ITU TELECOM WORLD 2014
Press Conference
Remarks by ITU Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun I. Touré
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Welcome to ITU Telecom World 2014 here in the magnificent Qatar National
Convention Centre in Doha.

On behalf of ITU, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the
Government of Qatar for hosting ITU Telecom World 2014 and for the
invaluable support we have received from leading international
telecommunications company, Ooredoo.

The central theme of ITU Telecom World 2014 is Future in Focus – and here
in Doha we are in an ideal location to debate that future – at the crossroads of
three continents and in a city committed to the digital revolution and a
dynamic digital economy.

This edition of ITU Telecom World is focused on the future, exploring the
trends, developments and innovations that shape our industry, our society
and our world.

This is a tremendously exciting time for the ICT industry, and indeed for all of
us.

The Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, bio technology, mobile networks,
cloud computing, the SOFTWARIZATION of networks, big data analytics –
these ICTs are the backbone infrastructure behind all the technological
developments that are rapidly changing our world.

ITU Telecom World provides a unique platform to bring together public and
private sectors, leaders from government and industry, international
organizations, consultants, media and digital experts – from all corners of the
world

Over the next four days, we will explore how disruptive developments in
technology are transforming our industry, our society and our world –creating
a new future.

It is a future we can experience directly on the show floor:

You can see cutting edge technology in action and explore prototypes in the
Lab, home to cutting edge technological innovations with a social purpose,
such as MINE KAFON, a wind powered mine detector; and ROTOR, a small
mobile hydro power plant providing electricity for off-grid areas.

The Leadership Summit on the Future will be led by renowned futurists, and
with a highly interactive programme and product demos, highlighting future
technologies including advanced robotics – as my friend Roboy will tell you.

You can of course meet Roboy in the Lab.

And you can explore National Pavilions and Industry Stands from around the
world, which showcase the best of regional talent, investment and partnership
opportunities – as well as provide an excellent opportunity to meet and
network with leaders from government and industry from around the world.

To be truly inspired, visit the Young Innovators in the Innovation Space,
winners of our annual competition at ITU Telecom World.

These young innovators have found ICT-powered solutions to global
developmental challenges – such as NAJI, a body-sensor network bracelet
and app that helps save lives in natural disasters, or CONNECTED ECO,
which uses the Internet of Things to provide invaluable real time information
on soil conditions to farmers in Africa.

The future of the ICT industry, the future of the digital world are full of
opportunity – and I look forward to welcoming you at ITU Telecom World
tomorrow.