Charting the best way forward for our global economy in today's financial climate is a priority concern for all world
leaders. That is why ITU has invited Heads of State and Government to participate in ITU TELECOM
WORLD 2009, in Geneva on 5–9 October. The event provides them with a golden opportunity to engage in a strategic dialogue with
policy-makers, industry leaders and international experts and examine how information and communication
technologies (ICT) can push forward economic recovery, investment and growth.
The financial crisis is presenting a major challenge
to many firms in the ICT sector. The good news is
that this sector is dealing with the onslaught better
than most. I believe that the crisis will also give birth
to new technologies, new entrants and new business
models, and will revitalize the industry as we know it.
There is wide recognition that investing in ICT is of
vital importance for economic recovery. Governments
are already responding to the crisis with stimulus
packages that include ICT investment, notably in
broadband networks that are needed to support key
government and business applications.
Industry needs to know what further
plans governments will implement
to boost competition and attract more
investment. At the same time, the private
sector, with its limitless capacity for
innovation, will be looked upon to create
new opportunities for the growth of
the ICT sector and with it economies as
a whole.
ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 is the place where leaders
of government and industry can come together
to forge a global pact on carrying us beyond the crisis.
The meeting is a platform for creating innovative
public-private partnerships that will result in win-win
solutions for developed and developing countries
alike. Rather than assistance, it is true partnerships
that developing countries seek, as they experience
double-digit growth in their ICT markets.
With world political and industry leaders sharing
ideas and visions, I believe that ITU TELECOM WORLD
2009 will be a defining moment for the future of the
ICT industry and for the road to economic recovery.
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