The Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-26), organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)—the United Nations’ specialist agency for information and communication technologies—was held in Ankara under the platinum sponsorship of Türksat. Hosted by the Information and Communications Technologies Authority (BTK) and bringing together over 1,000 delegates from 100 countries, the symposium charted the course for the global digital future.
At GSR-26, held under the theme ‘Exploring Digital Frontiers’, strategic topics such as artificial intelligence governance, the transition from 5G to 6G, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, cyber resilience and sustainable digital development were discussed. The symposium’s opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Director of the Bureau of Telecommunication Services (BTS) Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, GSR 2026 Chair Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, and Türksat General Manager Ahmet Hamdi Atalay.
Minister Uraloğlu: ‘Turkey is once again standing for election to the ITU Council’
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, emphasised that Turkey’s vision for digital transformation—which is based on inclusivity and people-centred development—aligns with the principles of the ITU. Minister Uraloğlu stated, “I would like to take this opportunity to once again confirm Turkey’s candidacy for ITU Council membership in the PP-26 elections to be held for the 2027–2030 term. “As Turkey, we remain firmly committed to continuing our active, constructive and responsible contributions within the Council. I would also like to particularly emphasise the confidence we have in the valuable support of ITU member countries during this process,” he said.
Türksat Products on Display at the Eurasia Technology Week
The Türksat stand attracted considerable interest from participants at the Eurasia Technology Week Technology Fair, held as part of the symposium. On the first day of the symposium, Türksat Deputy General Manager Dr Selman Demirel met with participants at a luncheon hosted by Türksat, where he outlined the critical satellite services provided by the organisation. Demirel stated that they were reaching regions without internet access via Türksat satellites and, in doing so, were reducing global inequality of opportunity and supporting the fundamental principles of the ITU. Later in the programme, a panel discussion titled “Journey into the New Space Age”, moderated by Dr Selman Demirel, took place. Bringing together leaders from global satellite giants such as Amazon and Viasat, as well as Turkish technology companies, the panel examined the role of LEO systems and next-generation navigation solutions in global connectivity.
Proposal on LEO and GEO Regulation from General Manager Atalay
On the second day of the symposium, Türksat General Manager Ahmet Hamdi Atalay appeared as a live guest on the ITU broadcast. Stating that the GSR serves as a critical platform for sharing global standardisation and regulatory experience, Atalay put forward an important proposal regarding the future of the sector. Atalay emphasised that the ITU must regulate the uncertainties regarding authority and potential conflicts between LEO and GEO satellites in the future.
GSR-26, which kept its finger on the pulse of the telecommunications world in Ankara, concluded with panels featuring global companies and high-level bilateral meetings.
