TDRA Hosts Inaugural Meeting Of ITU Acceleration Centers To Boost Global Innovation

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) recently hosted a landmark meeting for the global network of acceleration centers linked with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This gathering marks a significant step towards promoting a culture of innovation, aiming to bolster the development of governments and societies worldwide. The initiative to form a global network for these centers was sparked by the UAE's creation of the International Center of Digital Innovation (I-CoDI) in 2020, a collaborative effort between TDRA and ITU to foster digital transformation through innovative practices and advanced technologies.

Majid Al Madhloum, Senior Manager of Digital Capabilities Building and Awareness Section at TDRA, highlighted the critical role of innovation in today's world during his opening speech. He reflected on the UAE's transformative journey over the past two decades, leading to significant achievements across various sectors. Al Madhloum pointed out that these accomplishments have paved the way for a new era starting in 2022, termed "future shaping," which is aligned with the "We the UAE 2031" vision. This vision emphasizes international cooperation for global prosperity, with a focus on advancements in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of Telecommunication Development Bureau at ITU, stressed the importance of developing competencies and fostering an innovative culture within institutions. He outlined the event's agenda, which includes workshops aimed at competency building in the face of digital transformations. Mohamed Ba, Senior Coordinator of Digital Innovation Ecosystem at ITU, also spoke on the necessity of adaptable organizational structures and the value of partnerships to enhance innovation.

The event's discussions cover strategic foresight, competency building, planning, and leveraging digital tools for qualitative advancements. It also emphasizes creative thinking and technology as drivers for creating value through collaborative exchanges. Scheduled to last five days, the event features field activities, visits to TDRA and the Museum of the Future, and hands-on training workshops focused on innovation processes and competency development.

This gathering underscores TDRA's commitment to fostering innovation across nations through its collaboration with ITU. It highlights a collective enthusiasm for innovation that is expected to have a profound impact on achieving transformative changes within the ICT sector globally.

With inputs from WAM