MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL Ladies and Gentlemen, ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 is the leading global ICT showcase that encom-passes the full reach of the ICT industry. It is the premier networking plat-form where top-ranking industry leaders engage in a strategic dialogue with Heads of State, Ministers, policy-makers and international experts to address the role of ICTs in economic recovery and stimulating future investment and growth. This global leaders’ summit focuses on the role and positioning of the ICT industry to chart the road ahead. ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009, which takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, 5-9 October this year, features a dynamic and truly global cutting edge Exhibition that showcases futuristic technologies and applications. A significant number of national pavilions will provide the platform for the ICT industry from around the world to participate in ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009. And the Forum offers an opportunity to Connect Minds by examining the impact of the global eco-nomic Dr Hamadoun I. Touré Secretary-General, International Telecommunication Union downturn. Steadfast in its commitment to connect the world, ITU facilitates dialogue in a solutions-oriented environment. Bridging both public and private sectors, key decision-makers actively participate to advance workable solutions and forge far-reaching impact in ICTs. In the context of the current economic crisis, this world-class event is a must on the calendar of all stakeholders from across the ICT community: industry executives, vendors, operators, manufacturers, service providers, administra-tions, ministers, regulators, policy advisors, NGOs and academics. I invite the ICT and telecommunications sector to attend ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009, which will be a truly decisive force for the ICT industry this year and beyond. ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 is where the future of ICT will be defined. I look forward to seeing you at ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009. ICT FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT As the thematic underpinning of the entire event, Open Networks - Connected Minds sets the aspirational ambitions of WORLD 2009. Linking the concepts open and connected convey diversity in ap-proaches to innovation, problem solving, collaboration and co-operation across all stakeholders. And particularly in these times of economic strain and complexity, these notions of openness and connection are more than a reference to technical stand-ards, and focus most importantly on the modes of dialogue that bring peoples of the world together. The theme conveys com-mon purpose, as well as the ability and willingness of stakeholders to listen, share, experiment and learn from the broader community.