Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
It’s my pleasure to be here today with you for this Regional Regulatory Associations Meeting.
Firstly, I would like to thank H.E. Dr Mohammed Al-Tamimi, Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), Saudi Arabia, and Executive Secretary AREGNET, for accepting to be the Chair of the Regional Regulatory Associations' (RA) Meeting. And thank you to Eng, Abdullah Almubadal, Deputy Governor, for representing the governor.
I also want to convey my appreciation to all representatives from the Regional Regulatory Associations joining us today physically and remotely for this meeting.
Now to our work at hand.
Over the past years, in the Regional Regulatory Associations meetings, discussion has focused on the important role that these Associations play. It has been a role that emphasizes disseminating information, tools and guidelines developed among their country members.
But in a time of great change in the digital environment, contributions have highlighted the essential role of collaboration at the regional, but also inter-regional, level. In this context, Regional Regulatory Associations should also be a driving force.
We see upcoming a major wave of digital transformation globally. This digital transformation is motivating ICT and other sector—and cross-sector— regulators to collaborate. The collaboration often addresses questions of investment, connectivity and roadblocks to ICT access.
Beyond the national level, regional regulatory collaboration across economic sectors and regulators with mandates in digital services is fundamental to enhance the inclusiveness, competitiveness and innovation drive of digital markets.
Consistent regional, inter-regional and global strategies should always underpin national regulatory strategies.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is for this reason that I am launching today The Digital Regulation Network (DRN): The Collaborative Network of Networks, with the kind support of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), Saudi Arabia
The birth of the Digital Regulation Network (DRN) is a result of a wide consultation – I thank you ALL.
This Digital Regulation Network will benefit the network of Regional Regulatory Associations to provide increased cross-regional and sectoral coordination.
It will also strengthen capacities through win-win twinning efforts to facilitate the exchange and enrich collaboration among regulators.
It could pool resources and channel multistakeholder efforts towards upgrading regional regulatory capacity and spark cross-sector collaboration for accelerating the sustainable digital transformation.
I believe that in doing so we are creating an effective and impactful regulatory web of interests that will support the legitimate future for digital transformation everywhere.
In short, common approaches in policy and regulatory areas make a great deal of sense.
It is my wish that we all work together and ride the wave of digital transformation.
We can foster the dialogue amongst regulators at the international, inter-regional and inter-governmental levels to ensure that our digital policy and regulatory frameworks can adapt and respond to new and emerging digital challenges.
I count on your support, commitments and sense of belief to get out of this great Digital Regulation Network (DRN) initiative impactful, and tangible results that are transformative and beneficial to our dynamic sector.
We will later today, at this session, be sharing with you, the details of the Digital Regulation Network (DRN), a Collaborative Network of Networks!
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am sure that in collaboration, we will be able to achieve impact and to accelerate sustainable digital transformation through common approaches across economic sectors and across borders.
The power—but also the complexities--of digital transformation lie ahead.
This new network of networks promises much.
Our capability to make our regulatory and policy responses fit for purpose today signals our intent to make the new digital era a win-win for everyone tomorrow.
“Only by accelerating collaboration among stakeholders and taking digital governance to the next level, we can harness the full potential of digital transformation. Let’s join forces with stakeholders across the board and make an impact on the future of all people, everywhere.”
I officially launch the Digital Regulation Network (DRN), a Collaborative Network of Networks!
Thank you and over to you your Excellency.
