Technology

MENA and Central Asian telecom stakeholders convened at a significant roundtable during MWC Shanghai 2024, the premier connectivity event in the Asia Pacific region. Hosted by Huawei and moderated by the GSMA, the "Middle East and Central Asia ICT Policy and Governance Forum" brought together regulators and operators from the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. The forum included senior officials from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology and Huawei, who discussed industry policies, successful practices, and emerging trends.

The forum, themed "Driving Policy and Innovation to Shape Our Digital Future," highlighted the critical importance of spectrum, optical, and datacom policy planning. Discussions centered on enhancing mobile security capabilities and developing risk management strategies. Participants emphasized the adoption of the GSMA's Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme (NESAS) and Mobile Cybersecurity Knowledge Base (MCKB), reviewing industry policies and best practices with insights from China's success stories.

Mr. Jeff Wang, President of the Public Affairs and Communications Department at Huawei, emphasized the need for enhanced connectivity, digital application, and the empowerment of digital talent to fully reap the benefits of the digital age.

NESAS, a global collaborative effort, provides a standardized security assessment mechanism defined by GSMA and 3GPP. It serves as a security baseline for vendors' product development and lifecycle processes, ensuring network security throughout its lifecycle. MCKB supports stakeholders in managing 5G ecosystem risks by offering guidance on best practices and risk mitigation measures, enhancing mobile security competencies and capabilities.

The forum featured sessions on ICT policy implementation and cybersecurity. The ICT Policy Implementation session discussed spectrum planning for 5G and 5G-A networks, promoting mobile connectivity in rural areas through universal service funds, and strengthening regulation of mobile and fixed networks. Recommendations were provided for various countries, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Iraq, based on their specific needs.

The Cybersecurity Session focused on developing a Telecom-Information Security Management System (T-ISMS) to address current cybersecurity challenges. Key topics included the roles and responsibilities of telecom cybersecurity stakeholders, implementing holistic cybersecurity measures, and promoting telecom cybersecurity through regulatory authorities.

Mr. Lin Yanqing, Principal Consultant for Industry Policy Public & Government Affairs at Huawei Technologies, and Mr. Aloysius Cheang, Chief Security Officer for Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, reiterated Huawei's proactive approach to telecom cybersecurity standardization. Cheang stated, "As we navigate our digital future, cybersecurity must safeguard the trust and resiliency of the network and cyberspace. We must embrace openness, transparency, and collaboration. Cybersecurity is a team sport, and together with GSMA, we can leverage NESAS and MCKB to secure broadband, 5G, 5G-A, and beyond."

Huawei collaborates with GSMA, ITU, 3GPP, and security organizations to ensure customer security and promote the healthy development of the mobile ecosystem. Huawei has passed NESAS/SCAS 2.0 evaluations for its 5G base station and NESAS audits for its RAN and core network, demonstrating its commitment to cybersecurity.

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