Saudi Arabia to Host Global Regulators' Symposium (GSR25) with ITU, Drawing Over 190 Countries
Saudi Arabia, represented by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), is hosting the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR25) in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN's specialized agency for information and communication technologies. Held under the theme "Regulation for Sustainable Digital Development," the symposium will take place in Riyadh from August 31 to September 3. It will bring together ministers, heads of regulatory bodies, policymakers, private sector leaders, and key stakeholders from the ICT sectors in over 190 countries.
Acting Governor of CST Haytham AlOhali stated, "Saudi Arabia's hosting of GSR25 reflects the international community's trust in the Kingdom's leadership in the digital realm and its contributions toward achieving the goals of the ITU. It also reaffirms our position as a global hub for forward-looking digital dialogue and regulatory innovation. We are committed to playing a proactive role in advancing sustainable digital development and finding inclusive solutions to connect humanity. The symposium is poised to drive a transformative shift in digital regulation on a global scale."
AlOhali added that since its inception 25 years ago, the symposium has served as a platform for dialogue among domestic and international regulators, policymakers, officials, and stakeholders in the ICT sectors. It has consistently provided a space for sharing knowledge, exchanging expertise, and promoting the adoption of best-in-class regulatory practices worldwide.
In her remarks, Secretary-General of the ITU Doreen Bogdan-Martin stated, "For 25 years, GSR has played a key role in shaping digital regulation through major technological advances—from the rise of mobile and Internet services to the emergence of artificial intelligence." She added: "As we mark this important milestone, let's reaffirm our shared commitment to connecting everyone, everywhere, promoting innovation, trust, and social good, and uniting around a common vision for the digital future."
Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau Dr. Cosmas Zavazava said that "For a quarter of a century, GSR has served as the world's regulatory compass. Built around interactive high-level panels on topical and cutting-edge policy and regulatory issues, GSR25 will provide regulators and policymakers from around the world with a unique platform to discuss the most pressing policy challenges and advance a sustainable digital future. I would like to thank the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting this important event."
GSR25 will feature high-level sessions that explore strategic priorities, including strengthening collaborative digital regulation, promoting digital inclusion through innovative regulatory frameworks, building trust in the digital environment, protecting users, enhancing human capacity in emerging technologies, and developing forward-looking regulatory models for a sustainable digital future.
