Analysis & Comment, Events, ITU, Bulgaria, CEE: Well, those who took the decision comprised the ITU Telecom Board of Directors, a top-level representation of major global ICT corporations and organisations, whose particular members met recently for the first time at ITU headquarters in Geneva...

Naturally, the board put itself in a difficult position, and issued an appropriate statement thanking the Bulgarian authorities and hoping to work with them at some stage in the future. What has emerged is that ITU Telecom’s directors are contemplating a raft of new measures aimed at enhancing ITU Telecom’s status as “the leading global networking platform for the ICT industry.”

So what are the intentions? An official statement talks about high-level business meetings, stand-alone fora, expanded exhibition space, plus a new schedule of Telecom events for 2007-2009. ITU Telecom will also “forge partnerships with professional trade show organisers and outsource several event activities to ensure its financial viability.”

ITU Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun Touré outlined his vision of ITU’s future. He and his colleagues discussed the new strategic direction of ITU Telecom, along with its global and regional events and initiatives.

To communicate and validate the new business model and directions for ITU Telecom, Dr Touré announced that he will embark on a mission to meet senior industry leaders, policy-makers and regulators around the world to determine their needs and cater to the growth dynamics of the telecommunication and ICT sector. ITU Telecom had to reflect the vision of the Union and its membership and had to contribute to connecting the remotest regions of the world, ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits of ICT.

“Telecommunications and ICT have the capacity to empower the world’s inhabitants to attain their aspirations,” Dr Hamadoun Touré said. “We have to mobilise this vast scientific and technological potential to connect all cities and villages and fast-track the 2015 UN Millennium Development Goals aimed at substantially reducing poverty within the next eight years.

“Our immediate strategy is to concentrate on a regional basis starting with Africa and moving on to Latin America and the Caribbean, the Pacific islands, Asia and Europe as part of ITU’s ambitious programme to connect the world. ITU Telecom is very well positioned to bring global human, financial and technical resources to bear on achieving these goals for everyone.”

No-one can doubt the passion and enthusiasm with which Dr Hamadoun Touré argues his case. But what is wrong with the industry exhibiting in developing areas and showcasing its expertise, products and services, as appropriate for those regions? The exhibitors might learn that there are some lucrative markets out there.

* The next ITU Telecom events will take place in Africa and Asia in 2008. An announcement on ITU Telecom Africa is expected imminently. ITU’s flagship ITU Telecom World will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, 5-9 October 2009.

more info: www.itu.int