The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has today signed a Memorandum of Arrangement (MoA) with the Republic of Korea through its Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning for the hosting in Busan of ITU Telecom World 2017. This leading global information and communications technology (ICT) event will take place 25-28 September and will focus on the creative digital economy and fostering tech small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ITU Telecom events are designed to help ideas go further, faster to make the world better, sooner.

The agreement was by ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao; H.E Choi Yang-hee, Minister of Science, ICT and Future Planning, Republic of Korea; and Mr Seo Byeong-soo, Mayor of Busan. Busan was introduced as an outstanding host city for ITU Telecom World 2017 due to its proven track record in hosting major ITU events, as well as its highly advanced ICT infrastructure and its status as a pioneering smart city.

ITU Telecom World 2017 will feature an international exhibition exploring innovative technologies, services and solutions including smart cities, 5G, IoT, and artificial intelligence – as well as investment and partnership opportunities from governments and industry players around the world. Korean and regional ICT companies, services and projects, focusing on Busan as a large-scale testbed for the smart city of the future will also be showcased.

The event's Leadership Summit and world-class programme of forum debates will explore in depth developments in technology, policy, regulation and industry strategy on the theme of "Smart digital transformation, global opportunity".

Additionally, the prestigious ITU Telecom World Awards will recognize excellence and innovation in ICT solutions with social impact from SMEs and corporations alike, while high-profile networking opportunities will enable delegates from public and private sectors around the world to connect, share ideas and form beneficial partnerships.