Page 11 - SAMENA Trends - June-August 2021

SAMENA COUNCIL ACTIVITY SAMENA TRENDS

Going forward, planning the future with “emergency and preparedness”
As the industry envisions the post-pandemic development of ICT, participants expressed their eagerness
to support the ITU mission and efforts to boost connectivity and prepare for future emergencies.

Ms. Amy Alvarez, AVP of International External & Regulatory Affairs at AT&T and Vice-Chair of IAGDI-CRO,
highlighted the necessity to also drive changes from the demand side. Although great efforts had been made
to enrich the supply of connectivity and ICT applications, stimulation from the demand side would lead to
improved outcomes. This could involve expanding digital skills trainings, making locally-relevant content
and services available online, and promoting access to and ownership of devices. The complementary
efforts in the demand and the supply side would create a win-win situation for the people, the government,
and the industry.
COVID-19 brings long-term transformation in ICT rather than a temporary disruption. As the industry
prepares for the post-COVID world, it would be helpful to take on a mindset of changes. Ms. Aarti Holla,
Secretary-General of ESOA, warned the governments as well as the private sector to hold back on their
excitement in the transitioning phase once we step out of the pandemic period. Being able to carefully
plan the way forward would be a luxury that must be seized.

Collective efforts will continue to be indispensable for issues such as cybersecurity, cross border data
transmission, and regulations of emerging technologies. Ms. Oyeronke Oyetunde, General Manager
of Regulatory Affairs at MTN Group Management Services and Vice-Chair of IAGDI-CRO, proposed
the harmonization of data sovereignty as an alternative approach to data localization. While enabling
harmonization of data sovereignty is part of lifting the hurdles to drive greater scale of digital
transformation, the creation of a level playing ground would facilitate long-term industry development
and drive conversations further.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Cosmas Zavazava, Chief
of the Partnerships for Digital Development
Department, BDT, expressed the value ITU-D holds
in the voice of the industry and the private sector.
He believes that the progress of the IAGDI-CRO
group, and all the ITU-D members, could lead to
progress in advancing sustainable connectivity.

CLICK HERE FOR THE MEETING’S OUTCOME STATEMENT

IAGDI-CRO Governance

Mr. Bocar BA, Chairman Ms. Amy Alvarez, Vice-Chair Ms. Oyeronke Oyetunde, Vice-Chair
CEO, SAMENA AVP - International External & General Manager: Regulatory Affairs,
Telecommunications Council Regulatory Affairs, AT&T MTN Group Management Services
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