LEADERS' SUMMIT 2024

13th May, 2024
            Atlantis - The Palm, Dubai, UAE

Evolving toward Integration, Intelligence & Sustainability in Infrastructure

LEADERS' SUMMIT 2024

The Leaders’ Summit 2024 encompasses dialogue, debate, and discourse-based engagement among cross-industry stakeholders, globally-renowned technology firms, emerging digital ecosystem leaders, policy-making bodies, advocacy institutions, change-drivers, and digital economy enablers and decision-makers on industries issues, real-life problems and challenges, seeking implementable solutions and supporting the fulfillment of objectives of the Member States, the ITU, the UN Broadband Commission, and the Private Sector, at large.

AGENDA

KEY SPEAKERS & STAKEHOLDERS

HE Sh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan

HE Sh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan

Cabinet Member - UAE
Mr. Olayan M. Alwetaid

Mr. Olayan M. Alwetaid

stc - KSA
HE Mohammed Al Ramsi

HE Mohammed Al Ramsi

TDRA
Mrs. Susanne Dam-Hansen

Mrs. Susanne Dam-Hansen

UNDP
Eng. Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Badran

Eng. Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Badran

Mobily - KSA
Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava

Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava

BDT - ITU
Dr. Khaled Wali

Dr. Khaled Wali

League of Arab States - Egypt
HE Philip Marnick

HE Philip Marnick

TRA - Bahrain
Mr. Khaled Hegazy

Mr. Khaled Hegazy

e& International - UAE
Mr. Alhamedi Alanezi

Mr. Alhamedi Alanezi

Arabsat - KSA
Ms. Isabelle Mauro

Ms. Isabelle Mauro

GSOA
Mr. Martin Creaner

Mr. Martin Creaner

WBBA
Mr. Lacina Kone

Mr. Lacina Kone

Smart Africa - Rwanda
Mr. James Chen

Mr. James Chen

Huawei - China
Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs

Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs

USA
Dr. Roslyn Layton

Dr. Roslyn Layton

Strand Consult
HE Mohamed Ben Amor

HE Mohamed Ben Amor

AICTO
Mr. Bocar BA

Mr. Bocar BA

SAMENA Council - UAE
Eng. Saif Bin Ghelaita

Eng. Saif Bin Ghelaita

Technology Development Affairs TDRA
Dr. Imane Khaouja

Dr. Imane Khaouja

NVIDIA
Mr. Mazen D. AlAhmadi

Mr. Mazen D. AlAhmadi

stc - KSA
Mr. Bader AlAsoos

Mr. Bader AlAsoos

Mobily - KSA
Dr. Ali Al-Khwildi

Dr. Ali Al-Khwildi

Digital Development Center (DDC) - Iraq
Mr. David Geary

Mr. David Geary

Digicel
Mr. Syed Rasool

Mr. Syed Rasool

Vodafone Qatar
Mr. Muhammad Moqeet ur Rab

Mr. Muhammad Moqeet ur Rab

Omantel
Mr. Saleh Al Masabi

Mr. Saleh Al Masabi

TDRA-UAE
Mr. Khalid Murshed

Mr. Khalid Murshed

e&
Ms. Nashwa Hussien Aly

Ms. Nashwa Hussien Aly

Yango
Dr. Sherif Ragaei Sherif

Dr. Sherif Ragaei Sherif

Omantel
Mr. Jawad Abbasi

Mr. Jawad Abbasi

GSMA
Mr. Rashid Al Ahmedi

Mr. Rashid Al Ahmedi

InfraX (Digital DEWA)
Eng. Sami Trimech

Eng. Sami Trimech

AICTO
Prof. Konstantinos MASSELOS

Prof. Konstantinos MASSELOS

EETT - Greece
Dr. Brahim Ghribi

Dr. Brahim Ghribi

Nokia
Dr. Philip Song

Dr. Philip Song

Huawei
Ms. Claude Stephanie Ngningha

Ms. Claude Stephanie Ngningha

Investment Banking Citibank
Mr. Karim Benkirane

Mr. Karim Benkirane

DU
Mr. Zhiyong Liu

Mr. Zhiyong Liu

China Telecom
Dr. Mohamed Madkour

Dr. Mohamed Madkour

Huawei
Mr. Wei BO

Mr. Wei BO

Laipic
Mr. Danial Mausoof

