2nd Global Forum on Emergency Telecommunications
(GET-2016): Saving Lives
Kuwait
28 January 2016
CLOSING SPEECH
By
Brahima Sanou
Director
Telecommunication Development Bureau
• His Excellency Eng. Salem Al Othainah, Chairman of CITRA, State of Kuwait
• Eng. Hameed Al Qattan, Undersecretary Ministry of Communications, State of Kuwait
• Distinguished participants,
• Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have reached the end of the Second Global Forum on Emergency Telecommunications GET-2016. This has been, without any doubt, a very successful and productive Forum.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Government of the State of Kuwait for hosting GET-2016.
At this Second Forum we have welcomed more than 500 participants from 70 countries.
It has been a privilege to see in this room so many eminent people from all over the world. This shows your determination in mitigating the impact of disasters.
During this Forum, I was impressed by the high level of the discussions. I was touched by the emotional testimonies of how telecommunication can save lives.
I was delighted by the rich exchange of ideas to explore solutions and design strategies to make the world a better place for all.
In particular, I would like to highlight something that has resonated in this room during these three days: the power of partnerships.
It’s only through a multistakeholder approach that we can implement the solutions that can help overcome common problems.
We will unfortunately always be reminded that natural disasters have no boundaries and can affect anyone, anytime, anywhere.
But now more than ever, we are committed to harnessing the great potential of telecommunications and ICT to mitigate and respond to natural disasters.
ITU will continue to facilitate the creation of partnerships between governments and private enterprises as well as among all stakeholders involved in humanitarian activities.
The two initiatives I launched yesterday are a proof of our commitment. These initiatives need your support to be effective and successful.
I would like to thank all the speakers and the moderators, and you all for your participation and contribution. Special thanks to the exhibitors and the sponsors. Your presence has been invaluable and has helped make the Forum a great success.
Dear Chairman H.E. Eng. Salem Al Otheinah,
I would like to thank you on behalf of all the participants for your leadership. Under your guidance, all sessions ran very smoothly. Your report is an inspiring roadmap for future action.
I would like to end my closing remarks by thanking Undersecretary Eng. Hameed Al Qattan, the team of the ministry and CITRA, and all those who have been involved in the organization of this forum: the interpreters, the technicians and all those who have been working behind the scenes to make this event possible and successful.
I look forward to seeing you again at the next Global Forum on Emergency Telecommunications in 2018.
I wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
