​
A press conference on activities, sessions and media opportunities related to the World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2018 (WSIS Forum 2018) has been organized for immediately after the official Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, 20 March, 11:30 AM -12:15 PM,  Room 18 at the Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG).

Welcoming an expected 2,500+ international participants, WSIS Forum 2018 represents the world's largest annual multi-stakeholder gathering of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for Development community.

This year's forum will focus on sustainable development trends and inclusive ICT initiatives in key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) priority areas such as health, education, gender empowerment, the environment, infrastructure and innovation.

WHO: ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao will outline the key focus and outcomes of WSIS Forum 2018 within the context of the current Tech for Good landscape.

WSIS Forum 2018 Chairman H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Deputy Director General, Telecommunication Sector, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), United Arab Emirates will provide his perspective on the process.

Gitanjali Sah, Lead WSIS Coordinator, will be available to answer media questions on the many topics being discussed at this year's forum to enable media to get the most out of the event.  

WHAT: Press Conference -- The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum – WSIS 2018 will focus on ICTs advancing the SDGs – or "Tech for Good". It offers an opportunity for media to meet one-on-one with experts at the forefront of the ICT for Development field, and to see first-hand the latest advances in this field. The WSIS 2018 agenda will include more than 200 specialized workshops and some special live events including:

• WSIS Prizes 2018, which highlight outstanding success in implementing development-oriented strategies around the globe that leverage the power of ICTs in support of the SDGs. Tuesday 20th March, 14:30-16:00, CICG, Room 1.
• Robots, Drones, Virtual Reality for development – a series of sessions bringing together high-level personalities, world class VR experience, cutting-edge innovation, and a focus on ICTs for the SDGs.
• TEDxGeneva at WSIS Forum 2018

WHEN: Tuesday, 20 March, 11:30-12:15

WHERE: Room 18 of the Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG)

►►►   WATCH IT LIVE HERE   ◄◄◄

For those participating remotely, please email your questions for the speakers to pressinfo@itu.int by Monday, 19 March so that we can try to get these addressed by the speakers. Please include your name, media affiliation, and country.

 MEDIA INFORMATION:

UN-accredited media may enter the CICG with their UN badge. But please do let us know if you are attending so that we can ensure you receive event information as it is released. Contact: pressreg@itu.int

All other media are invited to apply for accreditation online.

Important: Please note that ITU building entrances have CHANGED. All visitors must now enter through the Montbrillant entrance on Rue de Varembé.

For more information, please visit WSIS Forum 2018.

Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #WSIS