MEDIA ACCREDITATION OPEN
The ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference 2017 (WTDC-17) will meet in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 9 to 20 October 2017.
Under the overarching theme, ICT for Sustainable Development Goals, WTDC-17 represents a unique opportunity for the international community to gather together and discuss the future of the telecommunication and information and communication technologies (ICT) sector and its contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). WTDC-17 will attract more than 1,500 participants, including over 100 government ministers and high-level delegates.
World telecommunication development conferences (WTDCs) are convened in the period between two ITU Plenipotentiary Conferences, the agency's highest decision-making body, to consider topics, projects and programmes relevant to telecommunication development and digital inclusion. WTDCs set the strategies and objectives for the development of telecommunication and ICT, providing future direction and guidance to the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D).
Some of the expected outcomes include: the Buenos Aires declaration, which will reinforce the political support for the mission and strategic objectives of ITU-D; the ITU-D contribution to the ITU Strategic Plan for 2020-2023; and the Buenos Aires action plan comprising regional initiatives, new and revised resolutions and recommendations to support the fulfilment of the sector's objectives, and new and revised questions to be studied by ITU-D study groups.
WTDC-17 will also host a series of side events to highlight the role that ICTs play in achieving socio-economic development. These special events will focus on: accessibility for persons with disabilities; connectivity in least developing countries, landlocked developing countries and small island development states; gender issues; youth employment; affordable access; the role of academia; emergency telecommunications; small- and medium-sized enterprises and innovation; cybersecurity; e-health and spectrum management. There will also be a showroom on ITU's interactive transmission maps.
Pre-events will start on 8 October.
ITU-D will celebrate its 25th anniversary at WTDC-17. Established in 1992, ITU-D has contributed immensely to the rapid growth and expansion of telecommunication and ICT networks and services, and to socio-economic development. During the afternoon of 11 October, ITU-D will host two ministerial roundtables on ICTs for SDGs and the digital economy with inspiring and visionary speakers. The celebrations will culminate with the Anniversary Gala Dinner open to all WTDC-17 participants.
All WTDC-17 plenary sessions, side-events and the Anniversary Ministerial Roundtables are open to media.
What: World Telecommunication Development Conference 2017
When: 9-20 October 2017, pre-events start on 8 October
Where: Hilton Hotel Convention Centre, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Why: WTDC-17 will adopt a forward-looking action plan that will guide telecommunication and ICT development and elaborate innovative ways to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. ITU holds the World Telecommunication Development Conference every four years to take stock of achievements in the ICT sector and in sustainable development.
Who: Government leaders and experts, private sector, international and regional organizations, development banks, academia, members of the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector.
Media Information: Media must be registered and accredited in order to gain entry to WTDC-17. Existing UN Press Accreditation is valid. Pre-registration is highly recommended. For accreditation procedures please visit: http://bit.ly/WTDC17-mediareg
For more information about WTDC-17, please visit: www.itu.int/WTDC-17
Get social: #ITUWTDC, #ITU-D25
Media accreditation questions:
Email: PressReg@itu.int
Tel: +41 22 730 6039
Questions related WTDC-17:
Monica Albertini
Senior Communications and Promotion Officer
Telecommunication Development Bureau
Tel: +41 22 730 5317
Mobile: +41 79 8086065
E-mail: monica.albertini@itu.int
