​​​​​​The 17th International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-17) officially opened at Atlantis, Paradise Island, on Wednesday to the theme, ‘Living in a World of Digital Opportunities.’

ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies, expanding the benefits of modern communication technologies to communities in an efficient, safe, affordable manner, and further enabling the interconnectivity that defines modern life.

Prior to the official opening, a brief press conference was held with some of the GSR-17 delegates. Present to answer questions from the press were: Stephen Bereaux, Chief Executive Officer, URCA, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Randol Dorsett, Chairman, URCA, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Carl W. Bethel, Q.C., Attorney General, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Houlin Zhao, Secretary-General, ITU; and Brahima Sanou, ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau Director.

Bringing light to the critical importance of telecommunications capability in today’s world, Brahima Sanou declared to the forum, “The Bahamas will be the center of the world for three days.” Technology is what connects the entire world and The Bahamas was said to be one of the main countries other than the United States that is boosting ITU. Mr. Sanou indicated the aim of the conference was to bring awareness to the dangers of artificial intelligence threats and best practices.

Mr. Dorsett and Mr. Zhao collectively explained that it is important to discuss best practices because they impact development in The Bahamas, with special regards to the Family Islands where physical banks are disappearing.

They also remarked on the importance of cyber safety in light of the positioning of The Bahamas for inter-Caribbean reach, and the overall social and financial fabric of the country.

The conference aims to increase cyber-connectivity world-wide -- safely and efficiently -- to enhance economic and social development, as well as to properly navigate and manage artificial intelligence. 

Press Conference speakers at the 17th International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-17) at Atlantis, Paradise Island, July 12, 2017 from left: URCA Chairman Randol Dorsett, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs the Hon. Carl Bethel, and ITU Secretary General Houlin Zhao. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

By Sydnei Isaacs

Bahamas Information Services