Emergency Communications - in Partnership with BDT WS01 11.00-12.30 Umm Al Quwain Extreme weather events around the globe are occurring more frequently and with ever more severe effects. Given the exponential growth in populations, the impact is increasingly catastrophic. ICTs are vitally important in successfully predicting, detecting and responding to disasters, managing and mitigating the effects through emergency response and relief efforts. How can a multi-stakeholder approach leverage the power of emerging technologies to safeguard lives − and ensure business continuity? How to Enhance the Socio-Economic Benefits of NBN - Sponsored by Huawei WS03 14.00-15.30 Umm Al Quwain An affordable, ubiquitous national broadband network (NBN) is as critical to social and economic prosperity as infrastructure networks such as transport, water and power. NBNs can help tackle the most challenging global issues in the 21st century, including poverty, economic recession, unemployment, illiteracy, productivity and public services. However, broadband penetration and projected socio-economic benefits vary considerably from country to country. This panel discussion will explore how the socio-economic benefits of NBN can be enhanced in both developed and emerging countries. Experienced guest speakers, including regulators and operators, will share best practices, case studies and their own success stories for the benefit of new NBN initiatives in other parts of the world. workshops 71