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ITU Telecom World 2012 kicks off key debates in Dubai
Heads of State, ministers, industry CEOs and
thought leaders debate ICT sector transformation and its implications
Dubai, UAE, 14 October 2012 – ITU Telecom World 2012, the
world’s premier telecommunications and ICT event, opened its doors today to five
days of debate, knowledge-sharing and networking in Dubai amongst some of the
most influential leaders of industry, government and academia in the information
and communication technology (ICT) sector.
The event, hosted by the government of the United Arab Emirates from 14-18
October, focuses on the current radical transformation of the ICT sector and its
implications for the industry, and for the world in general.
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler
of Dubai, inaugurated ITU Telecom World 2012 this morning in the presence of
high level government leaders and representatives, industry CEOs, regulators,
and international experts.
In a message, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, “ITU Telecom
World 2012 brings welcome attention to megatrends such as ageing populations,
the emergence of new economic and industrial powers, and a plethora of new
technologies that are dramatically changing the way we live, learn, entertain
ourselves and do business.”
Sponsored by Etisalat, the largest operator in UAE and the Middle East with
some 74 million customers worldwide, the opening ceremony featured Mr Mohamed
Bin Ahmed Al Qamzi, Chairman, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, UAE; Mr
Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar, CEO, Etisalat; Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Saud Al-Thani,
Chairman, Qtel Group; and ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun I. Touré.
Speaking on behalf of the host nation, Mr Al Qamzi said, "It is a great
honour to host ITU Telecom World 2012 here in the UAE, the first country to
invest in 3G, and a country which is proud to be implementing next-generation
networks and technologies to support smart education, smart government and the
knowledge-based economy. Countries will never advance unless we believe in the
possibilities of the future and work towards achieving this future together at
events such as this."
Dr Touré agreed that there could be no more appropriate location for an event
which centres on forging and embracing the future of ICTs than “the magnificent,
futuristic – and well connected – city of Dubai”. He noted that mobile will
continue to rein supreme thanks to the miracle of wireless technology and that
regions which are currently least wired will be fully connected with wireless
technologies in less than five years’ time.
"We believe that cutting edge technology is the best way not only to connect
the world, but to use the transformative DNA of ICTs in improving, creating, and
innovating ICT solutions for a better, brighter and prosperous tomorrow which
will give birth to a truly Knowledge-based Information Society," Dr Touré said.
Following the opening ceremony, dignitaries visited the showfloor and
national pavilions which highlight the transformational role of ICTs in their
countries. The first stop was ITU’s Saving Lives Pavilion which showcases the
catalytic role of ICTs in reducing disaster risk reduction and strengthening
disaster management.
The forum panel debates began with the opening session of the high-level
Leadership Summit, "Forging the Future", where leaders explored the three
strands of communicating, funding and protecting the future which will set the
tone for the next four days of debate here in Dubai. The finalists of the Young
Innovators Competition also met for the first of a series of workshops and
mentoring sessions on the theme of youth and development.
For more information on ITU Telecom World 2012, visit
world2012.itu.int.
Live and archived webcasts of selected ITU Telecom World 2012 sessions are
available at: world2012.itu.int.
Follow and participate in the global debates at ITU Telecom World 2012
through Twitter @ITU #ITUWORLD12, through Facebook at
www.itu.int/facebook and on LinkedIn
here.
Media Information:
ITU Telecom World 2012 is open to media. Accreditation is compulsory.
For accreditation and procedures, please see:
http://world2012.itu.int/media-accreditation
For more information, see
http://world2012.itu.int/
or contact:
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Sanjay Acharya
Chief, Media Relations and Public Information, ITU
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Sally Moore
AxiCom
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Media Accreditation enquiries:
Soraya Abino Quintana
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