Message of Dr Hamadoun Tour�

Global Symposium of Regulators,

Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2-4 October 2012

Today�s regulators face the daunting task of defining national broadband goals while ensuring markets benefit from the healthy competition that stimulates innovation and delivers digital inclusion for all. Successfully implementing national broadband strategies means working in partnership with all stakeholders in today�s complex ICT ecosystem � fixed and mobile operators, VNOs, ISPs, broadcasters and other emerging network service and content providers. Understanding the complex changes that are constantly reshaping the ICT landscape, and adopting innovative and timely regulatory measures and tools that take into account the transnational aspects of our digital society, is a constant challenge.

ITU�s Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) is the pre-eminent international event for the regulatory community around the world. Hosted by the UN specialized agency for information and communication technology, the GSR has become the must-attend event for heads of regulatory agencies, industry CEOs, and top management from leading industry and regional organizations.

With a stimulating programme focused around the hot topics of concern to regulators worldwide, the GSR offers a privileged forum for participants to exchange views with leading experts and peers on topics from net neutrality, spectrum policy and roaming charges to cloud computing, international and regional IP interconnection, investment and public-private-partnership. This year�s GSR will also open with a special High-Level Segment focusing on transnational regulatory issues in a converged digital era, looking in-depth at changing business dynamics and the vital role of regulation.

I look forward to joining you in Colombo on October 2-4.

Dr Hamadoun I. Tour�

ITU Secretary-General