On 21 October 2024, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) organized the First Meeting of the First High-Level Working Group of ICT Regulatory Authorities, marking a significant step toward strengthening regional collaboration in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across the ECO member states. The virtual event brought together senior ICT regulators and policymakers from ECO member countries.
The meeting was inaugurated by the ECO Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Silapberdi Nurberdiyev, who emphasized the importance of cooperative regulatory frameworks in the face of rapid technological advancements in areas like artificial intelligence, 5G, 6G, satellite internet and cybersecurity. He noted that ECO member states have both the opportunity and the responsibility to create a unified regulatory environment that not only promotes economic growth but also ensures secure, inclusive digital access for all citizens in the region.
The meeting agenda focused on key areas, including national ICT regulatory updates, establishment of technical committees and regional and international cooperation.
The meeting deliberated and stressed on advancing a shared digital agenda, regulatory harmonization across the region, adopting international standards to ensure that the ECO region remains competitive in the global digital economy.
