Professor at Purdue University and a Research Fellow at the University of Chicago in the United States.

Her academic research spans several areas: experimental and behavioral economics, organizational and labor economics, public policy, and information management. Her research explores issues related to social and moral preferences in individual decision making and in strategic and competitive environments and gender differences in economic decisions. Maximiano primarily uses laboratory and field experiments to study human economic behavior and to collect data. Her work has been published in journals such as Review of Economic Studies

On 18 September 2020, appointed by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland as President of the Office of Electronic Communications. For many years, he combined didactic work with managerial positions at the IT Department of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology and the Wrocław Centre for Networking and Supercomputing.

His professional interests focus on technical, business and legal aspects of telecommunications services and ICT networks, Internet development, convergence of telecommunications, IT and media, as well as on information society problems.

In 1998-2002 he worked at Telefonia Lokalna S.A. in Wrocław, e.g. as Director of the Data Transmission Network Department. In 2004-2005, he was a member of the management board of TK 3 sp. z o. o., in 2005-2008 a member of the management board and Director of the Technology Department at Tele Video Media sp. z o. o. (later transformed into Avista Media sp. z o. o.), in 2008 -2009 Director of the Department of Technology at Telefonia DIALOG SA.

Associate professor at the Wrocław University of Science and Technology. From 2009 Director of the IT Department of the University, from 2010 Director of the Wrocław Center for Networking and Supercomputing, from 2018 Director of the IT Department, Deputy Chancellor for IT of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

In his career, he led, among others, the projects on “Cybersecurity for the economy of the future”, “Specialized Polish Scientific Infrastructure for Research Laboratories (SPIN-LAB)” and “Cloud Computing – new technologies in the didactic offer of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology”.

Julissa Cruz Abreu, current Executive Director of the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (INDOTEL), has more than two decades of experience in public service. At the institution, she has been Director of International Relations, Compliance Commissioner, and Head of the Regulation Department, playing a fundamental role in the creation of the regulatory framework and leading the implementation of number portability in 2009. Likewise, he has directed significant projects, such as the National Broadband Plan of the Dominican Republic, the Radio Spectrum Tender for the deployment of fifth-generation networks (5G), being the second country to have this technology in the region, and the coordination of the Connectivity and Access Axis of the 2030 Digital Agenda. His management has stood out for the promotion of regulatory measures to strengthen competition and innovation, including the identification of relevant markets and the implementation of the Regulatory Sandbox.

She has been nominated as a finalist for the CONECTA LATAM AWARDS 2023 in the “Most Connected Woman of the Year” category. This award honors women who, by driving innovation, have truly made a difference in their company, telecommunications industry, and community. Similarly, at the same event, INDOTEL was recognized as “Telecom Regulator of the Year”. This award distinguishes a new or innovative regulatory approach on an outstanding contribution and achievement by the regulator, promoting an efficient and effective telecommunications policy.

Within the framework of the event “5G Latin America: Digital Symposium 2021”, INDOTEL was awarded as “Innovative Regulator of the Year” for the tender project for the 700Mhz and 3.5Ghz bands led by this management.

Through the Digital Basket Project, she has led a pioneering subsidy program focused on gender, benefiting more than 2000 women heads of household. In addition, it has promoted the inclusion and dissemination of users’ rights, introducing guides in Braille and attention in sign language, with the collaboration of service provider companies.

Cruz Abreu has made an impact at the international level by leading the Dominican Republic’s active participation in the ITU P2C initiative, achieving the incorporation of new actors and commitments for the country’s connectivity and sustainable digital transformation.

With a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a master’s degree in Corporate Finance from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), he has specialized his knowledge in Regulatory Economics, Regulation of Public Utilities, and Price Regulation in the Telecommunications Industry. In addition, he completed the Innovation and Government Leadership program at Georgetown University’s business school. Her international experience includes working at Spain’s National Commission on Markets and Competition, as well as participating as a speaker at conferences on various topics, from Number Portability to Gender Equity and ICT Inclusion. In addition, he has advised regulators in Central America and has taught at various seminars, workshops and courses on telecommunications regulation. She has also been selected as an Ambassador for Connectivity for Education by the Inter-American Dialogue.

