Intelligent & Sustainable Transformation of Digital Economies

Setting the Stage for Implementing Greener & Low-Carbon Energy Networks

Preceding the 9 th Global ICT Energy Efficiency Summit, the Energy Efficiency Roundtable will serve as a dynamic prelude—an intimate, solutions-driven conversation among key stakeholders shaping the future of digital infrastructure, particularly low-carbon energy networks. This gathering is designed to ignite meaningful exchange between technology leaders, policymakers, and innovators who are at the forefront of reconciling digital growth, digital infrastructure development, while fulfilling environmental KPIs.

The EES roundtable aims to rethink and set the stage on how sustainability and competitiveness intersect in the ICT sector. With digital connectivity expanding rapidly, the need for smarter, leaner, and more energy-conscious networks has never been more pressing. The session will open a candid dialogue on the enablers of green transformation—from breakthrough technologies and evolving site designs to the economic and regulatory shifts required to scale these changes globally.

Rather than formal presentations, this roundtable will foster collaborative brainstorming, highlighting cross-sector partnerships and forward-looking strategies. Participants will explore how next-gen technologies like AI, cloud computing, and automation can be harnessed to drive real-time energy optimization across networks, and how policy innovation can unlock long-term environmental and financial returns.

The by-invitation-only participation in this roundtable will not only set the tone for the Energy Efficiency Summit’s more in- depth sessions later during the day, but will also provide a space for identifying shared priorities and laying the groundwork for actionable progress. As the ICT community moves toward a low-carbon, high-performance future, the roundtable offers a moment to align visions, surface challenges, and spark new pathways toward climate-smart digital ecosystems. Some key focus areas for the roundtable discussion include:

1. Turning Sustainability into Business Value: How can green initiatives drive competitiveness and growth?

2.Enabling Energy-Efficient Technologies: Which innovations are leading the way in reducing ICT energy use?

3. Designing Smarter, Greener Infrastructure: What strategies work best for building low-carbon networks?

4. Policy and Collaboration for Scalable Impact: How can regulation and partnerships accelerate green transformation?

5. Balancing Performance, Cost, and Sustainability: How can ICT players achieve efficiency without compromising performance?

Closed-door World Broadband Association Led Discussion: Global Broadband Initiatives

Roundtable Description:

The WBBA Roundtable, with the objective to discuss “Smarter Broadband” through Investment, Innovation, and Intelligence, will bring together leading industry players to explore how strategic investment, cutting-edge innovation, and intelligent solutions can revolutionize broadband access across the South Asia - Middle East - North Africa (SA-ME-NA) regions. This discussion will focus on the evolving role of broadband in driving economic growth, fostering digital inclusion, and ensuring sustainable technological development. Participants will delve into how collaboration between telecommunications operators, service providers, and technology experts can accelerate broadband deployment, enhance policy frameworks, and address key challenges such as standardization, regulatory harmonization, and capacity building. By examining the integration of emerging technologies and fostering innovation, the roundtable will highlight the importance of smarter broadband networks that go beyond just connectivity, exploring their potential as catalysts for digital transformation and socio-economic development. Additionally, the conversation will emphasize the need for collective action to support knowledge sharing, advocacy, and awareness creation, ultimately aiming to empower communities through smarter, more accessible broadband solutions.

The roundtable will delve into the following areas of discussion:

1. What are the biggest obstacles to broadband adoption in SA-ME-NA, and how can operators and governments work together to address them?

2. How can investment in broadband help boost digital inclusion and economic growth in underserved areas of SA-ME-NA?

3. How can emerging technologies improve broadband networks and create smarter solutions?

4. What steps can be taken to align policies and regulations across the SA-ME-NA region to make broadband deployment more efficient?

5. How can Telecom Operators ensure broadband growth is both fast and environmentally sustainable?  

6. How can industry players share knowledge and collaborate to create better broadband solutions for businesses and consumers in SA-ME-NA?  

Panel Discussion : Apps & Services, Tech Transitions, Revenue Streams, 5G Advancements

Panel Description:

In an era defined by digital acceleration and global focus on growth, predictability and sustainability, Telecom Operators and digital ecosystem players are navigating a shifting landscape of innovation, monetization, competition, and sustainable investment. As the digital economy expands, new digital services, mobile applications, and AI-driven platforms are rapidly redefining revenue models for Telecom Operators .

