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Web Dialogue“Digital Transformation for Digital Economies @COVID-19 South-Asia”

​​​​​Webinar Covid-19 v2.pngInternational Telecommunication Union (ITU) – GSM Association (GSMA) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) organized a web dialogue “Digital Transformation for Digital Economies @COVID-19 South-Asia"

Amidst an unprecedented crisis of COVID-19, digital technologies offer the only opportunity for governments, individuals and businesses to cope with social distancing, ensure business continuity, and prevent service interruptions.  This web dialogue will help regulators, policymakers and industry to better understand the digital transformation that took place and tools to create a policy environment that enables their economies and societies to prosper in a world that is increasingly digital and data-driven.

The speakers highlighted digital strategies and innovative solutions adopted in response to connectivity challenges and needs of all kinds that have emerged amid the crisis. An open discussion with all participants explored the related challenges, opportunities and lessons learned in the form of an interactive discussion by eminent panellists and open discussion with participants.

Agenda

Opening Remarks
14:00-14:20
  • ​Ms Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director, ITU Regional Office for Asia-Pacific
  • Mr Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific for the GSMA
  • Dr R S Sharma, Chairman, TRAI, India
​ ​Online Group Photo Session
14:15- 14:45Seamless digital connectivity for all – COVID-19 Recovery and lessons learned for better preparedness and response
Moderator: Dr R S Sharma, Chairman, TRAI, India
  • Addressing COVID’s socio-economic impacts in South Asia including through sub regional cooperation
  • Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Director, South and South-West Asia Office, UNESCAP
  • Mr Ilyas Ahmad, Chief Executive, Communications Authority, Maldives
  • Mr Purushottam Khanal, Chairman, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Nepal
  • Mr. V Raghunandan, Deputy Director General , International Relations, Department of Telecommunication, India
  • Mr. Omar Mansoor Ansari, Chairman ATRA , Afghanistan
  • Mr Jigme Tenzin, Director, Department of IT and Telecom, Bhutan 
​ ​Break- 5 minutes
15:15: 16:15Fit-for-Purpose institutional frameworks and collaborative regulatory tools for Digital Transformation and Digital Economy
  • What is the IMT2020 (5G) roadmap and is it considered a luxury or a requirement?
  • Do the speakers think that they have the whole of the government approach towards connectivity in their country?
  • It is clear that fixed wireless and Fiber connectivity will be very important during and after COVID 19? What steps are being taken to improve fixed broadband connectivity?
  • What are the immediate steps, short term measures and long term strategy?
  • What are the licensing policies related to community networks and other innovative ideas for rural connectivity
Moderator : Ms. Sofie Maddens, Head of Regulatory & Market Environment Division, ITU
  • Mr. S K Gupta, Secretary TRAI, India
  • Mr. Amir Azeem Bajwa, Chairman,  PTA, Pakistan
  • Mr. Md. Jahurul Haque, Chairman BTRC , Bangladesh
  • Dr. Ahmad Reza Sharafat, I R Iran
  • Mr. Manoj Mishra, Country Director, GSMA
  • Mr Bill Lan, Huawei
  • OpenSignal
  • Mr. Sanjay K Srivastava, PhD, Chief, Disaster Risk Reduction, UNESCAP
​ ​Closing Remarks
16:15-16:30
  • Mr. Md. Jahurul Haque, Chairman BTRC , Bangladesh
  • Mr Purushottam Khanal, Chairman, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Nepal
  • Mr. Omar Mansoor Ansari , Chairman ATRA , Afghanistan
  • Mr. Amir Azeem Bajwa, Chairman,  PTA, Pakistan
  • Mr Jigme Tenzin, Director, Department of IT and Telecom, Bhutan