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Disclaimer: The content of this bio has been translated from the original version in Spanish.

Dr Samuel MUHIZI have 4+ years career in telecommunications, Information and communication development, strategy, public policy and regulation.

Result focused and adept of leading teams through major transformation in highly multicultural environments, Samuel MUHIZI is the Head of Burundi Communication Authority. As a senior government adviser in sector development, he has led ICT strategies in Burundi and regularly participate in regional regulatory policy planning and harmonization. His also have served as academic at Bujumbura International University where he Contributed to the University’s strategic development of Science and Technology faculty programs.

He is a married man with one beautiful daughter.

 

Bassam Fadel Al-Sarhan, a Jordanian telecommunications engineer, has been serving as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and CEO since November 2021 by decision of the Council of Ministers of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The Jordanian Telecommunications Sector Regulatory Authority, which was established by a decision of the Council of Ministers in 1995, is an independent government institution concerned with regulating the communications and information technology sectors and the postal sector.

He previously served as Head of the Projects and Technical Division for His Majesty’s Communications at the Royal Court from 1987 to 1997, and as General Manager at an international communications company.
He served as a member of the Jordanian delegation to manage communications services during the Jordanian delegation’s negotiations in the Middle East peace process negotiations, in addition to many prominent memberships on the boards of directors of international telecommunications and business development companies until his appointment as CEO of the Communications Authority.

He holds a master’s degree in engineering management, a master’s degree in information systems management, and a bachelor’s degree in electrical and communications engineering from George Washington University in the United States of America.

He led several pioneering achievements in the communications and information technology sectors and the postal sector during his presidency of the Commission’s Board of Commissioners, the most notable of which was the introduction of 5G technology services, which was accompanied by the introduction of Internet of Things devices into the Jordanian market.

These services seek to create an appropriate infrastructure that enables companies operating in the field of communications, information technology, and postal services in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to conduct their business in a regulatory environment capable of providing advanced automated services that efficiently and effectively support development endeavors, encourage competitiveness, entrepreneurship, and encourage investment.

Abdul Karim Fakir bin Ali has over 30 years of telecommunications experience in mobile, fixed, and international sectors, with leadership roles in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. He held key positions at Maxis, Digi, and DTAC Thailand from 1994 to 2013, leading major network projects and regional collaborations.

From 2014 to 2025, he served as Chief Technology Strategy Officer and Chief Network Officer at Maxis, driving national mobile coverage initiatives and industry cooperation frameworks.

Since July 2025, he is Managing Director of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), actively engaging in international regulatory diplomacy. He holds a First-Class Honours degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Malaya and has received prestigious academic awards.

Professor Salma Abbasi is the Founder, Chairperson and CEO of the eWorldwide Group. An international social enterprise, actively engaged with governments, development agencies, private sector and academia driving meaningful, inclusive digital transformation leveraging innovative technologies and ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) for sustainable future for humanity.

She is collaborating with global stakeholders to co-create ethical standards, regulations and guardrails for prevailing technologies, data privacy, trust, cybersecurity and resilience. She has published several papers highlighting the importance to understand the unknown risks and unethical challenges from Artificial Intelligence Systems (AIS) and is actively working with international think tanks to develop a series of global standards, regulations, ethical AI frameworks, and guidelines for governance, transparency, accountability, explainability, and algorithmic biased, and policy papers, particularly improving safeguarding practices for children.

Leveraging her global experience as the former Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer for Lucent Technologies, with over 40 years’ experience in the fields of technology, innovation, supply chain management and people-centric design, she is an advisory board member for several international organizations advocating for operational excellence, sustainability and technology for humanity.

