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Key conversations commence at ITU Telecom World 2013
Leading ICT knowledge sharing, networking and innovation showcasing
event kicks off in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, 19 November 2013 – ITU Telecom World 2013 opened
its doors today, welcoming top-level participants from around the world and from
across all branches of the ICT industry.
The event, which takes place in Bangkok, Thailand, 19-22 November, brings
together the brightest minds and most influential leaders to debate key issues
relating to the dramatic transformations that that the ICT sector is undergoing,
and how this change can be harnessed to improve people’s lives everywhere.
A glittering opening ceremony launched the event in the presence of the Prime
Minister of Tonga Lord Tu'ivakano and the First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience
Goodluck Jonathan along with a line-up featuring ITU Secretary-General Dr
Hamadoun I. Touré, Minister for Information and Communication Technology of
Thailand Group Captain Anudith Nakornthap, China Mobile President and CEO Mr Yue
Li, Chairman of Ooredoo Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Chairman of the
National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission of Thailand (NBTC) Air
Chief Marshal Thares Punsri, and President of the Thailand Convention and
Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Mr Nopparat Maythaveekulchai.
Strategically located at the commercial heart of South East Asia, Bangkok is
a gateway to the broader ASEAN region as it moves ahead with its vision for a
single market and production base across its 10 economies by 2015. It provides
the ideal standpoint from which to explore the potential of ICTs as key tools
for development and change in the Asia-Pacific region as well as globally.
The central focus for the conversations and activities at ITU Telecom World
2013 will be “Embracing change in a digital world”, a focus very much
in evidence throughout the event. In his opening address on this key subject,
ITU Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun I. Touré said, “We are at a tipping point in
our global society; a tipping point where the pace of technological innovation
has the potential to change the world for good – and for the better. Our
discussions here at ITU Telecom World 2013 are an important part of that
change.”
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, China Mobile President and CEO Mr Yue Li
marvelled at the impressive growth of the global ICT market and the
opportunities this presents and said, “By 2016 the global ICT market will exceed
USD 5 000 billion, and for the Chinese market it will be more than USD 631
billion, creating a whole brand new opportunity for the telecom industry.”
Outlining his vision for making this a reality, he added, “We believe there are
three major characteristics for this opportunity: smart devices, the cloud
computing platform and a 4G-based mobile broadband network.”
Sharing his perspective on the theme of embracing and adapting to change in a
digital world, Chairman of Ooredoo Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al
Thani said, “Change has driven how we work. From the early days of phone lines
and fixed connections through to the beginnings of mobile, to today’s data
revolution, where the mobile device has become the essential portal to the
opportunities of the Internet. To survive and thrive in this industry, companies
have needed to be nimble, innovative and capable of responding to change.”
Welcoming ITU Telecom World 2103 to Bangkok, Minister for Information and
Communication Technology of Thailand Group Captain Anudith Nakornthap said,
“Being the host of this notable event indicates the good sign of collaboration
to strengthen ICT development in South East Asia and to enhance the whole region
to be ready for the Digital Era.”
The Opening Ceremony marks the beginning of four days of intense debate,
networking, knowledge sharing and networking. Some key highlights to look out
for include sessions on
telco & OTT,
network virtualization,
convergence of regulation, the
future of broadband or
protecting the individual in the growingly connected world of big data.
Visionary Keynotes and a
Big Conversation will explore key topics such as building
an inclusive digital future or big data: is it an opportunity or threat?
On the Showfloor: Activities and showcases – to see, experience and
explore
National Pavilions and
industry stands from corporates and countries across the world
showcase the latest technologies and developments and highlight key investment
opportunities. Thematic pavilions highlight vital issues such as
cybersecurity
and emergency telecommunications. Also on the showfloor are the
InnovationSpace,
a showcase of future innovations and creativity, encompassing the futuristic
Lab as
well as the
winning entrants from the ITU Telecom Young Innovators’
Competition.
If you are unable to experience the event in person, key session summaries,
daily highlights, latest event news, and live session webcasts can be followed
at http://world2013.itu.int/
Follow the event live via twitter using
the hashtag #ITUWORLD. Tweet your questions live, as the debate unfolds using
the #ITUWORLDLIVE
Webcast:
http://world2013.itu.int/event/webcast/
Video:
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpoIPNlF8P2PpyXYDRaWq57UMZ0MnIpX_
Photo:
www.flickr.com/photos/itupictures/collections/72157630527796340/
Media Information:
Media accreditation for ITU Telecom World 2013, 19-22 November 2013, enabling
free access to the event for registered media and analysts is open.
Accreditation is compulsory. UN Press accreditation is valid. For accreditation
and procedures, please see:
www.itu.int/en/Pages/media-accreditation.aspx
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For more information,
see
world2013.itu.int or contact: |
Media Accreditation enquiries: |
Sanjay Acharya
Chief, Media Relations and Public Information, ITU
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Soraya Abino Quintana
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