Telecommunications regulators worldwide convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 3, 2025, at the Global Symposium for Regulators 2025 (GSR-25), where they reached a significant milestone by endorsing pivotal guidelines aimed at shaping digital ecosystems essential for national services. This three-day event witnessed the convergence of innovative minds committed to evolving the regulatory framework surrounding crucial sectors such as healthcare, education, and finance, fueling national progress in an increasingly digital world.
The heart of GSR-25 was the unveiling of the GSR-25 Best Practice Guidelines, a comprehensive document that articulates the best strategies for fostering regulatory innovation and facilitating the development of sustainable information and communication technology ecosystems. With the world on the brink of a digital renaissance, these guidelines are poised to ensure that the structural foundation of digital societies supports equitable prosperity and inclusivity for all stakeholders.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, emphasized the importance of these guidelines, highlighting that nearly 2.6 billion people remain unconnected. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for regulators to serve as the vital link bridging the digital divide, facilitating access to essential services and digital tools that empower individuals and communities alike. Bogdan-Martin articulated a bold vision: a future where every individual, regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers, is given the opportunity to thrive in an interconnected world.
At GSR-25, participants delved into critical discussions surrounding timely regulatory issues that have emerged in the contemporary digital landscape. Topics included the governance challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), the burgeoning space economy, and the imperatives of sustainable digital transformation. These discussions reflect the symposium’s commitment to proactively addressing the myriad challenges that accompany rapid technological advancements, ensuring that regulatory frameworks evolve in tandem with the pace of change.
H.E. Eng. Haitham AlOhaly, Governor of the Communications, Space & Technology Commission of Saudi Arabia and Chair of GSR-25, articulated the significance of the collective effort represented by the Best Practice Guidelines. He stated that the guidelines symbolize a renewed dedication to reimagining regulation in the digital era, fostering collaboration, and harnessing innovations that emerging technologies like AI and big data provide. By doing so, regulators can bolster economies, empower societies, and ensure that digital transformation has far-reaching benefits for all.
Since its inception in 2000, the GSR series has served as a regulatory compass for global telecommunications, steering nations towards harmonized and forward-thinking regulation that aligns with the rapid evolution of the digital landscape. The ongoing commitment of GSR to adapting to technological progress reflects its central role in guiding countries through the complexities of an increasingly interconnected world.
The underlying message at GSR-25 was clear: the event has been instrumental in emphasizing the need for a systematic approach to regulation that embraces the transformative potential of technology while mitigating its risks. The ITU’s Director of Telecommunication Development Bureau, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, remarked on the symposium’s quarter-century legacy, noting the profound impact of GSR’s efforts on global digital development through ever-changing waves of technological advancements.
To complement the Best Practice Guidelines, GSR-25 featured significant outcomes such as the release of the “Policy Practices for E-Waste Management: Tools for a Balanced and Fair Circular Economy – Second Edition,” a comprehensive guide that includes an interactive toolkit to support all phases of e-waste regulation development. This release highlights the commitment of ITU and the CST to fostering responsible practices in digital industries while addressing the environmental impacts of technology.
Aside from the guidelines, GSR-25 also hosted a series of sessions that reflected the collaborative spirit of the symposium. A meeting of the Digital Regulation Network and Regional Regulatory Associations explored avenues for achieving sustainable digital transformation through unified approaches to regulatory policy and governance across various economic sectors and borders. Furthermore, the Heads of Regulators Executive Roundtable engaged regulators in discussions about integrating innovation into their core mission, reaffirming the collective focus on adopting the newly developed Best Practice Guidelines.
Intended to empower the audience and inspire action, GSR-25 allowed industry leaders to present their priorities and collaborated on impactful outcomes, such as the outcome statement derived from the Industry Advisory Group on Development Issues and Private Sector Chief Regulatory Officers. These collaborative efforts signify a robust alignment between regulators and industry stakeholders, reinforcing their joint commitment to advancing responsible digital practices.
Special focus was given to gender inclusivity and leadership at GSR-25, exemplified by a dedicated session of the Network of Women within ITU’s Telecommunication Development Sector. This session sparked valuable discussions about inclusive regulations, the role of AI in fostering green and trusted digital environments, and advancing women’s leadership in shaping future digital policies—a clear acknowledgment of the importance of diverse perspectives in determining the course of digital transformation.
In summary, GSR-25 was not merely a conference; it represented a watershed moment for the telecommunications sector and a clarion call for regulators worldwide to evolve, adapt, and thrive amid the relentless pace of technological change. The collective endorsement of the GSR-25 Best Practice Guidelines signifies a shared vision and unyielding commitment to harnessing technology’s promise for good while addressing its inherent challenges for a brighter and more inclusive digital future.
Subject of Research: Telecommunications Regulation
Article Title: GSR-25: Shaping the Future of Digital Regulation
News Publication Date: September 3, 2025
Web References: ITU website
References: ITU Reports
Image Credits: ©ITU/A. Saudi
Keywords: Telecommunications, Digital Ecosystems, GSR-25, ITU, Regulatory Innovation, Digital Transformation, AI Governance, E-Waste Management, Inclusive Regulation, Global Symposium for Regulators.