Professor Abbasi was commissioned by UNECA in 2019 to develop the strategic roadmap and partnership framework to establish the 1st African AI Research Centre of Excellence. Subsequently developing a series of multi-level AI courses for stakeholders. In parallel, she is a visiting lecturer at 5 universities around the world and participates in high-level dialogues internationally to raise the importance for deeper and broader understanding of the evolving risks from AI, particularly the unknown consequences from rapid adoption without having the necessary policies, frameworks, safety guardrails and regulations, and skills in place. She advocates for greater international collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships with ‘equity and trust’.

The Chair of the Board of Directors of ARME, Leonilde dos Santos, has a degree in Law from the University of Coimbra and a postgraduate degree in Legal and Administrative Science from the Higher Institute of Legal Social Sciences of Cape Verde, in partnership with the University of Lisbon.

She is President of the Board of the Association of Communications and Telecommunications Regulators (ARCTEL) for the 2024-2026 term.

She is an advisor to Women in Tech Cape Verde.

Before assuming the presidency of ARME, she was head of the Legal Team at the Ministry of Finance. During this period, she also served as legal advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Digital Economy.

She has served as a private notary for the State of Cape Verde and as manager of privatization and public-private partnership operations in the State Business Sector Monitoring Unit.

She was also Chair of the Executive Committee of the Interministerial Commission for the Coordination of Policies on the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and the Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Cape Verde, and Chair of the Advisory Board of the Independent Health Regulatory Authority.

He practiced law, taught labor law, and was a lawyer at the Cape Verdean Association of Women Lawyers.

Mr. John OMO is the Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), the African Union’s specialized agency for telecommunications and ICTs’ development in Africa. He has held the position since January 2019 and was re-elected for a second 4-year term at the ATU Conference of Plenipotentiaries held in Algiers, Algeria in July 2022. He leads the continental body entrusted with building consensus within African countries in the development of ICT policies, systems and services, and also in coordinating African participation in international ICT fora.

Mr. Omo has 31 years of experience as a lawyer and has contributed immensely to the development of local and international policies, legislation, agreements, and treaties in all areas of public service life but mainly in the area of ICTs.

Prior to his election as the Secretary General of the Union, he worked with the Communications Authority of Kenya, Kenya’s ICT regulator, where he provided leadership over the Authority’s legal matters and strategies. Before that, he worked in the public/civil service.

He holds a Master of Law degree in International and Commercial law from the University of Sheffield – UK, a Bachelor of Law from the University of Nairobi – Kenya, and a Diploma in Human Rights Law from the UN Human Rights Centre, Geneva, and ILO Centre Turin among other professional courses.
Mr. Omo was recently awarded the Global Merit Leader Awards 2022 by Telecom Review during Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit in Dubai, UAE.

Omar is a distinguished telecommunications and regulatory expert with over 18 years of experience in regulation, telecommunications, competition policy, marketing, sales, and international partnerships. His expertise spans both the telecom industry and regulatory sectors, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that promote fair competition, foster investment, and enhance market efficiency.

As Deputy Governor of the Regulation and Competition Sector, Alrejraje has led comprehensive regulatory reforms that have enhanced competition, improved service quality, facilitated market entry for new telecom operators, and expanded consumer choices. His leadership has been instrumental in modernizing licensing frameworks, strengthening regulatory oversight, and driving digital transformation initiatives to support the growth of the ICT sector.

In addition to his regulatory expertise, Alrejraje has extensive experience in telecom industry operations, having worked in leading telecom companies in various strategic roles. His insights into industry challenges and market dynamics have enabled him to bridge the gap between regulators and service providers, ensuring that regulatory frameworks align with industry best practices while fostering innovation and sustainable growth. Alrejraje has also played a key role in international collaborations and policy discussions, representing the sector in global forums and advocating for policies. His contributions have helped shape a progressive and investment-friendly telecom landscape.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and is recognized for his strategic leadership, regulatory expertise, and commitment to fostering a competitive and evolving ICT ecosystem.

