ITU Releases Riyadh Outcome Statement Following Successful Global Symposium For Regulators With Over 6,500 Attendees

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has released the "Riyadh Outcome Statement" following the conclusion of the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR25). Hosted by Saudi Arabia's Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), this event attracted over 6,500 participants from around the world. The statement is grounded in GSR25 Best Practice Guidelines, which focus on innovation, institutional capacity, technology use, cross-border cooperation, collaborative governance, and a human-centric digital future.

Saudi Arabia's role as host underscores its leadership in digital innovation and regulation. This reflects global confidence in the Kingdom's capabilities and its contributions to ITU objectives. The country actively supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promotes global connectivity solutions, and advances transformative digital regulations. These efforts position Saudi Arabia as a central hub for digital dialogue.

The symposium was held from August 31 to September 3 and included ministers, regulatory heads, policymakers, private sector leaders, and ICT stakeholders. Key sessions featured the Heads of Regulators Executive roundtable and meetings like the Industry Advisory Group on Development Issues and Private Sector Chief Regulatory Officers’ (IAGDI-CRO) meeting. Discussions covered internet sustainability, quantum technologies' future, AI frameworks, Earth-to-Space connectivity, gaming advancements, and rebuilding trust digitally.

A new roadmap was introduced through the Connecting Humanity study during GSR25. This roadmap aims to provide innovative and affordable solutions for inclusiveness and economic well-being, especially targeting developing nations. The event also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to driving global connectivity solutions.

The GSR25 Side Event marked the launch of the 10th edition of "Media Oasis" with the Ministry of Media. It also included the Sync Digital Wellbeing Summit and TEDxRiyadh global event. Various pavilions showcased innovations in regulatory technologies (RegTech). Sessions explored topics like strategic foresight for regulators and powering gaming's future.

Panel discussions delved into diverse subjects such as digital diplomacy and building an inclusive digital future. Experts led dialogues on regulatory collaboration and innovative solutions for connecting unconnected communities. The 5GXtreme solution was discussed as a step towards 6G development.

The symposium emphasized strengthening cross-border cooperation among regulators worldwide. Collaborative governance was championed to ensure a human-centric approach to digital advancements. This aligns with ITU's goals of fostering international partnerships for technological excellence.

The Arab States Preparatory Meeting for the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) was another significant session at GSR25. Additionally, there was a high-level meeting focused on satellite integration to enhance global connectivity efforts further.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of GSR25 highlights its pioneering leadership in digital domains globally. The Kingdom continues to support SDGs actively while advancing transformative regulations worldwide.

With inputs from SPA