Session
Georgian National Communications Commission (ComCom);
Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia;
Embassy of Georgia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
1. Ms. Eka Kubusidze - Head of Telecommunications, Information and Modern Technologies Department, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia;
2. Ms. Olga Skorokhodova - Government Affairs & Public Policy Manager, Emerging Markets, Google;
3. Mr. Stephen Nelson - Satellite Policy Director, SpaceX
4. Mr. Anatoly Motkin - President of StrategEast
Ms. Ekaterine Imedadze - Commissioner, Georgian National Communications Commission (ComCom)
Nino Grdzelishvili - Georgian National Communications Commission
Targets: The Session contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9.1 and SDG 9.c by fostering innovation, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development. It also aligns with SDG 17, which emphasizes partnerships for the goals, including technology transfer and capacity-building in developing countries. The wholistic project to be presented during the session, directly addresses SDG 9.1 by investing in the development of a robust technological infrastructure in Georgia and the region. By establishing connectivity corridors and technological hub, the project seeks to create a conducive environment for technological development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This includes improving access to high-speed internet, expanding digital connectivity, and upgrading physical infrastructure. By enhancing infrastructure, the project facilitates economic growth, fosters job creation, and improves the overall well-being of individuals and communities. The project contributes to the achievement of SDG 9.c by promoting the adoption and utilization of ICT in Georgia and the region. Furthermore, the establishment of a digital and technological hub serves as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship, driving sustainable developments and economic diversification. By creating an ecosystem that fosters collaboration between different stakeholder the project promotes knowledge sharing, technology transfer thus stimulating economic growth and building resilience and contributing to the long-term sustainability of Georgia's economy. Furthermore, the project's emphasis on partnerships and technology transfer also aligns with SDG 17. By fostering collaborations between governments, private sector entities, academia, and civil society, the project promotes the sharing of technological expertise and resources, thereby accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. In summary, the project aligns closely with SDG 9.1 and SDG 9.c as well as SDG 17 by promoting the development of resilient infrastructure, increasing access to ICT and fostering innovation and facilitating partnership. By investing in technology and innovation as well as promoting partnerships for technology transfer and capacity-building, the project lays the groundwork for achieving inclusive and sustainable development in Georgia and the whole wider region, while also contributing to the broader global agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The session will commence with a keynote presentation providing valuable insights into the topic of connectivity corridors, technological hubs, and their role in driving digital transformation. Following the keynote presentation, there will be two rounds of questions by the moderator for session speakers.
Connectivity corridors between Europe and the Middle East, as well as Europe and Asia, play a pivotal role in shaping regional and global digital landscapes. The establishment and enhancement of international internet connectivity serve as the backbone of the global digital economy, facilitating cross-border integration of services and fostering regional progress. Moreover, the development of technological hubs within these corridors further amplifies the impact of connectivity on digital transformation. The proposed session aims to delve into the significance of connectivity corridors and technological hubs in driving digital transformation, empowering regional advancement, and promoting global competitiveness focusing on the case of Georgia. The key topics for discussion will include significant subjects such as the role of international internet connectivity as an enabler of global competitiveness in an increasingly digital global economy; the establishment of technological hubs – accelerating digital transformation and innovation; strengthening national and regional global competitiveness by facilitating seamless access to digital services, markets, and talent; development of ecosystems conducive to innovation, research, and development, driving economic growth and job creation. The session " Empowering the region towards sustainable digital growth" provides a platform to explore and discuss the transformative potential of connectivity corridors and technological hubs in shaping regional and global digital landscapes. By enhancing international internet connectivity and fostering technological innovation, countries can unlock new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and collaboration, ultimately fostering regional progress and global competitiveness in the digital age.
As Lightning Talks are fully in-person sessions, no hybrid interaction is required.
Report
Georgia as a Regional Leader: Georgia’s active role in fostering digital growth was prominently highlighted during the talk.
Focus on Collaboration and Sustainability: Cross-sector collaboration and sustainability were at the heart of the discussion. The speakers emphasized the need for cooperative efforts to address infrastructure challenges, enhance digital skills, and adopt environmentally friendly digital technologies for long-term growth.
Reinforce Georgia’s Leadership Role: Encourage further investments and collaboration to solidify Georgia’s position as a regional digital leader, leveraging its success to inspire neighboring countries
Invest in Digital Skills Training: Governments and private sector entities are urged to increase investments in education and training programs, targeting underserved communities and ensuring inclusivity in the digital transformation process.
The Lightning Talk featured a dynamic exchange of ideas, with the Ministry of Economy of Georgia showcasing the country’s innovative policies and its ambition to serve as a regional hub for digital innovation. Starlink delivered particularly compelling messages about the transformative potential of satellite-based internet in connecting remote areas and enabling economic development focusing on Georgia's exmaple. TheGoogle emphasized the importance of digital skills and capacity-building programs, while StrategEast focused on the role of partnerships in fostering inclusive growth. Collectively, the speakers painted a vision of a digitally connected and sustainable region.
Key Takeaways:
- Georgia as a Regional Leader: Georgia’s active role in fostering digital growth was prominently highlighted during the talk. With its strategic initiatives and progressive policies, Georgia is positioning itself as a leader in advancing digital transformation and regional cooperation. The country's efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote connectivity were recognized as exemplary in the region.
- Focus on Digital Skills Development: A strong emphasis was placed on the need for capacity-building initiatives to equip individuals and businesses with the skills required for the digital age. This includes training programs, awareness campaigns, and public-private partnerships aimed at fostering digital literacy and innovation.
Call-to-Action Points:
- Reinforce Georgia’s Leadership Role: Encourage further investments and collaboration to solidify Georgia’s position as a regional digital leader, leveraging its success to inspire neighboring countries.
- Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships: Foster deeper cooperation between governments, global technology providers, and regional stakeholders to address challenges such as infrastructure development, digital literacy, and access to technology.
The lightning talk not only underscored the urgency of collective action but also highlighted Georgia’s pivotal role in driving sustainable digital growth in the region.