James Claude is the CEO of Global Voice Group, a leading RegTech and GovTech provider that works exclusively for government institutions and regulatory bodies since 2005. Before he was nominated to this post in October 2018, he had worked for the company for thirteen years. He has been one of the key members of GVG’s management team since 2009.

Since James Claude has been a member of GVG’s Board of Directors, the company has received numerous recognitions: “Technology Company of the Year” in 2021 by Africa Techweek, “Data Management Partner for Regulatory Compliance” in 2022 by Central Banking, and “Most Innovative RegTech Solution Provider” at the end of 2022 by Digital Banker Africa. Furthermore, GVG has been listed in Deloitte’s RegTech directory, which includes the top 30 regulatory technology companies offering real-time transaction monitoring and verification solutions, and Global Fintech’s Regtech100 directory, which includes the top 100 companies in the industry. In addition, as a result of his tenure as CEO of GVG, James was awarded Africa Tech Week’s 2020 CEO of the Year award.

Fluent in English, Spanish and French, Mr. Claude holds a Master’s Degree in Management from Boston University and a First Degree in Telematics Engineering from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra. He has also completed numerous training courses in advanced technologies and business administration, such as the “Transforming your Leadership Strategy” and “Negotiation for Executives” courses offered by the MIT Sloan School of Management.

An engineer of the “Corps des Mines,” a graduate of the École Polytechnique and the Institut d’études politiques de Paris, Xavier Merlin had been the head of the Inter-ministerial task force on simplifying businesses’ administrative procedures and legal publicity since 2019.

Xavier Merlin began his career in 1996 at the Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry’s Department of Forecasting, where he was in charge of economic studies on the internet, audiovisual media, telecommunications and competition. In 1998, he joined that ministry’s Department of External Economic Relations, and tasked with multilateral e-commerce, audiovisual media, telecommunications and postal negotiations. Appointed technical advisor to Catherine Tasca, then France’s Minister of Culture and Communication, in 2000, he became Director of European and International Affairs at the French National Centre of Cinema (CNC) in 2002. In 2008, the joined the Directorate-General for Enterprise (DGE) as the Assistant Director of Institutional relations, in the areas of information technologies and the information society. Assistant Director of Regulation and European and multilateral affairs for the DGE starting in 2009, he was appointed head of the Territorial, European and International Action Department in 2014.

Mr. Mustafa Yasin SHEIK is the Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Somalia since November 19, 2022. Previously, he served as Deputy General Manager and Board Member of the NCA. He also led the Somalia Network Information Centre (SONIC), the registry operator for the .SO ccTLD, from 2018 to 2021, and was a Senior Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Communications and Technology from 2017 to 2018. With over 15 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, Mr. Mustafa specializes in Internet governance, regulatory and policy analysis, public-private partnerships, and competition economics. He has guided the development the NCA’s first Strategic Plan and regulatory transformation roadmap, driving significant improvements in Somalia’s communications sector. Mr. Mustafa is a recognized leader in telecommunications, having participated in numerous
global forums, workshops, and associations, advocating for regulatory transformations in the region, contributing to the advancement of Somalia’s digital infrastructure and regulatory framework.

Mr. Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu has been the Chairman of the Board and President of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) of the Republic of Türkiye since August 2018. He was re-appointed for a second term in August 2022 after completing his first 4-year term in this position.

He was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1975. He is an Electrical and Electronic Engineer graduated from Eastern Mediterranean University.
Mr. Karagözoğlu worked as a software engineer at Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI) of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) from 2002 to 2004. Between 2004 and 2016, he held various managerial positions at BELBIM, a technology company of IMM.

He served as the Adviser to the Chairman and Board Member of BTK before his appointment.

Jay Schwarz recently rejoined the FCC as Chief of the Space Bureau. Before rejoining the FCC, he served as Vice President of Public Policy at Comcast, focusing on broadband policy. Previously at the FCC he was Wireline Advisor to former Chairman Ajit Pai and held positions within the Wireline Competition Bureau, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, and the Office of Strategic Planning. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh and an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.

