ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP): The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Symposium on Digital Transformation and Universal Service Funds (USFs) concluded on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in regional telecommunications policy and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Co-hosted by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and Universal Service Fund (USF) Pakistan, the three-day international forum brought together senior policymakers, regulators and telecommunications industry leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region.
The symposium provided a platform to review regional digital progress in light of the Tokyo Statement 2025 and develop a collective roadmap for transitioning USFs from traditional voice and basic coverage models towards agile, outcome-oriented frameworks that support high-speed fibre connectivity, gigabit broadband and resilient digital ecosystems.
On the final day, APT Secretary-General Masanori Kondo described the symposium as a platform for practical exchanges, partnerships and advancing commitments under the Tokyo Statement 2025.
He formally announced the successful conclusion of the event and expressed gratitude to MoITT and USF Pakistan for organising the symposium, providing exceptional hospitality and introducing international delegates to Pakistani cuisine.
During the three-day event, speakers and experts participated in 10 sessions addressing key regional priorities. Delegates discussed strategies to harness emerging technologies, bridge persistent digital divides and promote equitable digital transformation across member states.
Discussions focused on preparing USFs to address evolving digital inclusion challenges by shifting the emphasis from basic infrastructure access to service quality, digital capabilities and artificial intelligence (AI) readiness.
Experts also examined innovative and cost-effective deployment models, including low-cost fibre backhaul, mobile broadband, satellite connectivity and green telecommunications infrastructure, to expand connectivity in underserved areas and difficult terrain.
The forum further explored regulatory incentives, device subsidy programmes and innovative financing mechanisms to improve affordability and ensure sustainable funding, making meaningful connectivity more accessible to low-income households, small businesses and marginalised communities.
Sessions also highlighted the need for targeted policy interventions, specialised digital literacy programmes for women and girls, and support for digital entrepreneurship to narrow the gender digital divide and empower women across the region.
Participants underscored the importance of strengthening local digital content and ecosystems through culturally appropriate, language-specific digital services and e-government platforms to stimulate local economies and encourage wider digital adoption.
In his closing remarks and vote of thanks, USF Chief Executive Officer Chaudhary Mudassar Naveed expressed gratitude to national and international stakeholders for making the Islamabad symposium a success.
He particularly appreciated Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja for her participation in the inaugural session and her support for the initiative.
Naveed also thanked the APT, led by Secretary-General Masanori Kondo, for partnering with Pakistan to host the regional event and providing valuable guidance.
He extended his appreciation to delegates from APT member states, session chairs, panellists and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). He also acknowledged the contributions of telecommunications operators and technology partners, including Jazz, PTML, Zong, Huawei and the GSMA, for their commitment to multi-stakeholder cooperation.
He further recognised the efforts of the international coordination and telecommunications wings of MoITT, the joint organising committees, the USF Pakistan team, and the venue, media and support staff for their contributions to the event’s successful execution and hospitality.
At the conclusion of the symposium, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and ensuring that future-ready digital transformation reaches communities across the Asia-Pacific region, leaving no one behind.