ITU Digital World 2021: Digital Transformation in a Changing World

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is set to open the latest edition of its flagship ITU Telecom World conference and exhibition series with a new series of online discussions and events starting on Wednesday, 1 September.

ITU Digital World 2021 spans an insightful three-month programme of high-level debates, networking, and a virtual exhibition, culminating in the event’s annual ITU Digital World 2021 SME Awards.

It also marks the 50th anniversary of the first ITU Telecom event in 1971.

Co-hosted with the Government of Viet Nam, this latest edition brings together leaders of government and industry under a timely theme: “Building the digital world. Together.”

Highlights include:

Forum Sessions

The ITU Digital World Forum will convene experts from industry, governments and organizations from around the world, all focused on digital technologies, for online sessions between 01 September and 01 December.

September webinars focus on

Infrastructure, the building block of connectivity
What the next generation of networks looks like
What 5G enables and how its ecosystem can be equitably developed
The unique vision and value proposition of the satellite industry
Best practices to promote greater spectrum harmonization.
Partner sessions will explore the expectations and challenges of future networks and standardization beyond the 5G era.

Subsequent webinars consider the emerging technologies and new skills driving the transformation; key challenges of the digital world; addressing our sector’s environmental footprint; and protecting privacy.

Expert Insights

Speakers from across government and industry include:
Christopher Calabrese, Senior Director, Privacy and Data Policy, Microsoft Corporation
Erik Ekudden, Chief Technology Officer, Ericsson
Fábio Faría, Minister of Communication, Brazil
Dorothy Gordon, Chair, Information for All Programme, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Jocelyn Karakula, Chief Technology Innovation Officer, Orange Middle East and Africa
Christopher Patnoe, Head of Accessibility and Disability Inclusion, Google
Ruy Pinto, Chief Technology Officer, SES
Jessica Rosenworcel, Acting Chairwoman, U.S. Federal Communications Commission
Mikael Rylander, Technology Leadership Officer, Nokia Networks
Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo, Acting Executive Director, Uganda Communications Commission
Victor D. Sparrow, Director, Spectrum Policy and Planning, U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Ministerial Roundtables

Ministers from around the world, regulators, and top-level industry representatives between 12 and 15 October will explore how digital transformation can be facilitated and funded, the services and content that will drive it, and what roles governments themselves can play.

Virtual Exhibition

Organised by event co-host the Government of Viet Nam and due to open from 12 October, the exhibition will showcase companies, countries, projects and products through a virtual exhibition hall, business booths and a conference space, all accessible online.

SME Awards

The ITU Digital World Awards recognize the best and most innovative tech solutions changing the world for the better. See shortlisted small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) pitching throughout November, with the Awards Ceremony marking the close of this year’s conference and exhibition on 01 December.

When it happens: 01 September – 01 December 2021.

Where: Virtually. After registering on the event web page, participants receive links to sessions by e-mail.

Why: ITU Digital World 2021 offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry and government leaders, explore the latest trends in technology and policy, understand what’s driving digital transformation, network, share knowledge, best practice and ideas.

Expert speakers include information and communication technology (ICT) industry leaders and influencers, ICT ministers, regulators and tech experts. The virtual exhibition showcases innovations from key players and world regions, as well as high-growth Vietnamese SMEs.