ComCom member Ekaterine Imedadze and Head of IR Service Nino Grdzelishvili took part in the annual Global Symposium of Regulators (GSR-24) organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The event served to bring together representatives of regulatory bodies from the field of telecommunications and technology, policy makers and digital industry stakeholders in order to share experiences on current regulatory issues. 

Within the framework of the event, Ekaterine Imedadze took part in the round table meeting of the heads of regulatory bodies, where she highlighted the Commission's current projects and priorities: “Georgia has the ambition and potential to become a regional centre for the provision of digital services. This is made possible through our geopolitical potential, as well as the existing telecommunications infrastructure and harmonised legislative and regulatory framework,” Ms Imedadze stated, highlighting the special importance of international cooperation against the background of common challenges. 

During the round table session, participants also discussed the impact of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, nanotechnologies and cloud technologies on the existing regulatory models, approaches and policies. In addition, the meeting discussed ITU’s regulatory best practice guidelines that will help implement innovative digital technologies and an inclusive telecommunications ecosystem. 

In addition, Ekaterine Imedadze moderated a panel discussion on the sustainability of space satellite systems. Participants included the Global Licensing Director of Amazon’s Kuiper satellite project, a leading engineer from the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau, as well as representatives of the European Satellite Association and Telesat Canada. The session was devoted to discussing regulatory mechanisms, spectrum resource allocation and flexible licensing models for the sustainability of innovative satellite business.

Notable thematic sessions held within the framework of the symposium included an event dedicated to the involvement of women at policy development level in the fields of information and technology. The event was facilitated by representatives of the Communications Commission. During the session, participants focused on the importance of maintaining gender balance in the digital ecosystem, the need to overcome existing stereotypes, and the need to involve women in leadership positions. 

GSR-24 is an annual ITU event devoted to the discussion of topical sectoral issues and sharing of information or experience regarding those issues. Connectivity, digital financial services and their security, as well as regulation of artificial intelligence, satellite systems and technological innovations were the main themes of the thematic sessions at this year's event.