Under the framework of the International cooperation development project entitled “eCommunications Sector Capacity Building Program”, INA Academy co-organised with the National Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications of Montenegro (Agency for Electronic Communications) the 6th International Conference “Regulatory activities in the telecommunications sector” between 29 and 30 September in Budva, Montenegro, in the scope of the annual ICT-INFOFEST 2008. The conference was attended by more than 100 officials of National Regulatory Authorities, Ministries and executives of the Telecommunications sector from Southeastern European countries.

The Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Unit (ITU), Mr. Hamadoun Toure, opened the conference and expressed his satisfaction for the effort of raising awareness and opening the dialogue promoted by the conference and stressed the importance of Montenegro’s integration as a full member of the ITU. Mr. Hamadoun Toure also analyzed the plans of ITU for the upcoming period and presented the initiative for the promotion of electronic security on international level underlining that it is regarded, as perhaps the biggest danger for the development of the Information Society in developed and developing countries. The President of the Agency for Electronic Communications of Montenegro, Mr. Zoran Seculic, expressed his satisfaction for the high attendance and success of the Conference and thanked Mr. Toure for supporting this effort. He continued to thank the Greek Ambassador, Mr. Augoustis, for his presence at the event and INA Academy that co-organised this initiative with the support of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs through International Development Cooperation Programme (HELLENIC - AID). Mr. Zoran Seculic congratulated INA Academy for its programme that supports capacity building for NRA’s in the Western Balkans, in spite of predicaments and difficulties. He underlined the need to continue and intensify this effort, taking into consideration that the requirements are increasing and INA Academy’s initiative is an important tool in bridging the digital gap in the region, by supporting the Regulatory Authorities that ensure the provision of electronic services to all citizens at accessible prices.

On behalf of INA Academy, Mrs. Despina Anastasiadou presented the prospects of development of Next Generation Networks in South-East Europe (SEE), and took the opportunity to inform participants about the scheduled events for the development of the existing institutional telecom structures through capacity building that will be provided by INA Academy.

On the next day after the Conference (October 1st), INA Academy organised the first of a series of specialized training activities under the framework of the Hellenic-Aid Programme that will be completed until May 2009. The topic of the workshop was related to the implementation process of the EC electronic Communications Framework with emphasis on SMP designation procedures. This capacity building workshop was attended by officials of National Regulatory Authorities of Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, FYROM and Serbia). Evaluation results proved that the event was successfully completed and highly appreciated by the participants. In the immediate future dates for the next training workshops will be announced.