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ComCom Holds a Session on Georgia’s Digital Capabilities at WSIS+20
The high-level WSIS+20 forum, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), featured a session organised by the Communications Commission on the subject of “Using Innovation and Balancing Risks and Opportunities in the Digital Space: The Experience of Georgia.” The session was devoted to Georgia’s potential to become a digital hub, and its efforts in facilitating inclusive digital transformation. Member of the Communications Commission Ekaterine Imedadze presented a report on ComCom’s initiatives and engagement for positioning the country as a regional digital leader. The session was moderated by the ComCom Head of International Relations Nino Grdzelishvili.
During the discussion, it was emphasised that Georgia has the advantage of being a key link in the region and a reliable partner between Europe and Asia. A direct underwater link to the European Union provides Georgia with unique capabilities. Its geographical location, secure and sustainable infrastructure, as well as a solid legal and institutional framework facilitate the development of innovation and international cooperation, while a favourable regulatory environment creates a firm foundation for Georgia's emergence as a regional digital hub.
Irakli Zhgenti, Deputy Permanent Representative of Georgia to the United Nations Office in Geneva and other international organisations, delivered a welcoming speech at the start of the session, noting that Georgia, despite its size, has emerged as one of the most dynamic and ambitious digital players in the region. According to him, the country has developed a strategic vision by positioning digital transformation at the centre of its development. This vision not only acts as a guide to technological advancement, but also forms the basis for sustainable economic growth and regional cooperation.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Mariam Sulaberidze, Director of Open Net. She introduced the audience to the ongoing project Log-in Georgia, which Open Net is implementing together with the Communications Commission and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, and with the support of the World Bank and the European Investment Bank. The project aims to support the development of broadband infrastructure and the development of digital skills among the population in rural areas. According to Mariam Sulaberidze, the project is a successful example of infrastructure and engagement coming together to achieve the common goal of digital inclusion.
During the panel discussion, Ekaterine Imedadze spoke about the crucial role of the Communications Commission in the implementation of the Log-in Georgia project. She noted that on the one hand, as the regulator of the sector, the Commission facilitates the development of broadband infrastructure across the country, which is necessary to ensure access to quality internet for the population, while on the other hand, the Commission is also responsible for promoting media and digital literacy in Georgia. In this context, the commissioner drew the participants' attention to the efforts made by ComCom to improve the digital skills of the population residing in the regions: “The Communications Commission is implementing the Digital Support Programme, which is part of Log-in Georgia. Within its framework, more than 600 seminars have already been held and more than 8,500 citizens have been trained. This means that digital inclusion is no longer just an application, but a real opportunity for people across the country.”
The session was also attended by Goran Vranic, representative of the World Bank's Digital Development Service. During the panel discussion, he spoke about the strategic and institutional factors that led to the effective implementation of the Log-in Georgia project. He emphasised the importance of a partnership-based approach and noted that Georgia's successful experience could serve as an example for other countries.
The Log-in Georgia project is implemented in support of the State Internetization Programme, and is financed by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank.
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is a platform that brings together different stakeholders, including the representatives of governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, international organisations, and industry leaders. The event serves to discuss the achievements, key trends, challenges and opportunities for the ITU member states under the 2003 Geneva Action Plan and the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