John P. Janka serves as Chief Officer, Global Government Affairs & Regulatory at Viasat, Inc., an international communications solutions provider with a long legacy of designing, building and operating telecommunications and broadband networks of all types. He has extensive experience in the telecommunications, media, and technology (TMT) sector from over three decades of work at the global law firm Latham & Watkins, where he was a partner and served as the head of its Communications Law practice group. In that capacity, Mr. Janka represented entities ranging from startup entities to global leaders, whom he counseled on a variety of strategic matters. His clients included domestic and international satellite, wireless, and other terrestrial telecommunications companies; Internet service providers; video programming and other content suppliers; media services companies; television and radio broadcast operators; equipment manufacturers; and banks, private equity firms, and other investors.

Mr. Janka consistently has been recognized as a leading lawyer in publications such as Euromoney’s Expert Guides to the World’s Leading TMT Lawyers, Euromoney’s The Best of The Best USA-Telecoms, The International Who’s Who of Telecoms & Media Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and the Washingtonian magazine. Both Chambers USA and The Legal 500 US ranked Mr. Janka as a leading lawyer in the telecommunications, satellite, and broadcast areas, noting his creativity, vast experience, and reputation as one of the leading lawyers. In 2017, Mr. Janka was inducted into The Legal 500’s Hall of Fame, which highlights individuals who have received “constant praise by their clients” and who are at the “pinnacle of their profession.” In addition, The Financial Times highlighted one of Mr. Janka’s projects for Viasat, providing a “standout” ranking for advising on issues involving new uses of radio spectrum.

Mr. Janka also developed and edited for a decade a global compendium of international law, entitled The Technology, Media and Telecommunications Review.

Mr. Janka graduated cum laude from Duke University and Order of the Coif from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law. He served as a law clerk to Judge Cynthia Holcomb Hall, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and as a delegate at International Telecommunication Union World Radiocommunication Conferences.

Professor of IP Law (Univ. Sarajevo/PSU Riyadh). Lead legal expert for UNDP’s Draft Law on Innovation of Canton Sarajevo. Teaches IP at Faculty of Law and “Foundations of Innovation” at Univ. Sarajevo’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering (Data Science & AI program). Published author on IP, AI, Metaverse and NFTs. Organizer of the “Web 3.0 and IP Rights” conference. Scholarship holder of the Max- Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition in Munich. Expert for Tech Park INTERA’s Innovation Voucher Scheme in B&H. Merges regulatory, academic, and legal expertise for responsible innovation.

Dr Gift Kallisto Machengete is the Director General of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). He has over 40 years working experience as an economist, strategist and diplomat, having worked as Director of Finance and Administration in the Government of Zimbabwe, Economic Counsellor at the Zimbabwean Embassy in China and Deputy Ambassador at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Malaysia. He has also worked as a part – time Lecturer for Research Methodology at Master’s level and a Thesis Moderator for the same course for the past 20 years. He is a holder of a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics.

Isabelle Mauro is Director General of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) that represents the interests of the satellite industry ecosystem. Under Isabelle’s leadership, GSOA and its member CEOs lead the effort to showcase the benefits of satellite communications for a more inclusive, sustainable and secure society – vital to bridging the world’s digital divide, achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and realizing the full potential of the 5G & 6G ecosystem.

Isabelle has 25 years’ experience in the Telecoms and Technology sector, starting at the GSMA, where she was responsible for International & External Affairs for fifteen years. In 2015 she moved to New York to join the World Economic Forum as Head of the Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Industry, managing the portfolio of over 60 Tech companies globally and leading initiatives on inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.

Isabelle is passionate about inclusion and sustainability. She is a Commissioner of the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development. Isabelle is also Member of the Advisory Board of Access Partnership and of the High-Level Advisory Board of the DigitalGoesGreen Foundation. She also sits on the Advisory Board of Women in Tech.

Isabelle holds an MSc in European Politics and Policy from the London School of Economics. She is fluent in French, English, Italian and Spanish.