They are focusing on ‘work as one’ to advance power of ‘Tech for Good’

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The International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU’s) 20th Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-18) opened with a global call for the world to “act as one” to connect the world’s nearly four billion people who remain unconnected to the Internet.

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are already empowering billions of individuals around the world – by providing access to education, health care, e-government and mobile banking, among many other key services.

“Holding the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in the United Arab Emirates is a testament from the ITU and the international telecommunications community to the UAE’s achievements in the field of rational use of telecommunications technology for the benefit of humanity, state building, as well as the economy and civilization,” said H.E. Talal Humaid Belhoul, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), on behalf of the VP and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

“New technologies like 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and the Internet of Things will change how we live, work and learn in ways that have yet to be imagined. And ITU is in the front seat. The challenge before us today is to ensure that these technologies and ICTs in general continue to be a source for good for everyone across the world,” said Houlin Zhao, ITU Secretary-General.

“May we always remember that we are stronger together - that what unites us is the common vision of a connected world, where information and communication technology is a source for good for everyone everywhere.”