Mr. Danial Mausoof

Nokia - MEA
Mr. Emaad Ahmed

Mr. Emaad Ahmed

Huawei
Eng. Nasser Al-Bakr

Eng. Nasser Al-Bakr

MCIT - KSA
Eng. Omar AlRejraje

Eng. Omar AlRejraje

CSTC - KSA
Mr. Laurent Lemaire

Mr. Laurent Lemaire

WSSA
Mr. Ghassan Murat

Mr. Ghassan Murat

Eutelsat
Mr. Patrick French

Mr. Patrick French

ABS
Mr. Rohan Dhamija

Mr. Rohan Dhamija

Analysys Mason - ME
Mr. Alexandr Zamakhov

Mr. Alexandr Zamakhov

7Generation
Mr. Erik Almqvist

Mr. Erik Almqvist

Sense Strategy
Mr. Daddy Mukadi

Mr. Daddy Mukadi

Airtel - Africa
Ms. Ekaterine IMEDADZE

Ms. Ekaterine IMEDADZE

GNCC
Mr. Sulaiman Al-Faifi

Mr. Sulaiman Al-Faifi

Salam Telecom
Mr. Zayan Sadek

Mr. Zayan Sadek

Cisco Systems
Ms. Imme Philbeck

Ms. Imme Philbeck

SAMENA Council
Mr. Nour Al Attassi

Mr. Nour Al Attassi

Avaya International
Mr. Mohammed A. Aljuhani

Mr. Mohammed A. Aljuhani

Mobily - Saudi Arabia
Mr. Syed Rasool

Mr. Syed Rasool

Vodafone - Qatar
Mr. Ashish Bhugra

Mr. Ashish Bhugra

Deloitte
Dr. Abdulhadi Abuamal

Dr. Abdulhadi Abuamal

MEA - Comm
Mr. Mohammad J. Sear

Mr. Mohammad J. Sear

Science Po & EY Executive
Mr. Cao Ming

Mr. Cao Ming

Huawei
HE Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti

HE Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti

UAE Cybersecurity Council
Dr. Ibrahim Harb Nasser

Dr. Ibrahim Harb Nasser

Orange Jordan
Mr. Vincent Chen Bin

Mr. Vincent Chen Bin

Huawei
Mr. Asif Jafri

Mr. Asif Jafri

Kistpay
Dr. Mustafa Aykut

Dr. Mustafa Aykut

SAMENA Council
Mr. Dany WAZEN

Mr. Dany WAZEN

UNDP RBAS
Dr. Chafic Chaya

Dr. Chafic Chaya

RIPE NCC
Prof. Merouane Debbah

Prof. Merouane Debbah

Khalifa University
Mr. Ram Ramachandran

Mr. Ram Ramachandran

Tech Mahindra
Mr. Ibrahim Alhelali

Mr. Ibrahim Alhelali

UN Global Compact Network
Mr. Rafael Gomez Bertrand

Mr. Rafael Gomez Bertrand

Emirates Investment Authority
Mr. Adnan Al Rais

Mr. Adnan Al Rais

MBRSC - UAE
Mr. Izhar Ahmad

Mr. Izhar Ahmad

SAMENA Council
Mr. Tolga Yalcin

Mr. Tolga Yalcin

IDC MEA
Mr. Mohamed Aboegal

Mr. Mohamed Aboegal

Mobily
Dr. Mohammad Khaled

Dr. Mohammad Khaled

Thought Leader

AGENDA

”Evolving toward Integration, Intelligence & Sustainability in Infrastructure ”
Speaker
Mr. Bocar BA
CEO & Board Member SAMENA Council
UAE
Speaker
Eng. Olayan M. Alwetaid
Chairman, SAMENA Council Board & GCEO, stc Group
Saudi Arabia
Speaker
HE Mohammed Al Ramsi
Deputy Director General
TDRA - UAE
Speaker
Mr. James Chen
President
Huawei Carrier Business
China
Speaker
HE Dr. Cosmas Zavazava
Director BDT
ITU
Switzerland
Speaker
HE Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti
Head
UAE Cybersecurity Council
UAE
Speaker
Mr. Martin Creaner
Director General
WBBA
Switzerland
Speaker
HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan
Cabinet Member, Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence
UAE

The Industry is witnessing a deluge of new technologies, applications, mobile and fixed-line infrastructure advancements, super-efficient energy technologies, and advanced computing systems, demonstrating how other industries could be reshaped and how new paradigms in intelligent working, secure digital environment, and sustainability driven initiatives could be put into effect by the private sector and the government sector decision-makers.