This panel discussion brings together Telecom Operators , digital service providers, and industry leaders to examine how rapid digital transformation, 5G advancements, and evolving app ecosystems are reshaping the telecom industry’s revenue landscape. As mobile applications, AI-driven platforms, and cloud services redefine monetization strategies, panelists will explore new and untapped revenue streams enabled by 5G and 5G-Advanced technologies. The discussion also tackles where value is currently being lost, how B2B2X and enterprise models might fix it, and what needs to change for sustainable growth amid economic pressures and increasing demand for digital inclusion. Participants will engage in conversations about platform-driven value capture, monetization challenges, and regional collaboration opportunities.

Key questions for discussion include:

1. How are mobile apps and AI-driven platforms transforming revenue generation for Telecom Operators ?

2.What roles can Telecom Operators play in capturing value within expanding digital ecosystems?

3. In what ways are 5G and 5G-Advanced technologies creating new use cases and monetization opportunities?

4. Where are Telecom Operators currently missing out on revenue, and what are the barriers to realization?

5. How can B2B2X models and enterprise bundling unlock new growth potential?

6. What role does regional collaboration play in ensuring digital inclusion and capturing shared market value?

Session Description:

As global market conditions become more complex and uncertainty intensifies, the telecom industry is reimagining its role through the TechCo transformation journey—from utility service providers to digital experience enablers. This forum will explore how the convergence of AI, cloud, and intelligent networks is enabling operators to shift from infrastructure providers to digital solution orchestrators. While not all operators may follow the same path, the session will highlight adaptable strategies for network intelligence, service diversification, and enterprise value creation. Becoming a TechCo is not just about strategy but may be a matter of necessity for Telecom Operators to stay at the center of it all, competitive, and influential in a landscape where value is increasingly derived from software, data, and ecosystem integration. By leading in areas such as real-time edge computing, AI-enabled service platforms, and industry-specific digital solutions, telcos can go beyond connectivity to shape new markets, drive national digital agendas, and act as trusted partners in both consumer and enterprise domains. Participants will examine how TechCo models can support economic resilience, sovereign technology capabilities, and sustainable innovation in a fragmented global environment.

This discussion segment will focus on:

1. How can Telecom Operators effectively transition from traditional infrastructure providers to digital experience enablers, and what role does AI, cloud, and intelligent networks play in this shift?

2. What are the key strategies for telcos to diversify their service offerings and drive enterprise value in the evolving digital landscape?

3. How can the TechCo model help Telecom Operators maintain competitive advantage and relevance in an increasingly fragmented global market?

4. In what ways can Telecom Operators leverage network intelligence and edge computing to create new revenue streams and meet the growing demand for real-time services?

5. How can Telecom Operators lead the development of sovereign technology capabilities and support national digital transformation goals?

6. What challenges do telcos face when adopting the TechCo model, and how can they overcome these barriers to unlock sustainable innovation?

Roundtable Description:

The G20 Inter-Ministerial Leaders’ Roundtable during the Leaders’ Summit 2025 presents an opportunity for South Africa to play a leading role in global ICT policy discussions at a critical moment—during the rise of 5G-Advanced and as the UN Connect 2030 Agenda approaches its deadline. This Roundtable aims to align with South Africa's G20 Presidency priorities, strengthen its influence on the global digital agenda, and ensure Africa's needs are represented, particularly with Smart Africa's involvement.

The Roundtable will serve as a preparatory session for G20 discussions, focusing on key issues such as digital transformation, 5G advancements, broadband infrastructure, digital inclusion, affordable broadband, cybersecurity, and more. By hosting the Roundtable, South Africa will elevate its priorities within the global conversation, helping shape a more inclusive and digitally empowered world.

Roundtable Agenda: TBD with TDRA, MBRSC, Regulators, SAT Operators

Roundtable Description:

The roundtable on Space Development, WRC-27, Mobile Satellite Services (MSS), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) will bring together key stakeholders, including governments, regulators, satellite operators, and industry leaders, to align priorities ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27) and global satellite policy decisions. The aim is to foster early, collaborative dialogue to ensure that the interests of developing countries are represented, while minimizing the risk of fragmentation in global space policy.

As space-based connectivity and NTNs become critical components of future digital infrastructure, this Roundtable addresses the urgent need for policy alignment, spectrum harmonization, and international cooperation. These discussions are crucial to ensuring that MSS, 5G-Advanced, and future 6G technologies can meet the growing socio-economic needs of both developed and developing countries. The forum will serve as a platform for building consensus among space sector stakeholders, regulators, mobile network operators, and satellite communication leaders.

