The Government of Uganda is set to host the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-24) between July 1- 4, 2024.
The GSR is an annual event organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that brings together the world’s telecommunication and information communication technology regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to share experiences, exchange ideas, and collaborate on the best regulatory practices and policies.
To be held under the theme ‘Regulation for Impact’, GSR-24 is expected to attract over 700 international delegates, including regulators, academia, international and regional organizations, experts in the field of digital development, as well as other global and funding partners.
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo on Monday said the event would see “regulators from across the world discuss emerging issues in the global ICT ecosystem.”
Nyombi further observed that Uganda’s membership in the ITU is instrumental in enhancing the country’s ICT regulatory landscape, promoting the development of a sustainable and inclusive digital economy, and improving the quality of life for its citizens through better access to information and communication technologies.
ICT State Minister Godfrey Kabbyanga, who presided over the launch ceremony on Monday in Kampala, said, “This meeting also presents Uganda with the opportunity to further tests its development and also gives us more experience and capacity in the organization of high-level international events.”
He added: “Conferences are also a form of tourism, as participants don’t stop at meetings. They venture beyond the confines of the hall by going to our markets, national parks and spend money. You should organize appealing packages so that our visitors can explore the countryside.”
The event, which will be held at the Speke Resort Convention Centre, comes against the backdrop of Uganda hosting the Non-aligned Movement (NAM) conference in Kampala.
The Director of Corporate Affairs at the Uganda Communications Commission, Fred Otunnu, said ITU is a specialized United Nations agency responsible for coordinating ICTs globally.
“It is through a number of activities that the United Nations does in order to meet its mission. One of them is the allocation of the global radio spectrum. You know, in Uganda, we’ve always talked about the scarcity of spectrum. And sometimes people think the spectrum was created and originated within the country. But you can see that spectrum is actually allocated at the global level. So it cascades to the different regions and nations. Therefore, we have to allocate spectrum alignment with what the other countries have been given,” said Otunnu.
“The other areas are developing technical standards, bridging the digital divide, aligning policy and regulatory guidance, and harmonisation because you can imagine the world where everybody does their own thing—different policies, different standards. So the ITU helps coordinate some of these things at the global level,” he emphasized.
Otunnu further observed that hosting the GSR benefits Uganda as it positions the country as a leader in the ICT sector within the region, attracts international attention and investment, and provides a unique opportunity for local stakeholders to engage with global leaders, share knowledge, and learn from international best practices.
“It also underscores Uganda’s commitment to ICT development and regulatory excellence on a worldwide stage,” he observed.
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