Category: 2017 Daily Highlights 2

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today to formalise the intentions of ITU and Korea Institute of Finance to work together with research and study into digital finance.  The use of digital finance could boost the annual GDP of emerging economies by US$ 3.7 trillion by 2025. The reliance on Fintech brings with it a need for policy and technical standards for digital finance.  Dr Cheasub Lee, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Bureau and My Myong Hwal Lee, Vice President of Korea Institute of Finance signed respectively.

Today marked Nigeria Day, and the Nigerian Pavilion was lively with guests and media for its official opening. ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao spoke warmly of the Nigerian support of ITU Telecom World events in this as well as previous years. The Nigeria Pavilion featured innovative products from SMEs and leading industry players driving the growth of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. The Nigerian Communications Commission, which regulates the country’s high-growth telecoms sector, was also present to network and engage with participants to showcase developments and opportunities in the sector. The pavilion also hosted top government officials from the Ministry of Communications to engage at a high-level on flagship national projects and initiatives to deepen connectivity for better socio-economic impact.​

The ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) Pavilion showcased their upcoming events including WTDC in Buenos Aires and the 25^th Year Celebration of the Development Sector of ITU. The Pavilion also highlighted the important work of their members including Hyundai-Motors, NTT Korea, OKI, Swisscom and Vodafone Egypt, GSMA and more.

Beginning 26 September, ITU-D will be hosting daily workshops on building ICT centric ecosystems and bridging the innovation divide. These workshops deliver hands-on training for delegates who want to accelerate the development of their digital economies.  Seating is limited to 25, so please reserve in advance by sending an email to innovation@itu.int

Meanwhile, the ITU-R pavilion is celebrating the 90^th anniversary of CCIR/ITU-R Study Groups by showcasing the role of the ITU-R process to support global regulations and in developing global standards on the use of spectrum. Visitors to the pavilions can receive complimentary USB keys with information highlighting the important work of the 2 ITU sectors.

The ITU Bookshop is selling copies of ITU’s key publications, memorabilia and souvenirs. Guests are invited to visit the ITU Bookshop and to participate in a survey for a chance to win great prizes.

The Republic of South Africa held a press conference today to outline the opportunities for investment and development in the region.  Director General at DTPS, Mr Robert Nkuna introduced DTPS, and Minister Dr Siyabonga Cwele gave an inspirational account of the work to date to connect the unconnected.  The demand for education comes directly from those in the most rural parts of the country, with educational content the most popular of all content available online.  Dr Cwele praised the ITU for the successful organizing of ITU Telecom World 2017 and providing opportunities to engage with the industry and share ideas on topical issues. He also expressed his hope to bring ITU Telecom World to South Africa in 2018.