Earlier this year when receiving the ITU World Information Society Award, Professor Yunus called upon global ICT companies to work with governments and non-governmental and international organizations to develop technology and business models that would enable ICT to be used as an income generating tool by the poor. "I got interested in information and communication technology because I saw this as a powerful way to help poor people, particularly poor women, out of poverty, very fast", Yunus said. "I saw how micro credit can bridge the gap between the poor and ICT. What’s needed is a business model where ICT can become an income-generating activity for the poor."

At the Opening Ceremony, Mr Yoshio Utsumi, Secretary-General of the ITU, will introduce Professor Yunus to the assembled audience of industry leaders, government officials and the media.

"ITU Telecom World will explore the concept of shared digital resources for access to the vast wealth of the world's knowledge, culture, education and learning. Professor Yunus brings first-hand knowledge of the achievements made through technology in developing countries. We congratulate him on his award from the Nobel Foundation and are delighted that he will join us on stage at ITU Telecom World," Utsumi said.

This release is also available in Chinese