The discussion will cover key issues such as orbital coordination, licensing models for MSS and NTN, spectrum harmonization, regulatory flexibility, regional coordination mechanisms, and capacity building for space policy development. By convening this roundtable, SAMENA Council aims to facilitate early alignment, advance the technical and policy agenda for WRC-27, and highlight the region's commitment to inclusive space development and cooperative global connectivity—both on Earth and in orbit.

Apart from marking the launch of a whitepaper, prepared through collaboration between SAMENA Council and Omantel, the discussion of the roundtable will focus on:

1. How can the region build institutional capacity and technical expertise to support inclusive space policy development, inclusive of space-sustainability imperatives, and long-term participation in global space initiatives?

2. How can regional stakeholders collaborate more effectively on orbital coordination and spectrum harmonization, for example, to support MSS and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)?

3. What licensing models and regulatory approaches can offer the flexibility needed to accelerate satellite and NTN deployment?

4. What role should regional coordination mechanisms play in shaping a unified position ahead of WRC-27, and what would be the implications of such early alignment among the private-sector members and the Member States?

Session Description:

A significant development to note is the growing interest from Government Entities, for example, DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), in deploying their own 5G infrastructure and advanced digital technologies. This trend signals a broader move towards enterprises and government operations taking ownership of critical digital infrastructure. The role of Telecom Operators has become even more crucial in this new landscape, as they are ideally positioned to provide managed network services and infrastructure support. This collaboration is essential for enabling government entities to unlock the full potential of 5G and, eventually, 5G-Advanced technologies, which are key drivers of economic growth and industrial innovation.

5G and 5G-Advanced technologies, which have laid the foundation for what is to come, i.e., 6G, offer unprecedented opportunities to drive industrial output, foster innovation, and enhance productivity across various sectors in the UAE as well as the GCC region, at large. The UAE’s digital economy is on an upward trajectory, and the collaboration between government entities and Telecom Operators will be key to harnessing the full benefits of these innovations. Furthermore, with the release of the UAE’s 6G roadmap in 2024, the country is already preparing for the next generation of connectivity. It is crucial that the UAE’s 6G strategy is showcased at the SAMENA Summit in 2025 to reinforce its leadership position in global technological advancements. This is aligned with the UAE’s We the UAE 2031 vision, which focuses on fostering a world-class digital economy and establishing the UAE as a global leader in technological innovation.

As TDRA continues to lead the digital transformation in the UAE, it is equally important for other regulators across the GCC region to align with this vision. The successful harnessing of 5G and 5G-Advanced technologies requires a collective effort among regional telecom regulators. By coordinating and collaborating, the GCC can leverage its collective strength to build interoperable and sustainable digital infrastructure, paving the way for a seamless transition from 5G to 5G-Advanced to 6G, while ensuring citizen-centric service delivery.

Session Description:

The 5G-Advanced Leaders' Forum brings together industry experts and innovators to explore the future of AI-driven 5G-A networks and their potential to unlock new business models and monetization opportunities. As 5G-A evolves, it is transforming how networks operate, enabling smarter and more efficient services integrated into business and society.

This forum will focus on the convergence of AI and 5G-A to create dynamic, value-driven services that not only improve user experiences but also open up new revenue streams and business opportunities across various industries. The forum will include a 5G-A*AI Commercial Alliance Inaugural Ceremony, marking a significant collaboration between 5G-A and AI technologies. A panel discussion will follow, focusing on AI-Native 5G-A networks and how these self-evolving networks can enable new business paradigms. The conversation will cover 5G-A monetization, next-gen AI-powered services, and the integration of AI-native networks into real-world business ecosystems. The 5G-Advanced Leaders’ Forum will also highlight the UAE's launch of the world’s first 5G-AAISA network, showcasing how these technologies can work together to deliver improved network performance, innovative services, and enhanced business value.

Following questions will spark a discussion on the future of 5G-Advanced and AI, focusing on how business can leverage these technologies to create new value:

1. How can AI-driven 5G-A networks enable businesses to create new value and unlock previously untapped revenue streams?

2. What are the key challenges in monetizing 5G-A and AI technologies, and how can companies overcome these hurdles?

3. In what ways can AI-native 5G-A networks drive the self-evolution of network infrastructure to optimize performance and service delivery?

4. How will next-gen services powered by 5G-A and AI transform user experiences and business models across different industries?

5. What role do automation and intelligent service orchestration play in the commercialization of 5G-A networks?

6. How can businesses ensure the scalability and sustainability of AI-driven 5G-A networks while managing operational costs?

7. What are the key security and privacy concerns when integrating AI with 5G-A, and how can these be addressed?

8. How do AI-native networks contribute to the development of hyper-personalized services, and what impact will this have on consumer behavior?