This panel discussion among business leaders aims to gain multiple perspectives from business, regulatory, and policy side in view of latest advancements and anticipated new possibilities among key industry players.

Potential areas to delve into include:

  1. National policy and regulatory plans for future infrastructure development in the region
  2. Telecom Operators’ focus on intelligence-based networking, securing networks and end-users, and sustainable operations and service delivery
  3. Collective responsibilities and expectations in view of technology emergence, infrastructure advancements, and complexities arising in the digital environment
  4. Meeting varying regional and market needs in terms of sustainable digital-led development

Moderated by
Speaker
HE Mohamed Ben Amor
Secretary-General
AICTO
Speaker
HE Philip Marnick
General Director
TRA
Bahrain
Speaker
Mrs. Susanne Dam-Hansen
Director
UNDP Regional Hub
Speaker
Prof. Konstantinos
MASSELOS

President, EETT
Greece
Speaker
Mr. Mohammed A. Aljuhani
VP, Technology Operations
Mobily
Saudi Arabia

In our increasingly connected world, where digital interactions and transactions are the norm, the telecom sector’s role in ensuring cybersecurity has never been more critical. This hyper-connected environment brings not only opportunities for innovation and business growth but also heightened risks for cybersecurity threats. The Leaders’ Roundtable on Cyber Resilience will delve into how telecom companies can transform these challenges into business opportunities, focusing on innovative cybersecurity solutions and Protection Use cases to propel business success.

This roundtable discussion will focus on the positive impact of cybersecurity investment on business success and examine Protection Use cases as catalysts for business growth for telecom operators.

  1. How can telecom businesses leverage cybersecurity as an opportunity for innovation and new services?
  2. What are the successful business use cases where enhanced cybersecurity measures have driven growth?
  3. How can telecom companies balance the investment in cybersecurity with the potential for new revenue generation?
  4. What strategies can telecom businesses employ to enhance customer trust and loyalty through robust cybersecurity measures?
  5. How can cyber resilience act as a competitive advantage in the telecom industry?
  6. What is the typical signaling vulnerabilities and how it impacts network security?
  7. What measures can be implemented to detect and prevent signaling attacks?
  8. What are the challenges in securing legacy signaling systems (2G & 3G) versus modern IP-based networks (4G & 5G)?
  9. How can collaboration between industry stakeholders improve signaling security across the telecom ecosystem?

Roundtable Led by
Speaker
Mr. Mazen D. AlAhmadi
GM - Cyber Defense &
Cybersecurity
stc KSA
Speaker
Mr. Mohammed Alosaimi
Saudi CSO
Huawei
Speaker
Mr. Ahmed E Alkindi
Director/Cyber Security
Strategy & Risk Management
e&
Speaker
Mr. Mohamed Aboegal
Director - Security
Infrastructure Management
Mobily
Speaker
Mr. Ashish Bhugra
TMT Cyber Partner
Deloitte
Speaker
Mr. Muhammad Moqeet ur Rab
Cybersecurity Senior Manager
Omantel
Speaker
Dr. Ibrahim Harb Nasser
Chief Legal, Regulatory
Sourcing & Supply Chain Officer
Orange Jordan
Speaker
Mr. Syed Ahmad Rasool
CSO
Vodafone Qatar
Speaker
Mr. Vincent Chen Bin
CSO
Huawei
Speaker
Dr. Mohammad Khaled
Safe Cognitive Transformation Thought Leader
Keynote:
Speaker
Dr. Roslyn Layton
EVP
Strand Consult

As the telecom sector continues to evolve, a key focus is on sustainable, intelligence-driven digital transformation, which plays a crucial role in addressing global environmental challenges, including mitigating the impact of greenhouse gases, not only in operations but also by catalysing innovations with other ecosystem partners. Given enhancing computation power, cloudification, and with the potential to beneficially exploit the power of AI, emerging ICT talent, the ICT industry is at crossroads where it can both contribute to and benefit from sustainable development-led strategies.

