…first time the global event is holding in Africa
By MKPE ABANG
Durban, the South African city famous for its beautiful coastline and subtropical climate on the Indian Ocean, is the proud host of the International Telecommunication Union’s ITU Telecom World 2018. The event will be held at the Durban International Convention Centre, from September 10 to 13.
ITU Telecom World is the platform designed to accelerate Information and Communications Technology innovations for social and economic development through exhibiting solutions, sharing knowledge and networking.
As the leading exhibition and forum for the global ICT industry, ITU Telecom World brings together public and private representatives to showcase innovative solutions, collaborate and engage in high-level dialogue on the major challenges facing the sector.
ITU Telecom World 2018 is focused as a leading international platform for influential figures from government and industry to connect with tech SMEs and entrepreneurs; to exhibit and explore common challenges, partnership solutions, and investment opportunities; to share ideas and best practices.
Now in its 47th year, the ITU’s flagship event, ITU Telecom World, made its debut in 1971. It was largely hosted in Geneva. However, after marking its 40th anniversary with ITU Telecom World 2011 in Geneva, ITU Telecom World moved to become a global annual event in rotating geographic locations.
ITU Telecom World 2012 was hosted in Dubai, the UAE, ITU Telecom World 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand, ITU Telecom World 2014 in Doha, Qatar, and ITU Telecom World 2015 in Budapest, Hungary, with ITU Telecom World 2016 returning to Bangkok. Last year, ITU Telecom World 2017 took place in Busan, Republic of Korea, from 25 – 28 September.
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.
The venue for ITU Telecom World 2018, the Durban International Convention Centre, is one of Africa’s leading exhibition and conference hubs. Durban ICC is located in the centre of Durban, just a 30-minute drive from the King Shaka International Airport and a short stroll away from the stunning beachfront, tourist attractions and top city hotels.
Opened by former president, Nelson Mandela in 1997, the Durban ICC was South Africa’s first international convention centre, playing a pioneering role in attracting international events to the continent. A world-class facility renowned for its high standards of service excellence, it has successfully staged some of the world’s most prestigious and complex events.
The Durban ICC delivers a 5-star event experience, geared to exceeding expectations in an innovative, sustainable and proudly African way.
Apart from being the third largest city in South Africa, a growing urban setting rich in diversity, cultural amenities, economic growth, history and natural beauty, Durban is a city is built around one of the busiest ports in Africa, and is a bustling commercial and manufacturing centre connected to the business capitals of the world.