9. What are the regulatory and policy considerations that need to be addressed to facilitate the widespread deployment of AI-powered 5G-A networks?

10. With the launch of the UAE's first 5G-AAISA network, what can other countries and regions learn from this milestone, and how can they apply similar strategies?

Roundtable Description:

As cybersecurity becomes an increasingly critical issue in today’s interconnected world, the need for a comprehensive and dynamic approach to defense has never been more urgent. In a digital landscape shaped by systemic risks, growing geopolitical tensions, and a rise in targeted cyberattacks, this roundtable brings together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to explore how cybersecurity strategies must evolve to address the complexity of modern digital environments.

Telecom Operators, digital platforms, governments, and critical infrastructure providers are all facing escalating cyber threats. The discussion will focus on developing multi-layered security models that protect both end-user ecosystems and enterprise networks. With the goal of strengthening cyber resilience, the roundtable will highlight the importance of cross-border collaboration, shared intelligence, and proactive defense mechanisms. Ultimately, the session aims to define a collective path forward to build a smarter, more secure cyberspace that promotes regional stability and fosters global trust.

The following questions may help steer the conversation:

1. What are the key components of a modern, multi-layered cybersecurity strategy that can effectively protect both end-user ecosystems and enterprise networks in today’s digital landscape?

2. How can public and private sector organizations work together more effectively to improve cyber resilience, especially in critical infrastructure and telecom services?

3. In what ways can emerging technologies—such as AI—support threat detection and response, and how do we ensure these tools are implemented responsibly and securely?

4. What are the main barriers to cross-sector and cross-border threat intelligence sharing, and how can they be overcome to foster a more collaborative cyber defense ecosystem?

5. How should cybersecurity strategies evolve to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated and targeted cyberattacks without compromising usability, innovation, or user trust?

Setting the Stage for Implementing Greener & Low-Carbon Energy Networks

Roundtable Description:

Preceding the 9th Global ICT Energy Efficiency Summit, the Energy Efficiency Roundtable will serve as a dynamic prelude—an intimate, solutions-driven conversation among key stakeholders shaping the future of digital infrastructure, particularly low-carbon energy networks. This gathering is designed to ignite meaningful exchange between technology leaders, policymakers, and innovators who are at the forefront of reconciling digital growth, digital infrastructure development, while fulfilling environmental KPIs.

The EES roundtable aims to rethink and set the stage on how sustainability and competitiveness intersect in the ICT sector. With digital connectivity expanding rapidly, the need for smarter, leaner, and more energy-conscious networks has never been more pressing. The session will open a candid dialogue on the enablers of green transformation—from breakthrough technologies and evolving site designs to the economic and regulatory shifts required to scale these changes globally.

Rather than formal presentations, this roundtable will foster collaborative brainstorming, highlighting cross-sector partnerships and forward-looking strategies. Participants will explore how next-gen technologies like AI, cloud computing, and automation can be harnessed to drive real-time energy optimization across networks, and how policy innovation can unlock long-term environmental and financial returns.

The by-invitation-only participation in this roundtable will not only set the tone for the Energy Efficiency Summit’s more in-depth sessions later during the day, but will also provide a space for identifying shared priorities and laying the groundwork for actionable progress. As the ICT community moves toward a low-carbon, high-performance future, the roundtable offers a moment to align visions, surface challenges, and spark new pathways toward climate-smart digital ecosystems. Some key focus areas for the roundtable discussion include:

1. Turning Sustainability into Business Valu: How can green initiatives drive competitiveness and growth?

2. Enabling Energy-Efficient Technologies: Which innovations are leading the way in reducing ICT energy use?

3. Designing Smarter, Greener Infrastructure: What strategies work best for building low-carbon networks?

4. Policy and Collaboration for Scalable Impact: How can regulation and partnerships accelerate green transformation?

5. Balancing Performance, Cost, and Sustainability: How can ICT players achieve efficiency without compromising performance?  

Roundtable Description:

This high-level roundtable aims to bring together ecosystem stakeholders—governments, Operators, technology enablers, fiber and infrastructure companies, and enterprise solution providers—to catalyze dialogue on advancing inclusive, smart, and sustainable digital transformation. As we look toward 2030 development targets and next-generation connectivity, the session will explore how open technologies, IoT solutions, affordable devices, and high-speed broadband infrastructure—especially fiber and AI—can be scaled equitably to bridge digital divides and support economic resilience. A key component of this roundtable will be discussion on fostering digital innovation, accelerating gigabit network experiences, and exploiting the power of AI and fiber for both end-user and enterprise enablement.