This panel discussion will focus on defining “sustainable digital transformation” with its multiple, complex undertones, especially relating to:

  1. How can telcos and digital service providers leverage cloud and IoT technologies to enhance sustainability and drive top-line growth?
  2. In what ways can technology integration and agility in the telco sector contribute to reducing the industry's carbon footprint?
  3. How can investment in ICT talent support sustainable digital transformation in the sector?
  4. What roles do digital ecosystem partners play in fostering a sustainable and circular and digitally -transformed economy?
  5. What AI capabilities can we readily leverage to accelerate digital transformation and progress on sustainability imperatives?

Panel Discussion

Moderated by:
Speaker
Mr. Erik Almqvist
Founder & CEO
Sense Strategy
Speaker
Mr. Zayan Sadek
Regional Director
MEA Service Provider
Cisco Systems
Speaker
Dr. Imane Khaouja
AI Expert & Ambassador
NVIDIA
Speaker
Mr. Sulaiman Al-Faifi
VP, Information Services
Salam Telecom
Speaker
Mr. Nour Al Attassi
Vice President - Service Providers
Avaya International (EMEA-APAC)

The digital communications landscape is on the brink of a transformative shift with the recent harmonization of the 6 GHz spectrum as established by the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23). This harmonization across the ITU regions represents a significant leap in potential for the 5G or 5G-Advanced (or 5G-A) ecosystem and paves the way for the advent of 6G technologies and the global expansion of broadband technologies, addressing the digital divides, and promoting sustainable connectivity as well as a more equitable digital future.

In this context, the 6 GHz Spectrum for Next-Generation Digital Technologies roundtable, a by-invitation-only meeting, led by TDRA-UAE, will delve into the implications of the WRC-23 outcomes for the telecom sector and the supporting wider ecosystem. The session aims to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and ecosystem partners to discuss the future of digital communication technologies, leveraging 6 GHz harmonized spectrum availability.

The open discussion will explore:

  1. 1. The impact of the 6 GHz spectrum harmonization on facilitating the development and deployment of 5G, 5G-A, and future 6G network development in the region.
  2. How the telecom sector can utilize this new spectrum allocation and strategize fostering innovation, creating new value, and driving economic growth.
  3. Evaluating the challenges and opportunities for regional telecom operators in adapting to this expanded spectrum range, and various technological and regulatory aspects.
  4. The role of the 6 GHz band in achieving digital equality and sustainable development through enhanced connectivity solutions.
  5. Steps that regional policymakers and industry leaders should take to effectively implement WRC-23 decisions, focusing on the 6 GHz spectrum.

This discussion is critical in the backdrop of growing global connectivity needs and the vital role of spectrum management in meeting these demands, particularly with the advent of advanced digital technologies in the region.

Roundtable Led by
Speaker
Mr. Saleh Al Masabi
Director
Spectrum Services
TDRA-UAE
Speaker
Dr. Brahim Ghribi
Head of Government
Relations
Nokia
Speaker
Dr. Sherif Ragaei Sherif
Sr. Strategist, Tech. Strategy
Omantel
Speaker
Dr. Abdulhadi
Abuamal

CTO
MEA-Comm
Speaker
Mr. Jawad Abbasi
Head of Middle East &
North Africa
GSMA
Speaker
Dr. Mustafa Aykut
Director
SAMENA Council

Effective collaboration between governments, private sector, and international organizations is vital for advancing sustainable development initiatives. In this context, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and SAMENA Telecommunications Council are taking their collaboration forward to advance Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) initiative in the Arab region. Alongside this initiative, there is a need to understand on-ground connectivity needs of the region, imperatives in fostering the digital economy, regional and global content integration, cloud adoption, and assessing how various other technologies can be integrated on digital infrastructure to power sustainable digital development.

Several areas are directly impacted by the integration of technologies and partnered focus on sustainability, particularly, education, healthcare, essential services, and the scale of achievable digital innovation in the Arab region.

This roundtable, led by UNDP, aims to engage diverse digital development partners to help mobilize resources, expertise, and make progress in digital transformation, infrastructure development, and integration of latest technologies to empower human progress.


