​​​​​​​​​

▶▶▶ MEDIA REGISTRATION NOW OPEN ◀◀◀
(Required to participate​)

Thousands of tech experts from around the world will be convening 10-13 September at the Dur​ban International Convention Centre in South Africa for ITU Telecom World 2018, where they will debate “Innovation for smarter digital development." The event is organized annually by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technology (ICT).

The event's Forum provides a world-class programme of interactive debates exploring the key issues of the digital age with informed opinion, expert speakers and international perspectives. This year's high-profile line-up includes, in alphabetical order:

Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union; Cesar Alierta Izuel, Executive Chairman, ProFuturo Foundation; Bocar Ba, CEO, Samena Telecommunications Council; Paul Berriman, Group Chief Technology Officer, PCCW; Anne Carblanc, Head of Division on Digital Economy Policy, OECD; Thomas Chalumeau, Strategy and Development Director for Middle East and Africa, Orange; Alison Gillwald, Executive Director, Research ICT Africa; Stephen Ibaraki, Social Entrepreneur and Futurist - Chair REDDS Capital; Mmamoloko Kubayi Ngubane, South Africa Minister of Science and Technology; Shameel Joosub, CEO, Vodacom; Sipho Maseko, Group CEO, Telkom SA; Rob Middlehurst, Group Vice President of International Policy, Etisalat; Andre Müller Borges, Secretary of Telecommunications (Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications), Brazil; Neil Sahota, IBM Master Inventor, IBM Watson Group; Rob Shuter, Group President & CEO, MTN Group; and Eric White, Project Lead of Internet for All, World Economic Forum.

• Digital everyone: What innovative technologies, hybrid solutions, and funding partnerships can provide meaningful connectivity, relevant local content and digital services for all?
  
• Leapfrogging to 5G: Can new technologies enable emerging markets to develop rapidly, by-passing the legacy networks, outdated regulatory frameworks and business models elsewhere?
  
• The future telco: revolution or evolution? How can telcos exploit their traditional assets in the smart age, focus future investment, establish new roles or markets and attract new talent?
  
• Rethinking Broadband – from national asset to civic right: Examining how broadband is viewed both as a strategic national asset and increasingly as a civic right.
  
• Rise of the MVNOs – leveraging MVNOs in an 'everything connected' world:  Exploring the cross-overs between mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and various verticals including banking, utilities, agriculture, transport and smart cities. 
  
• Wireless technologies for Africa – the opportunities ahead: Is satellite, with other technologies, the ideal option to drive connectivity, digital inclusion and smart services uptake throughout Africa?
  
• AI – impact and ownership: How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the data it generates be managed or regulated – and how can we prepare governments, societies and individuals for the economic singularity?
  

• Global exhibition of digital technology solutions and investment opportunities, including national and thematic pavilions from across the globe plus independent stands from world-leading corporates and high-growth small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  
• ITU Telecom World Awards, celebrating innovative ICT initiatives with real social impact, for corporations, governments and SMEs – with a special SME programme to support business growth.
  
• High-level networking events and networking app, plus dedicated business match-making services.
  

• SMEs, entrepreneurs and innovators
  
• Ministers of ICT and related sectors such as finance, health, education, energy
  
• Regulators of ICT, data and related sectors
  
• Exhibitors from nations, companies and organizations around the world
  
• Industry CEOs and investors
  
• Non-governmental organizations
  
• Academics, consultants and digital thinkers
  
• News editors and reporters covering tech, business, the economy, politics, science and related topics
  

For more information on ITU Telecom World 2018, please visit http://telecomworld.itu.int

Advance online registration for ITU Telecom World 2018 is highly recommended to avoid long queues and delays onsite and to allow for you to secure your travel visa if necessary.

​GENERAL REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN HERE

​NOTE TO MEDIA: Media registration is free and ​ NOW OPEN HERE – please note that media must register and be accredited by ITU in order to participate in this event.