This roundtable will provide a platform to discuss scalable, affordable solutions for both urban and underserved areas, highlight use cases in health, education, manufacturing, and smart cities. Serving as a catalyst for regional cooperation, the roundtable will support alignment across investment, regulation, and innovation to strengthen the foundation for advanced digital ecosystems.

Some key questions for the discussion include following:

1. How can governments and regulators align digital policies with investment to boost fiber and gigabit connectivity, especially in underserved areas?

2. What are the best ways to scale open technologies and affordable devices to ensure digital inclusion across urban and rural communities?

3. How can fiber and AI work together to improve services in key sectors like health, education, manufacturing, and smart cities?

4. What successful examples of public-private collaboration can help drive innovation and expand digital infrastructure regionally?

5. What goals or milestones should guide progress toward inclusive, smart, and sustainable digital transformation by 2030?

Enablers in Digital Advancement:Open Tech, IoT, Affordability, and Fiber for Next-Generation Connectivity

This high-level roundtable aims to bring together ecosystem stakeholders—governments, Operators, technology enablers, fiber and infrastructure companies, and enterprise solution providers—to catalyze dialogue on advancing inclusive, smart, and sustainable digital transformation. As we look toward 2030 development targets and next-generation connectivity, the session will explore how open technologies, IoT solutions, affordable devices, and high-speed broadband infrastructure— especially fiber and AI—can be scaled equitably to bridge digital divides and support economic resilience. A key component of this roundtable will be discussion on fostering digital innovation, accelerating gigabit network experiences, and exploiting the power of AI and fiber for both end-user and enterprise enablement.

This roundtable will provide a platform to discuss scalable, affordable solutions for both urban and underserved areas, highlight use cases in health, education, manufacturing, and smart cities. Serving as a catalyst for regional cooperation, the roundtable will support alignment across investment, regulation, and innovation to strengthen the foundation for advanced digital ecosystems

Some key questions for the discussion include following:

1. How can governments and regulators align digital policies with investment to boost fiber and gigabit connectivity, especially in underserved areas?

2. What are the best ways to scale open technologies and affordable devices to ensure digital inclusion across urban and rural communities?

3. How can fiber and AI work together to improve services in key sectors like health, education, manufacturing, and smart cities?

4. What successful examples of public-private collaboration can help drive innovation and expand digital infrastructure regionally?

5. What goals or milestones should guide progress toward inclusive, smart, and sustainable digital transformation by 2030?

Setting the Stage for Implementing Greener & Low-Carbon Energy Networks

Roundtable Description:

Preceding the 9th Global ICT Energy Efficiency Summit, the Energy Efficiency Roundtable will serve as a dynamic prelude—an intimate, solutions-driven conversation among key stakeholders shaping the future of digital infrastructure, particularly low-carbon energy networks. This gathering is designed to ignite meaningful exchange between technology leaders, policymakers, and innovators who are at the forefront of reconciling digital growth, digital infrastructure development, while fulfilling environmental KPIs.

The EES roundtable aims to rethink and set the stage on how sustainability and competitiveness intersect in the ICT sector. With digital connectivity expanding rapidly, the need for smarter, leaner, and more energy-conscious networks has never been more pressing. The session will open a candid dialogue on the enablers of green transformation—from breakthrough technologies and evolving site designs to the economic and regulatory shifts required to scale these changes globally.

Rather than formal presentations, this roundtable will foster collaborative brainstorming, highlighting cross-sector partnerships and forward-looking strategies. Participants will explore how next-gen technologies like AI, cloud computing, and automation can be harnessed to drive real-time energy optimization across networks, and how policy innovation can unlock long-term environmental and financial returns.

The by-invitation-only participation in this roundtable will not only set the tone for the Energy Efficiency Summit’s more in-depth sessions later during the day, but will also provide a space for identifying shared priorities and laying the groundwork for actionable progress. As the ICT community moves toward a low-carbon, high-performance future, the roundtable offers a moment to align visions, surface challenges, and spark new pathways toward climate-smart digital ecosystems. Some key focus areas for the roundtable discussion include:

1. Turning Sustainability into Business Valu: How can green initiatives drive competitiveness and growth?

2. Enabling Energy-Efficient Technologies: Which innovations are leading the way in reducing ICT energy use?

3. Designing Smarter, Greener Infrastructure: What strategies work best for building low-carbon networks?

4. Policy and Collaboration for Scalable Impact: How can regulation and partnerships accelerate green transformation?

5. Balancing Performance, Cost, and Sustainability: How can ICT players achieve efficiency without compromising performance?