The GSR is an annual event bringing together heads of national regulatory authorities from both developed and developing countries and has earned a reputation as the global venue for regulators to share their views and experiences as part of the worldwide community of regulators.  The meeting fosters an open dialogue between regulators and key ICT stakeholders: the private sector, investors and consumers.

The 19th edition of the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-19) took place in Port Vila, Vanuatu, from 9 to 12 July 2019. It marked the first time GSR came to the Pacific region. GSR-19 attracted over 325 participants including Government Ministers, Heads of Regulatory Authorities and C-level industry executives from 64 countries. The theme of GSR-19 was Inclusive Connectivity: The Future of Regulation.

A series of pre-events took place on 9 July, including the Regional Regulatory Associations’ Meeting (RA), the Private Sector Chief Regulatory Officers’ Meeting (CRO), the Heads of Regulators’ Executive Roundtable and a training session for policy makers and regulators on competition policy in the ICT/mobile sector. Throughout the four-day GSR programme, participants acknowledged the importance of more actionable, collaborative and innovative outcome-based approaches to regulation to unlock the full potential of digital technologies and accelerate progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Regulators from around the world identified and endorsed a set of regulatory Best Practice Guidelines to fast forward digital connectivity for all and allow people across geographies, economic and social status to benefit from the digital transformation and participate in today's digital economy. The Guidelines urge regulators and all stakeholders to be open to new regulatory tools and solutions and act without further delay.