Global telecommunications regulators wrapped up the 25th Global Symposium for Regulators in Riyadh with the release of the Riyadh Outcome Statement. This key document outlines best practices to build sustainable digital ecosystems, drawing from discussions among over 6,500 participants from more than 190 countries held from August 31 to September 3, 2025.
Event Highlights and Participation
The symposium, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union, brought together ministers, policy makers, industry leaders, and experts. It focused on regulation for sustainable digital development amid rapid tech advances.
Attendees explored ways to close the global digital divide, which affects about 2.6 billion people without internet access. The event included side activities like the Media Oasis and SYNC Wellbeing Summit, showcasing innovations in communications and space tech.
Saudi Arabia played a leading role, launching initiatives to boost digital inclusion and economic growth. This aligns with the nation’s Vision 2030 goals, which aim to position it as a global tech hub.
Core Guidelines in the Riyadh Outcome Statement
The Riyadh Outcome Statement builds on six best practice guidelines to guide regulators worldwide. These focus on adapting to new technologies like AI and 6G while ensuring fair access and ethical standards.
Here are the main guidelines:
- Make innovation a core regulatory practice to encourage tech growth.
- Adapt institutional capacity for faster responses to digital changes.
- Leverage technology for regulatory excellence, using tools like data analytics.
- Strengthen cross-border cooperation to tackle global issues.
- Champion collaborative governance involving governments and private sectors.
- Prioritize a human-centric digital future that promotes wellbeing.
These guidelines stem from in-depth talks on topics such as AI governance and spectrum management. They provide a roadmap for countries to foster inclusive digital economies.
Experts praised the statement for addressing real-world challenges, including the need for affordable connectivity in developing regions.
Key Discussions and Innovations Showcased
Sessions delved into emerging trends, with a spotlight on quantum technologies and esports. Participants discussed rebuilding trust in the digital age and creating equitable online spaces.
One highlight was the launch of the Connecting Humanity study, which offers solutions for universal access. This includes strategies to lower costs and expand infrastructure in underserved areas.
The event also featured the Heads of Regulators roundtable and meetings on satellite integration. These talks emphasized flexible regulations through tools like sandboxes, where new ideas can be tested safely.
In related news, recent global events like the 2024 ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly echoed similar themes, pushing for AI ethics and 5G expansion. This year’s symposium built on those efforts, adapting to 2025’s focus on 6G readiness.
A table below summarizes major session topics and their goals:
| Topic | Goal |
|---|---|
| AI Governance | Move from principles to practical rules for safe AI use |
| 6G Innovations | Prepare infrastructure for next-gen networks |
| Digital Inclusion | Connect unserved populations with affordable tech |
| RegTech Solutions | Use tech to improve regulatory efficiency |
| Space Connectivity | Integrate satellites for global coverage |
These discussions highlighted Saudi Arabia’s investments in space tech, which have grown by 25 percent in the past year, supporting broader digital goals.
Impact on Global Digital Future
The symposium’s outcomes could shape policies in over 190 nations, promoting sustainable growth. By endorsing the Riyadh Outcome Statement, regulators committed to human-centered approaches that balance innovation with ethics.
This comes at a time when digital economies are projected to contribute 15 percent to global GDP by 2030, according to recent industry reports. Developing countries stand to gain the most, with potential boosts in education and healthcare through better connectivity.
Logical next steps include implementing these guidelines at national levels, with follow-up at future ITU events. For instance, the upcoming Plenipotentiary Conference in 2026 will build on these ideas.
The event also tied into trending topics like AI regulation, seen in recent EU laws and U.S. guidelines, showing a unified push for responsible tech.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the statement offers hope, challenges remain, such as funding gaps for infrastructure in low-income areas. Experts noted that closing the $2.8 trillion connectivity gap requires public-private partnerships.
Opportunities include leveraging AI for smarter regulations, which could cut costs and speed up approvals. Saudi Arabia’s model, with its rapid 5G rollout covering 90 percent of the population, serves as an example for others.
In summary, GSR25 not only celebrated 25 years of regulatory collaboration but also set a forward-looking agenda.
Share your thoughts on how these guidelines might affect your country’s digital landscape. Comment below and spread the word to keep the conversation going.
