Officials of the International Telecommunication Union are encouraging members of the ICT industry around the world to join the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-19) event in Port Vila, Vanuatu next week.
The invitations have come from the ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao, and the Director of ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
GSR-19 provides a unique platform for ICT regulators and stakeholders to share experiences, knowledge, collaborate and identify means to bring affordable, safe, secure and trusted connectivity and online access and use to people everywhere. With the theme “Inclusive Connectivity: The Future of Regulation”, GSR-19 discussions will focus on digital strategies and policies; infrastructure regulation; innovative investment and financing mechanisms, trust and confidence in a data-driven economy; the need for spectrum; preparing for 5G and the changing consumer role.
The Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) is the biggest global gathering of ICT/telecommunication regulators organized by ITU, a United Nations specialized agency for ICTs/telecommunications. Since 2011, Vanuatu has been actively involved in the Global Symposium for Regulators’ discussion sessions and the international regulatory Best Practice Guidelines for ICTs/telecommunications. Vanuatu’s unique and exciting experience in its Universal Access Policy approach on “Pay or Play” has proved to be an ambitious and effective model in the Pacific region, where 98 per cent of the population is enjoying mobile network coverage. This is the result of regulation of the telecommunications industry in Vanuatu, which has enabled the emergence of new technologies and their impact on the lives of citizens and residents of Vanuatu.
Vanuatu will be the first Pacific country to host this event in the Pacific region, which will see between 350 and 400 delegates from around the world congregating here in Port Vila. Regulators, policymakers and key players in the international telecommunications industry are expected here along with various government representatives and heads of State.
The introduction of new telecommunication companies to Vanuatu would not have been possible without ITU membership and the incorporation of the Telecommunication, Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR) many years ago. The inclusion of communities in the emergence of telecommunications, particularly those in developing countries such as Vanuatu, is one of the keys to growth and will help lift many people out of poverty. The theme of this year’s GSR is even more relevant to Vanuatu’s experience and to what is required in the future of telecommunications as the country becomes part of the global village.
GSR-19 is yet another high-level international event that will showcase Vanuatu to the world. The Vanuatu Government and TRBR look forward to GSR-19 and welcome all the visiting delegates with happy smiling faces representing not just Vanuatu but the whole Pacific community.
Photo file World Radio Map. Caption: Port Vila, Vanuatu