The ITU Digital Skills Forum was recently inaugurated by His Excellency Mohamed bin Thamir Al Kaabi, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications. The event featured top officials from various countries, including Gabon, Uganda, and France, as well as representatives from over 17 regulators from around the world. Hosted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), the forum aims to address global digital skills gaps and is a key event in the industry. The event, which includes both remote sessions and onsite activities, is scheduled to continue for three days at the Gulf Convention Centre, Gulf Hotel.
During the opening ceremony, TRA General Director Philip Marnick highlighted the importance of the event, stating Bahrain’s commitment to global efforts in ensuring everyone has access to meaningful connectivity and can participate in the digital economy. Bahrain is proud to be a leader in digital advancement and is dedicated to enhancing digital skills for all. The forum, held under the theme “Developing Skills for Digital Transformation,” brings together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and training practitioners to discuss various topics related to digital transformation and bridging the digital divide.
Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the ITU, commended the forum’s focus on digital skills development and emphasized the ITU’s commitment to bridging the global digital skills gap. The forum serves as a platform for collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and training institutions to develop effective strategies for equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age. Bahrain’s leadership in spearheading this initiative was also praised by Dr. Zavazava, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and innovation in the digital age.
The forum will cover a range of topics, including industry perspectives on skills gaps, national digital skills frameworks for policy-making, and announcing the Capacity Development program, a major ITU project aimed at boosting digital literacy. With discussions on digital transformation and achieving a digitally competent society, the forum brings together key stakeholders to address the digital skills gap and ensure inclusivity in the digital world. Collaborations between governments, industry leaders, and training institutions are crucial in developing effective strategies for equipping individuals with the necessary skills to succeed in the digital age.
The participation of global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and training practitioners in this forum reflects the importance of digital skills development on a global scale. The collaboration between various countries and organizations in addressing digital skills gaps and fostering a digitally inclusive world is key to achieving meaningful connectivity and participation in the digital economy. Bahrain’s role in leading efforts to enhance digital skills and its commitment to international cooperation and innovation in the digital age further emphasizes the importance of such initiatives in the global digital landscape.
Overall, the ITU Digital Skills Forum serves as a significant platform for collaboration and innovation in addressing digital skills gaps and fostering a digitally inclusive world. With discussions on digital transformation, policy-making, and boosting digital literacy, the forum brings together key stakeholders to develop effective strategies for equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age. Bahrain’s leadership in spearheading this initiative showcases its commitment to fostering international cooperation and innovation in the digital era, making the Kingdom a leader in digital advancement on a global scale.
