5G, collaborative regulation, the connected car, smart sustainable cities, fostering SME innovation, new roles for the satellite industry and digital financial services will top the agenda at the Forum at ITU Telecom World 2016, taking place from 14-17 November in Bangkok, Thailand.

Under the theme of "Collaborating in the digital economy", the Forum will feature compelling formats ranging from top-level CEO/Ministerial roundtables to frank, open dialogues between governments and small and medium business leaders, and interactive panel debates. Sessions will bring together expert speakers and an influential global audience drawn from governments, key ICT industry players, international organizations, high-growth SMEs, consultants, academia, media and more.

A Leadership Summit of global leaders from public and private sectors will open the Forum, with an exploration of why working together is critical for growth in the digital economy – and how it can best be achieved. 

Sessions and topics to be explored include:

• New approaches to connectivity: re-imagining the satellite industry:  how demand for always-on connectivity is leading to innovative connectivity solutions, new players and new markets for the satellite industry
•  The connected car: freeway to the future or highway to hell?: exploring the status and future of vehicle communications and automated driving from the perspectives of business, technology, and regulation
• Creating inclusive ICT innovation ecosystems: targeted business-to-government dialogue exploring concrete measures to foster innovation in SMEs for job creation and socio-economic growth
• Smart approaches to smart sustainable cities: the economic and political challenges of delivering the promise of smart homes, streets, cities and regions
• Making money from meeting the SDGs: a business approach to sustainable development: how the ICT sector can develop feasible business models to accelerate the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  
• B2B and B2G dialogues: exploring how corporations and governments can strengthen collaboration with SMEs to improve the outcomes of research and development, accelerate innovation and improve public services
• Spotlight on Thailand: focusing on regional and local challenges, including dedicated sessions on Thailand's ICT priorities and entrepreneurs, featuring Thai industry experts. These sessions will be highly beneficial to local and regional audiences
• ITU-wide agenda: providing perspectives from across ITU and its membership and partners, co-located events include the ITU Kaleidoscope academic conference 2016; the World Standards Cooperation Academic Roundtable; a global CTO meeting; the 7th Private Sector Chief Regulatory Officers (CRO) meeting and ITU Academia Consultations.

Explore the full Event Programme.

"In today's diverse ICT ecosystem, collaboration is increasingly the best – and often the only – way for companies and countries to achieve long-lasting progress," said Houlin Zhao, ITU Secretary-General.  "Governments and companies, be they large or small, have so many important lessons and experiences to share. This year's ITU Telecom World Forum provides the right platform for this exchange, enabling participants to gain a global perspective and accelerate positive change."

Alongside the Forum, the ITU Telecom event features an international Exhibition, showcasing digital solutions and investment opportunities from nations, regions, organizations and companies drawn from both emerging and developed markets. It will focus on bringing high-growth SMEs, particularly from emerging markets, to the international stage. The ITU Telecom World Awards will recognize excellence in ICT innovation with social impact, and a host of networking opportunities will connect exhibitors, delegates, countries, organizations and individuals.