October 14, 2009

ITU TELECOM WORLD is an event for the global telecommunication and information communication technology (ICT) sector. Held on October 5th – 9th 2009 in Geneva-Palexpo, Switzerland under the theme: Open Networks - Connected Minds, ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 incorporated thematic elements to highlight the reach and role of telecommunications and ICT in areas of societal change such as the digital divide, climate change, and disaster relief. With its focus on development opportunities, the event brought together corporate social responsibility and displayed cases of best practices.

Dr. Kamal Shehadi Chairman & CEO of the TRA Lebanon, was invited by the Secretary General of the International Telecommunications Union to be on the ITU Telecom World 2009 Forum Advisory Committee. Dr. Shehadi was also asked to be a speaker at the VIP Program, an exclusive global community featuring the world’s top ICT leaders and decision-makers, on the subject of Broadband for All. This multi-stakeholder group engages in dialogue, knowledge sharing and networking to foster new partnerships and address pressing issues in the telecommunications and ICT sector across the world. The VIP Programme WORLD 2009 focused on the role of ICTs in economic recovery and discussed the emerging new economic opportunities, such as new government and industry partnerships and business models. The Program included a number of high-level dialogue sessions, including with Ministers, regulators, and CEOs. In his presentation, Dr. Shehadi presented the TRA’s broadband plans and detailed the steps that are being taken to promote the development of broadband in Lebanon, including the TRA’s initiative to allow infrastructure-sharing and access to public property and rights of way.

Chairman Shehadi profited from his presence in Geneva and the ITU Telecom World 2009 to promote Lebanon and to highlight the investment opportunities in telecom in Lebanon and to outline the TRA’s vision and plans for broadband that would allow Lebanon to claim a leadership role in the region and the world. The TRA vision and plans were very well received by the experts and practitioners, including the regulators and the industry representatives.

To view the press release click here
To view Dr. Shehadi’s interview at the ITU Telecom TV click here