About ITU Telecom
ITU Telecom, part of the ITU, organizes ITU Digital World and ITU Telecom World events on a not-for-profit neutral platform to accelerate ICT innovation for social and economic development.
In 2021, ITU Telecom celebrated 50 years of world-class events. As the leading exhibition and forum for the global ICT industry, it brings together public and private representatives to showcase innovative solutions, share knowledge, network and engage in high-level dialogue on the major challenges facing the sector. In 2011, ITU Telecom World moved to become a global annual event in rotating geographic locations. ITU Telecom World 2012 was hosted in Dubai, UAE, ITU Telecom World 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand, and ITU Telecom World 2014 in Doha, Qatar.
Recognising the critical importance of SMEs in driving industry growth and socio-economic development throughout the world, ITU Telecom World was repositioned in 2015 as a global platform connecting governments, corporates and tech SMEs, offering international services to support and foster SME growth.
ITU Telecom World 2015 was hosted in Budapest, Hungary; ITU Telecom World 2016 returned to Bangkok; ITU Telecom World 2017 was held in Busan, South Korea; ITU Telecom World 2018 took place in Durban, South Africa; and ITU Telecom World 2019 returned to Budapest.
As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ITU Virtual Digital World took place for the first time as an online event in October 2020. ITU Digital World 2021 was held online from September to December 2021
Due to the number of major ITU events taking place this year following the COVID-19 pandemic, no ITU Telecom World event will be held in 2022.
About ITU
ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and over 700 private sector entities.
Over the past 150 years, ITU has been a facilitator and pioneer. From the earliest days of telegraphy, through the development of radio and phone technology, we have been instrumental in bringing life-enhancing innovation to global communities.
More recently we’ve helped radar systems, radio astronomy telescopes and communication satellites become an everyday reality. We’ve encouraged the positive power of the internet, and taken the lead on cyber security and bridging the digital divide between developed and emerging nations. And we’re not about to stop.