Roundtable Led by
Speaker
Mrs. Susanne Dam-Hansen
Director - Regional Hub
UNDP
Speaker
Mr. Dany WAZEN
Head, Digital Unit Team
UNDP RBAS
Speaker
HE Dr. Khaled Wali
Minister Plenipotentiary
Director, ICT Development
League of Arab States
Speaker
Dr. Chafic Chaya
Regional Manager
RIPE NCC
Speaker
Mr. Rashid Al Ahmedi
COO

InfraX (Digital
DEWA)
Speaker
Mr. Mohammad J. Sear
Professor of Digital
Government and
Innovation & EY Executive
Speaker
Prof. Merouane Debbah
Director of the 6GRC
Khalifa University
Speaker
Mr. Ram Ramachandran
MD MEA
Tech Mahindra
Speaker
Mr. Ibrahim Alhelali
Executive Director Middle East
UN Global Compact
Network
Speaker
Eng. Sami Trimech
Director - Strategic
Development & Planning
AICTO
Speaker
Mr. Rafael Gomez Bertrand
Investment Director
Emirates Investment
Authority
Speaker
Mr. Asif Jarfi
Founder & CEO
Kistpay

With over 300 commercial 5G networks already deployed globally and advancements continuing, the shift from 5G to 5G-Advanced is poised to revolutionize network capabilities and user experiences. While 5G laid the groundwork for faster speeds and more reliable connections, 5G-Advanced is set to push these boundaries further, offering significant enhancements in terms of network efficiency, coverage, and performance. This next phase in mobile network evolution is not just an incremental upgrade; it embodies a leap forward in integrating artificial intelligence, improving network flexibility, and enabling more complex and varied use cases. From smart cities to advanced industrial applications, 5G-Advanced is expected to be a catalyst for innovative digital solutions across sectors.

This session will delve into the multifaceted progression from 5G to 5G-Advanced, examining both the technological advancements and the practical implications of this transition. Specific focus will be on paving the way forward for a sustainable, technology-driven future encompassing 5G-A and F5G-A deployment scenarios. Sessions dedicated to 5G-A will also explore advancements in standards, network planning, application scenarios, and showcasing successful case implementations and studies.

Questions to be explored:

  1. 1. What are the key technical improvements 5G-Advanced offers over standard 5G networks?
  2. How can industries effectively leverage 5G-Advanced for transformative use cases?
  3. In the 5G-A era, where both mobile and fixed-line network technologies synergistically are working to generate new possibilities, what regulatory and business challenges must be addressed immediately?
  4. What are the major challenges in deploying 5G-Advanced networks and how can they be overcome?
  5. How will the finalization of 3GPP Release 18 and upcoming Release 19 specifications impact the rollout of 5G-Advanced?
  6. What lessons have been learned from real-world trials of 5G-Advanced networks?

Opening Speech
Speaker
Eng. Saif Bin Ghelaita
Executive Director
Technology Development Affairs
TDRA
Industry Leader’s Speech
Speaker
Mr. Cao Ming
President
Huawei Wireless Solution
Spotlight on 5G and 5G Advanced—Global and MENA 5G Market Trends
Speaker
Mr. Jawad J. Abbassi
Head of MENA
GSMA
Gigacities as a Driver for Next-Generation Broadband Deployment
Speaker
Mr. Martin Creaner
Director General
WBBA - Switzerland
Charting Tomorrow: e& UAE's Journey in 5G-Advanced Evolution
Speaker
Mr. Khalid Murshed
Head of CTIO
e&, UAE
Advancing the 5G-A Era
Speaker
Dr. Philip Song
CMO
Huawei Carrier Business

Recognition Ceremony

UAE 5G-A Country: Setting Sail for 5G-A Nationwide

TDRA, e&, du, SAMENA Council, Partners
The Evolution of FWA in the UAE
Speaker
Mr. Karim Benkirane
CCO
du
Accelerate 5G-A Development to Empower New Digital Era
Speaker
Mr. Zhiyong Liu
Deputy Chief Engineer
China Telecom Group

Panel Discussion

Business Success in the 5G-A Era

Moderated by:
Speaker
Dr. Mohamed Madkour
ice President – ICT MSS & Huawei
Speaker
Mr. Danial Mausoof
VP & Head, Tech Solutions
Mobile Networks, MEA
Nokia
Speaker
Dr. Sherif Ragaei Sherif
Sr. Strategist, Tech. Strategy
Omantel
Speaker
Mr. Emaad Ahmed
Chief Expert
Huawei
Speaker
Mr. Dangqi Cheng
Vice President - Sales
MEIG
Speaker
Mr. Wei BO
CEO
Laipic

