ISOCU UG PARTICIPATES IN THE 2024 GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM OF REGULATORS

The Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) is a platform for exchanging best practices in regulating digital technologies.  Started in 2000, the 23^rd edition of the GRS took place in Kampala Uganda from 01-04 July 2024, organized by Ugandan Communications Commission (UCC), the country’s regulator.  The discussions centred around core policies and regulatory issues, particularly how to harness the potential of digital technologies to enable access to timely and relevant information with the Internet being the driver of this change.

This year International Telecommunication Union’s GSR explored the challenges and opportunities of Emerging Technologies including; Artificial intelligence and Space economy – and amplified the impact of regulation for the global good.

As part of the Internet Society of Uganda’s mandate to promote open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of all urban and rural communities while working with different like–minded institutions Uganda, the Global Symposium for Regulators could not have been more timely. The theme “Regulating for Impact” helped navigate the fast-changing technology landscape to drive sustainable and inclusive digital transformation. From communities overcoming challenges technology-related challenges such as cyber security, stalking, and identity theft, to people using the Internet for business opportunities, trading and learning, regulation plays a central role in protecting and safeguarding the use of the Internet.

Conversations on new approaches and solutions in regulatory policies to address today’s digital landscape and prepare for the digital future are featured prominently. Building partnerships to expand connectivity and access to people in hard-to-reach could not be over-emphasized.

Representing the Internet Society Uganda Chapter, Ms. Maureen Agena attended the insightful discussions with industry and private sector members at the Industry Advisory Group on Development Issues & the Private Sector Chief Regulatory Officers (IAGDI-CRO) meeting that explored the regulatory and business landscape that is shaping the digital future. The discussion focused on working closely with various stakeholders to guide the transformative technology for positive impact on economic growth, inclusivity and sustainability. In a plenary session on mastering digital transformation, ISOC UG put a case for digital education especially for Persons with Disability and specifically for those who are visually impaired. That for us to achieve the true digital transformation, inclusion should be at the top of the agenda.

In line with regulating for impact, the Internet Society, Uganda chapter is organizing various Internet governance events that feed into the global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), to be held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the theme: ‘Building our Multistakeholder Digital Future’. These include the Uganda School of Internet Governance (USIG), The Uganda Youth Internet Governance Forum (UYIGF), the Uganda Parliamentary Internet Governance Forum (UPIGF) and the Uganda Internet Governance Forum (UIGF). Additionally, the 11th East Africa Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF), 2024 will be hosted in Uganda, in partnership with the East Africa Community (EAC) under the theme “Building our Multistakeholder Digital Future for East Africa”. All these will feed into the debate and discussion on issues pertinent to enhancing Internet Governance development in East Africa and beyond

Looking ahead, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the Global Symposium for Regulators in 2025 and the conversation on regulating for impact will be carried forward with different governments sharing their progress from this year’s discussions and action points.

Maureen Agena is a member of the Internet Society Uganda Chapter and current coordinator of the East Africa Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF), 2024.