Distinguished members of the ECO Secretariat …
Esteemed colleagues …
Ladies and gentlemen …
… it is my pleasure to open this Webinar on ICT Policy and Regulation for a digital future.
Universal access is now within reach for most of the world’s population.
More than 96 per cent of the global population is covered by a mobile broadband network …
… but many low-income countries still rely on 3G.
Moreover, while connectivity offers immense benefits, it also introduces new challenges and vulnerabilities …
… as well as new forms of inequality.
Policy priorities must therefore gradually move beyond basic access …
… to improving the quality, reliability and affordability of connectivity …
… so everyone can participate fully in the digital society.
We must also ensure everyone has the skills to use technology …
… and create a workforce ready for the digital economy.
Equally important is ensuring regulators are digitally competent …
… equipped to respond to the challenges of a fast-evolving digital landscape.
In line with the latest GSR best practice guidelines adopted in Ankara last week, …
… regulators need to act as enablers of digital development and builders of the wider digital ecosystem delivering forward-looking regulatory leadership for a digital future that leaves no one behind.
Regulatory frameworks today must be agile, collaborative and flexible …
… and foster innovation without compromising on safety and inclusion.
As digital transformation accelerates, so do the risks …
… from cybersecurity threats to online misinformation and data privacy concerns.
We must therefore work towards building resilient digital ecosystems.
Last November in Baku, Azerbaijan, Member States adopted the WTDC-25 Declaration …
… including a call for “all policymakers and stakeholders to adopt human-centric and risk-informed approaches to digital transformation and new and emerging telecommunications/ICTs …
… and implement policies to promote affordability of telecommunication/ICT services and devices to support closing digital divides, while empowering consumers in decision-making processes”.
In this context, I am proud to recall our successful partnership …
… when BDT collaborated with ECO in developing the Regional Strategy for Information Society Development.
We look forward to renewing this partnership to update this strategy …
… ensuring it remains a robust roadmap for the future.
Two years ago, I launched the Digital Regulation Network.
This global platform brings together ICT Regional Regulatory Associations and their members from around the world …
… channelling multistakeholder efforts to strengthen regional regulatory capacity and foster cross-sector collaboration.
As you may know, we concluded last week another successful edition of the Global Symposium (GSR-26), focusing on navigating the digital frontier, thanks to the generous hospitality of our host the Government of Türkiye, and the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK).
I also hope to see many of you at the Asia-Pacific Regional Development Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, 16-17 July, and at the CIS Regional Development Forum in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 29—30 September 2026.
Let me conclude by quoting again from the WTDC 25 Declaration:
“together with regional telecommunication organizations, regulatory associations and other partners, we will endeavour to promote policy and regulatory environments in key areas …
… driving digital transformation to enable collaboration to enhance regional connectivity, economies of scale and sustainable digital transformation”.
That work continues today.
Thank you!