Middle East Glasses-free 3D Industry Initiative Announcement

Operators & Ecosystem Partners, SAMENA Council Members

In the ever-evolving Space & Satellite Ecosystem, the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks is a key focus, offering enhanced global connectivity and resilience. This sector is witnessing a surge in investment opportunities and innovative business models, driven by the need for sustainable space activities and international collaboration. With the advent of direct-to-device (D2D) technologies, the line between consumer-grade cell phones and satellites is blurring, fostering what many call "the great convergence". The deployment of Low- and Mid-Earth Orbit (LEO/MEO) satellite constellations is instrumental in this transformation, enabling continuous service and widespread coverage. This session will explore how these advancements are shaping the future of space commercialization and the broader impact on global communication networks and sustainability of space.

The discussion will focus on two aspects of the Space Ecosystem: Sustainability (especially space sustainability) and NTN Integration.

First half of roundtable (25 Mins) – Sustainability imperatives are many, with various stakeholders operating in space requiring alignment on how to maintain access to and usability of space to catalyze multifarious benefits.

Second half of roundtable (35 Mins) – Non-terrestrial Networks and Terrestrial Network Integration will come under discussion with following considerations:

  1. NTNs and TN complementarity to deliver connectivity everywhere
  2. WDevelopments and objective of implementing advanced 5G & the future 6G technology
  3. Stakeholders’ collaboration & incentives to deploy at global scale

Roundtable Led by
Speaker
Ms. Isabelle Mauro
Director General
GSOA
Speaker
Mr. Laurent Lemaire
Chairman
WSSA
Speaker
Mr. Patrick French
EVP
ABS
Speaker
Mr. Adnan Al Rais
Assistant Director General
Space Operations and
Exploration Sector
MBRSC-UAE
Speaker
Eng. Omar AlRejraje
Deputy Governor for Regulation and Competition
CSTC
Speaker
Eng. Nasser Al-Bakr
Assistant Deputy Minister for Telecom & Infrastructure
MCIT
CSTC
Speaker
Mr. Ghassan Murat
MD MENA
Eutelsat
Speaker
Dr. Mustafa Aykut
Director - Programs &
Public Policy
SAMENA Council
Speaker
Mr. Rohan Dhamija
Partner & Head of ME
Analysys Mason

As the landscape of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and emerging technologies undergoes rapid transformation, the discussion on Digital Innovation & Choice stands at the forefront of shaping this change. The roundtable will delve into the complexities of regulating a fast-paced tech environment, highlighting the opportunities for local economies, businesses and communities within this global narrative. This conversation is vital in shaping a digital world that is not only advanced and innovative but also inclusive and equitable, catering to both global and local needs. This panel places a strong emphasis on how forward-looking and adaptable regulatory frameworks can drive a sustainable and effective digital transformation. Recognizing the critical need for regulations that enable innovation and consumer choice, the discussion will also focus on fostering local value generation and capture, ensuring that the benefits of this digital leap are felt at the community level.

The discussion will focus on the nexus of innovation, consumer protection, and local economic growth, underpinned by progressive regulatory frameworks.

The discussion will aim to unpack:

  1. How can regulatory frameworks be crafted to encourage innovation while ensuring the benefits of digital advancements are felt locally?
  2. What strategies can be employed to ensure that local businesses and communities benefit from the digital transformation?
  3. In balancing global technological progress with local value creation, what role do regulatory bodies play?
  4. How can regulations help in creating a digital ecosystem that is both globally competitive and locally beneficial?

Roundtable Led by
Speaker
Dr. Cosmas Zavazava
Director BDT
ITU
Speaker
Ms. Nashwa Hussien Aly
Vice President
Public Policy and
Government Affairs
Yango
Speaker
Dr. Ali Al-Khwildi
President
Digital Development
Center (DDC) - Iraq
Speaker
Mr. Alexandr Zamakhov
CPO
7Generation
Speaker
HE Prof. Konstantinos
MASSELOS

President, EETT
Greece
Speaker
Mr. Izhar Ahmad
Director
Industry Affairs & Communication
SAMENA Council

The ICT Financial Roundtable, centered on exploring the application of a comprehensive Financing Framework for broadband infrastructure in the region, developed with the collaboration of SAMENA Council, draws its insights from the successful models detailed in the “Financing Opportunities for 4G/5G Investment in Africa” report. The objective of the discussion is to examine how the foundational elements of this framework, which have been agreed upon by a diverse group of stakeholders including the industry, finance sector, regulators, telecom operators, and development banks, and which was facilitated through SAMENA Council’s consensus-building efforts, can be adapted and implemented in the Arab Region, particularly in areas that remain unserved or underserved within the SA-ME-NA region, generally.

