Policy Leaders Forum - Laying the Foundation for an Inclusive AI Future

Welcome to the inaugural GSMA Policy Leaders Forum at MWC Shanghai 2025 – a pivotal gathering where global policymakers and industry leaders converge to shape the future of digital connectivity. As AI continues to redefine the digital landscape at unparalleled rate of change, the Forum’s main session will delve into the impact and opportunities of AI and discuss challenges facing governments and industry to ensure inclusiveness and to avoid a widening digital divide.

Despite advancements, a significant usage gap persists, of the 3.4 billion people who remain unconnected to mobile internet, almost 90% live in an area already covered by mobile broadband but do not use it due to barriers like affordability and digital capability. This session will explore collaborative strategies between governments and the mobile industry to bridge this divide, ensuring inclusive access to digital technologies and equipping everyone with the appropriate tools and skills to embrace the AI Era.

As 5G-Adanced start to take scale in markets like China that is further fueling digital transformation to support economic growth, preparatory works for future evolution have started. Looking ahead, the evolution towards 6G promises unprecedented opportunities. While still in its very early stages, groundwork is being laid, particularly in international spectrum planning, setting the stage for an inclusive and harmonized global framework that will further propel the AI revolution. This session will delve into how we can collectively shape this next generation technology to benefit billions worldwide and support an inclusive AI Society.

Join us as we navigate the challenges and opportunities in the AI future, and let our discussions help create a connected AI future that is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.

Agenda 

14.00-14.05: Welcome and Opening 

14.05-14.25: Keynote: Propelling Inclusive AI for Digital Empowerment 

14.25-15.05: Panel: Closing the Digital Divide and Usage Gap 

The usage gap still leaves over 3 billion people offline despite living within mobile broadband coverage. This discussion will focus on key barriers such as affordability, digital literacy, and discuss best practice partnerships and models, such as for accessible devices. By sharing best practices and exploring scalable solutions, this panel discussion aims to foster strategies that empower more individuals to participate fully in the AI revolution.   

15.05-15.15: Expert Insights: 5G Connectivity Index 

15.15-15.55: Panel: 6G for Inclusive AI 

As the world embarks on the 6G journey, the convergence of AI and next-generation networks presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. This panel discussion will delve into the symbiotic relationship between AI and 6G development, with an important focus on spectrum planning strategies. How may AI impact the development of 6G? How can 6G spectrum planning provide the necessary flexibility and capability for networks of the future to empower everyone to benefit from AI? 

15.55-16.00: Summary and closing