Monitoring sustainability: Incorporating ESG into ICT policy making and regulation

12.09.2025

Introduction[1] The consideration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) information has become increasingly important to investors, companies, policymakers, governments, stock exchanges, non-governmental organizations, consumers and other stakeholders. The analysis of any sector of the economy is no longer considered solely from a financial and operational sense but also encapsulates sustainability risks and impacts. Given this growing interest, ICT regulators should consider developing an ESG framework that measures the sustainability of the sector. Many ICT regulators and policy makers already collect operational and financial data on the ICT sector. They also have regulations related to ESG such as e-waste, universal service,…

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A guide towards collaborative AI frameworks

02.09.2025

Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformational technology rapidly reshaping governance, economies, and societies. From predictive analytics that inform public health interventions to the smart automation of service delivery, AI provides governments with unprecedented tools to enhance efficiency, inclusion, and innovation. However, alongside these transformative benefits come significant risks. Without proper safeguards, AI systems can reinforce bias, compromise rights, and exceed the capacity of institutions to govern them effectively. As governments and regulators are faced with the dual challenges of harnessing AI’s potential and mitigating its harms, this Guide serves as a practical, globally informed resource for policymakers, regulators, and…

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Evidence-based approaches in digital policy, regulation and governance

01.09.2025

Introduction to evidence-based decision making As the digital economy expands rapidly in many parts of the world, policymakers and regulators face ongoing challenges in keeping pace with innovative technologies and services that impact ICT markets. The governance of the digital ecosystem represents one of the most complex and dynamic challenges facing policymakers. The rapid pace of technological innovation, the global scale of digital platforms, and the profound societal impact of new technologies demand a regulatory approach that is both robust and adaptive. To address these challenges, many countries are assessing their current regulatory principles and practices to align them with…

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Sustainable models for infrastructure expansion and public facilities connectivity

01.09.2025

Expanding telecommunications infrastructure is a priority to foster socio-economic development, particularly connecting essential public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and police stations. In today’s digital society, robust and inclusive connectivity serves as a cornerstone for access to e-services, digital education, telemedicine, and advanced public safety systems. Enhancing strategic planning and implementation of future public policies in this field is essential to fully harness connectivity’s benefits. In this context, a thorough and up-to-date review of good practices in policies aimed at the expansion of access to telecommunication/ICT infrastructure provides valuable insights to policymakers. This article[1] provides a snapshot of the outcomes…

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Financing universal access to digital technologies and services

01.09.2025

Over the past two decades, as the digital sector has become increasingly central to daily life, universal access funding approaches have undergone major transformations. These changes span both the broader development finance landscape and the specific realm of digital infrastructure. Public funding strategies must now reflect this shift—prioritizing the pooling of financial resources, promoting open-access infrastructure, and using public capital to catalyze private investment. The overarching objective is to maximize the impact of limited financial and non-financial resources, ensuring that digital inclusion keeps pace with digital transformation. To that end, key trends include: a) Using a combination of monetary and…

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Country case studies: Good practices in EBDM

01.09.2025

Theme: Regulatory governance Type: Section Date: 2025-08-26 To provide further insight into how policymakers and regulators may incorporate EBDM and RIAs into their decision-making processes, five country case studies are highlighted below as they represent good practices. Canada and South Africa provide examples of good EBDM practices while Australia, Brazil, and the United Kingdom show how regulators may approach RIAs. EBDM case studies: Canada and South Africa Canada and South Africa have taken an “all-of-government” approach to implementing EBDM across sectors by adopting regulations that apply to all ministries and regulators. The fundamental principles represented in the national regulations on…

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National approaches to RIA: Australia, Brazil and United Kingdom

01.09.2025

Theme: Regulatory governance Type: Section Date: 2025-08-26 As with policy initiatives and regulatory regimes, there is no “one size fits all” approach to conducting RIAs. While basic principles and processes apply in all cases, each country adapts these practices to their own unique needs, capacities, and legal frameworks. The following case studies from Australia, Brazil, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom showcase the similarities, difference, and outcomes of RIA processes around the world. In each instance, governmental authorities have published written, comprehensive guides, procedural rules, or statutory instruments requiring RIAs specifically (and potentially EBDM more broadly). Whether adopting government-wide or agency-specific…

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Access for All

01.09.2025

Introduction Digital technologies are increasingly a central part of people’s lives, reshaping the way we live, work, and play and creating new opportunities for social and economic development. Businesses are, in turn, using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to fundamentally transform their processes, increase efficiency, develop new products, and enhance their customers’ experience. However, the shift towards an increasingly digital economy can widen the digital divide further between those able to benefit from the digital transformation and those that are not – either because they are in socially and economically disadvantaged sectors of the population or in areas without access…

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Access for All: UMC and efforts to promote access and affordability

01.09.2025

Introduction Broadband Internet access continues to cement its place as a fundamental necessity to communities across the world, making it increasingly important to ensure the promise of universal service. Without affordable Internet access, individuals and communities experience increased socioeconomic challenges and reduced opportunities for education and employment. Further, as government agencies and other public services continue to rely on the Internet to perform basic administrative functions, it is essential that all citizens have access to the digital world. This section explores the importance of expanding broadband access and affordability to meet global and national connectivity goals. It also introduces several…

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Monitoring and evaluation of universal and meaningful connectivity impact

01.09.2025

Importance of monitoring and evaluating universal and meaningful connectivity policies and projects A key consideration for the design and implementation of policies aimed at promoting access for all is ensuring ongoing monitoring and evaluation of whether a policy or individual project is meeting its intended goals. This consideration of accountability should be a foundational design component of universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC) and universal access (UA) approaches, and relies both on clear, measurable objectives and on the ability to measure progress against them. In a sense, this equates UMC and UA policies and plans with many other government policies or…

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