As an integral part of the Leaders’ Summit, this by-invitation-only roundtable on Financing Framework, Contributors & Collaboration Possibilities is being organized by SAMENA Council to focus on operationalizing comprehensive financial strategies to close the global connectivity gap. This roundtable during the Summit will leverage the Universal Framework for Broadband Infrastructure Financing; a product of the Broadband Commission’s 21st Century report recommendations and an implementation of the UN Broadband Commission’s 2023 Annual Meeting outcomes. Aiming to craft a practical blueprint for broadband financing in various regions, the roundtable will prioritize shared insights and proven successes to inspire collective action and custom-fit solutions, while exploring extension of the framework’s application from pilot projects in Rwanda and Nigeria to the Arab and ASEAN regions, to advance digital equity and transformation across diverse landscapes.

Roundtable Led by
Speaker
Mr. Lacina Kone
Director General
Smart Africa
Speaker
Mr. David Geary
Government Relation
Digicel
Speaker
Dr. Roslyn Layton
EVP
Strand Consult
Speaker
Mr. Daddy Mukadi
CRO
Airtel Africa
Speaker
Ms. Claude Stephanie Ngningha
Managing Director, MEA
Investment Banking
Citibank
Speaker
Ms. Ekaterine IMEDADZE
Commissioner
GNCC - Georgian National
Communications
Commission
Speaker
Mr. Jawad Abbasi
Head of Middle East
& North Africa
GSMA
Speaker
Ms. Imme Philbeck
Chief Economist and Director
of Sector Development
SAMENA Council
Speaker
Mr. Tolga Yalcin
Research Director,
Telecommunications, ICT
Policy & Regulations
IDC MEA

The Leaders’ One-on-One Fireside Chat will offer a dive into the future of ICT and emerging tech trends, particularly as they relate to sustainable development and digital transformation. This year’s discussion will be shaped by key insights from various technology trends that are expected to significantly impact both the industry and society at large.

These conversations, conducted by SAMENA Council, will pick up on several strategic trends for 2024-2025, which include 5G investment monetization and a widespread focus on AI, Sustainable Technology, and overall situation of the Industry. These trends underscore the increasing integration of AI in various business processes and the critical need for sustainable approaches in technology deployment.

Industry assessment points to AI’s widespread applications, super-efficient solar cells, and advanced computing systems, offers a glimpse into how these innovations could reshape industries and drive sustainable growth. Similarly, there is expert consensus that points technology becoming more human-centric and intuitive. This change is expected to open new avenues for both consumers and businesses, emphasizing the need for technology that is not only advanced but also accessible and inclusive.

During the chat, the leaders will likely explore how these trends can be harnessed to foster sustainable digital transformation, particularly in the telecom sector. The discussion could delve into the potential of AI and cloud computing in transforming business models, the importance of ensuring data security and ethical AI deployment, and the ways in which technological advancements can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable digital future.

By examining these trends and their implications, the Fireside Chat is set to provide valuable insights into the future directions of ICT and digital innovation, highlighting the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in achieving sustainable and inclusive digital growth.

Speaker
Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs
President, UN Sustainable
Development Solutions Network
USA
Speaker
Mr. Khaled Hegazy
CSRO
e& International
UAE
Speaker
Mr. Bocar BA
CEO & Board Member
SAMENA Council
UAE
LEADERS' SUMMIT 2024

Attendance Profile

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  • 30+OPERATORS
  • 200+LEADERS
  • BI-LATERAL MEETINGS
  • GLOBAL BODIES
  • MULTIPLE INDUSTRIES
  • NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Leaders' Summit 2024

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VENUE LOCATION

Venue Details

CONTACT US

Address

  • #304, Alfa Building, Knowledge Village, P.O. Box: 502544, Dubai, UAE

Email

  • LS2024@samenacouncil.org
  • info@samenacouncil.org

Contact

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