From Monday, 1st July to Thursday 4th July 2024, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) held its Global Symposium for Regulators (herein The Symposium) in Kampala, Uganda. As an agency founded under the United Nations, ITU specializes in information and communication technologies (ICTs) globally and holds membership status for 193 nation-states as well as over 1000 different private companies, higher learning institutions and regional and international organizations. ITU is passionate about advancing effective ICT accessibility and communication around the world, and every year the Symposium brings together top government officials who oversee the ICT and internet sectors to address different experiences, the latest challenges and key developments in the industry.
Through the VOTE: Women project implemented at Pollicy, Honourable Ademun Sharon who represents Ngora District Local Government attended and participated fully in this symposium. In this article, readers will be able to capture her unique conference experience and how it transformed into a springboard for future progress in her role as a woman local ward councillor in Uganda. We will also explore key effective strategies and resolutions drawn from the Symposium and how they can translate into tangible results.
The Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-24) featured thematic sessions bringing together regulators, policymakers and digital stakeholders from around the world and providing a global platform for knowledge exchange around the topic “Regulation for impact”.
The convening is a reminder of the work that we must continue to foster and support toward sustainable digital transformation and inclusion for women and girls.
As the convening dissects issues on safe and inclusive digital financial services, AI and robotics for positive impact, and agile regulation for innovation among other key issues, our collective clarion call is to make sure that no one is left behind even as regulators plan for the digital ecosystem.
We must continue to remind regulators and all stakeholders to make sure that the conversations and decisions made towards digital governance and innovation include women, data and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Insights from the Symposium
The Symposium highlighted the importance of embracing and continuously learning about Information Technology (IT) as it is shaping every aspect of our lives. As a woman leader in local government, Honourable Ademun Sharon also appreciated the conversations on using technology to improve campaigning for elections. She uses X (formerly Twitter) to showcase her civic engagement, interact with virtual audiences, communicate with different stakeholders and keep up to date with local and regional events. Through technology and proper regulation, opportunities are endless — whether in professional development, education, entrepreneurship, or global exposure.
Regarding effective regulation of the ICT sector in Uganda, Honourable Ademun Sharon pointed out the need for the government to invest in more advanced laws that are reflective of current needs and realities. For instance, firstly regulations need to explicitly provide for affordable and friendly costs of digital spaces and tools for young people, seeing as they make up the largest percentage of users. Secondly, the government ought to invest in space law and the deployment of its satellites, as technologies are evolving every day. Lastly, revising relevant frameworks to increase women’s participation in ICT.
“Information Technology (IT) is a male-dominant sector. For you to be an IT person, most people believe you have to be a man. But what I can say is — women should not fear, we should encourage young girls to break into these male-dominated spaces so that we can see young women participating…..we can encourage and we can campaign and see how young women get into these spaces, instead of shying away from these spaces.” — Honourable Ademun Sharon, Ngora District
Different Regions’ Regulatory Approaches
The approach to ICT regulation varies greatly across the globe. Developed regions prioritize fostering innovation and economic growth, for instance, Space Economy through light-touch regulation and collaboration with tech giants such as Google and Meta. Developing countries focus on infrastructure development and ensuring access for all citizens. Additionally, regions grapple with balancing privacy concerns and national security with the free flow of information. This patchwork of approaches reflects the unique political, economic, and social priorities of each region.
To mention a few, the following government actors were present — Her Excellency Jessica Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, Mr George Willian Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), and Mr Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance. Whereas they effectively gestured to the government’s commitment to welcome and collaborate with tech investors, the reality is that big tech companies hold the real power in technological advancements. Their influence extends to shaping regulations, which remains a challenge for Data Sovereignty and causes a country to lack control over its data. This lack of control stems from Africa’s historical underinvestment in IT infrastructure and expertise.
Shaping Digital Transformation in Uganda
Towards the closing of the Symposium, resolutions and proposals were passed to achieve a promising future in the ICT sector. Government regulators from Uganda pledged to:
- Invest in IT expertise: Train young people and build capacity in the tech sector.
- Ensure IT accessibility: Guarantee the availability and affordability of IT services for all Ugandans, with a focus on often marginalized groups and thus promoting inclusivity.
- Prioritize environmental sustainability: Develop policies that address environmental concerns, as proposed by foreign stakeholders.
As Honourable Ademun Sharon further recalls, the role that women leaders in Uganda play in shaping digital transformation must not be overlooked. At the grassroots level, women leaders can actively work to bridge the digital divide by one, championing digital skills development for colleagues and the community at large, and two initiating informal “Tech Clinics” which will offer basic IT skills training to the community. This can cover email communication, internet navigation, and accessing different online services.
“I am the youngest where I work. The other colleagues do not know IT. Encourage people to learn tech education, teaching people to learn things like Zoom, and Gmail.” -Honourable Ademun Sharon, Ngora District
At the national level, women leaders in Uganda can actively push for digital inclusion by advocating for policies that ensure nationwide internet access. This can involve lobbying government officials and participating in discussions around infrastructure development and affordability. Secondly, through government communication, women leaders can work to advocate for policies that encourage the government to leverage digital communication channels. This could involve using text messages or email reminders for public services and announcements.
Conclusion
For Honourable Ademun Sharon, attending the ITU Global Symposium for Regulators was a one-of-a-kind experience. From the government of Uganda’s collaboration with ITU to the well-organized program, full of enriching activities, and not to forget the showcasing of Ugandan culture and traditions, the Symposium was a huge success. She appreciated not only the fantastic celebration of Uganda and resolutions for a more technologically advanced country but also the organizers’ dedication to holding social spaces just for women.
With the closing of the 2024 Chapter of the ITU Global Symposium for Regulators in Uganda, a renewed sense of purpose hangs in the air. The focus on building a more inclusive digital future for Africa is clear. From Ugandan regulators’ commitment to IT training and infrastructure development to the emphasis on women’s leadership in shaping digital transformation, the symposium has laid the groundwork for a region poised to bridge the digital divide. The challenge now lies in translating these promises into tangible action, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach every corner of Africa.
Authors:
Tricia Gloria Nabaye (Engagement and Advocacy Coordinator),
Rachel Magege (Programs Coordinator) &
Honourable Ademun Sharon (Local Ward Councilor, Ngora District Local Government).
