World-renowned figures to speak at the Symposium from November 22-25, 2004

Dubai, November 9, 2004: Etisalat today announced that it has teamed up with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)to jointly host a region-wide e-Government and Internet Protocol symposium. The top-level meeting, to be held in Etisalat Academy in Dubai from November 22-25, 2004, will look at the practical issues involved in implementing e-Government and discuss policy aspects of the management of Internet Domain Names System (DNS) and IP addresses.

The Symposium will result in the adoption of the Dubai Declaration which will include the procedures and the mechanisms that will allow the activation of the Declaration in terms of Projects implementation. The implementation of these projects in the region will be considered a crucial contribution to the success of the 2nd World Summit of Information Society (WSIS) that is planned in Tunis, Tunisia, in November 2005.

The forum will be attended by top government representatives, including ITU-D sector members, sector experts, multinational companies' directors, and officers from regional and international organisations. Mr. Mohammad Hassan Omran, Acting President and Chief Executive of Etisalat said: "We are delighted to host this event at Etisalat Academy in Dubai which will showcase the UAE's leading role in spearheading the development of eGovernment and IP-related practices in the Arab region." The symposium will provide an excellent opportunity for collaboration between the various Arab states and enhance awareness and knowledge of best practices to ensure the practical implementation of eGovernment services and IP-related decisions."

Mr. Miloud Ameziane, Acting Head of ITU Arab Region Office in Cairo, said: "Both in terms of policy and practice, e-government is one of the most topical issues at the moment in the region. This meeting will contribute enormously to deciding how government entities exchange information, the strategies needed to boost efficiency and how government information systems interface with their clients".

"There are a host of services that come under the umbrella of eGovernance that are important for the enterprises and people of the Arab region and these will be the key issues discussed at the conference", he added.

The conference will also focus on the outcome of Phase 1 of the World Summit on Information Society and policy and migration strategies for exploiting advanced visions to optimise network services and applications. A policy and strategy roundtable will also be held to discuss such issues.

eCompany, Etisalat's one-stop e-powerhouse business unit, that is providing implementation and project management services for UAE Federal eGovernment project will play a key role in the organisation of the event. Mr. Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar, General Manager, eCompany added: "I am confident that this  symposium will help delegates to successfully deal with e-government, DNS, Internet Domain Name and IP address management and help in a workable strategy for policymakers and regulators in Arab states. At a regional level, it will help us all to become better equipped to formulate regional strategies to address common challenges. It will be also be an excellent opportunity for all delegates to see Etisalat Academy and observe its regional role in telecom cadre development through its unique programmes and facilities."

-Ends- 

Notes for editors
About ITU:
ITU is a world-wide organisation which brings governments and industry together to coordinate the establishment and operation of global telecommunication networks and services. It is responsible for standardisation, coordination and development of international telecommunications including radio communications, as well as the harmonisation of national policies. 

To fulfill its mission, ITU adopts international regulations and treaties governing all terrestrial and space uses of the frequency spectrum as well as the use of all

 satellite orbits which serve as a framework for national legislations; it develops standards to foster the interconnection of  telecommunication systems on a worldwide scale regardless of the type of technology used; it also fosters the development of telecommunications in developing countries. 

ITU also organises worldwide and regional exhibitions and forums bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the telecommunications industry to exchange ideas, knowledge and technology for the benefit of the global community, and in particular the developing world.

Press release issued by Public Relations Department - Etisalat

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© Press Release 2004