The 26th APT Policy and Regulatory Forum (PRF-26)
15 September 2026 - 17 September 2026
Paro, Bhutan
PRF-26 Advances Regional Policy Dialogue for an Inclusive Digital Future
The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) organized the 26th APT Policy and Regulatory Forum (PRF-26) from 15 to 17 September 2026 in Paro, Bhutan as a physical meeting with remote participation. Hosted by the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) of Bhutan, the forum brought together 136 participants, including 79 in-person participants, representing APT Members, Associate Members, Affiliate Members, International Organizations and other organizations. The forum was inaugurated by Lyonpo Namgay Dorji, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), Bhutan.
As one of the APT’s flagship events, the PRF serves as an important platform for policy makers, regulators, and industry leaders to exchange views on key policy and regulatory trends, share national experiences, and explore collaborative approaches to address common challenges in the rapidly evolving ICT landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.
Over two and a half days, PRF-26 featured a comprehensive programme comprising a High-Level Dialogue, Regulators’ Roundtable, Business Dialogue, and six thematic sessions, providing opportunities for participants to exchange perspectives on key policy and regulatory issues shaping the region’s digital future.
Highlights of PRF-26
- High-level Dialogue on “Tokyo Statement 2025 – From policy statement to a dynamic guiding framework for strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating digital transformation” gathered senior officials from APT Members to share national strategies, policies, and initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating digital transformation.
- Regulators’ Roundtable on “Digital policy at a crossroad – Balancing innovation and regulation” facilitated an open exchange among Heads of Regulatory Authorities on key challenges, opportunities, and policy priorities in achieving an appropriate balance between innovation and regulation.
- Business Dialogue on “Sustainable telecommunication/ICT sector and digital innovation” provided a platform for industry representatives to share perspectives and discuss strategies for fostering a sustainable telecommunication/ICT sector and advancing digital innovation.
- Six Thematic Sessions explored key areas including Digital Infrastructure, Digital Transformation, Connectivity for all, Inclusiveness and Digital Empowerment, Online Safety and Data Protection, Cybersecurity Workforce Development, reflecting the diverse and evolving policy and regulatory issues shaping today’s digital ecosystem.
- On the PRF leadership arrangements, PRF-26 agreed to defer the election of the PRF Chair and the second Vice-Chair until the Opening Plenary of the next PRF meeting. Mr. Prit Chand (Republic of Fiji) was re-elected as Vice-Chair for a second term and appointed as Acting Chair for PRF-26.
Through these discussions, PRF-26 provided a forward-looking platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices, strengthening regional cooperation, and advancing an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient digital transformation across the Asia-Pacific region.
Contacts
If you need further information or assistance regarding the Forum, please contact the APT Secretariat by email at [email protected].
Invitation Letter
Invitation LetterInformation for Participants
