Doha: Ooredoo Group brought the future of connectivity into focus, hosting a landmark conference in celebration of the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) 160th anniversary under the theme: "From Telegraphs to Terabytes: Exploring the Legacy and Future of Global Connectivity."
According to Qatar News Agency, the event, held at Georgetown University in Qatar, gathered global telecom leaders, policymakers, digital experts, and students for conversations on bridging the digital divide, harnessing AI, and building inclusive digital ecosystems.
The conference began with an introduction by Senior Regulatory Analyst at Ooredoo Group Sheikha Haya Alwaleed Al-Thani, followed by welcoming remarks from Dr. Gerd Nonneman, Professor of International Relations at Georgetown University in Qatar.
Hilal Bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, Group Chief Legal, Regulatory, and Governance Officer at Ooredoo, opened the day with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on 160 years of connectivity progress and focusing on future priorities like closing the digital divide and harnessing AI responsibly.
In a keynote address via video message, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted ITU's mission to ensure meaningful connectivity for all and accelerate inclusive digital transformation globally.
The first panel, "Envisioning the Future of Global Connectivity," featured Robert Laws (Georgetown University in Qatar), Mark Brownscombe (Ooredoo Group), and Suresh Rajendran (Ooredoo Fintech), discussing the potential of 5G, satellite internet, and quantum networking in shaping a secure, inclusive digital future.
A presentation on "Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Next Generation of Connectivity" by Richard Majoor of Detecon International followed, focusing on AI's role in network management and connectivity while addressing ethical and operational questions.
The final panel, "Connectivity in Times of Conflict: A Lifeline for Crisis Management," moderated by Sheikha Haya Alwaleed Al Thani, included Osama Qawasma (Ooredoo Palestine), Helen Mason (Child Helpline International), and Caroline Masboungi (UNICEF), exploring telecoms' role in crisis management and maintaining secure, reliable networks.
The conference concluded with a message emphasizing that progress in digital development must be inclusive, ethical, and human-centered.