ITU's Connect the World initiative aims to mobilize human, financial and technical resources for the implementation of the connectivity targets of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Further to the success of the Connect Africa Summit in 2007 and the Connect CIS Summit in 2010, it is with great pleasure that the ITU is preparing the next event in the Arab States region. The Connect Arab States Summit, which is being organized by the International Telecommunication Union in partnership with the League of Arab States and hosted by the State of Qatar, will take place in Doha from the 5-7 March, 2012.

The role of ICTs in stimulating economic prosperity and supporting sustainable development is widely recognized and in this spirit the connectivity targets set by WSIS were designed to support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

But meeting those connectivity targets requires a multi-stakeholder coordinated approach. The Connect Arab States Summit will bring together all countries of the Arab region represented by Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Heads of Regulatory Authorities as well as CEOs and senior officials from industry, regional and international organizations. It will be an opportunity to discuss key policy issues, participate in networking sessions and form public-private partnerships towards spreading the benefits of ICT in the Arab States region.

Join us in Doha, and let's work together towards creating an all-inclusive information society.

Brahima Sanou,
Director,
ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau