Media advisory: Global ICT Capacity Building Symposium

Embracing capacity building opportunities in the digital era

**REGISTER NOW **

**Geneva, 26 July 2016 ** – Nairobi is set to host ITU’s Global ICT Capacity Building Symposium (CBS-2016), the main global event for capacity development in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). The symposium will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 6 to 8 September 2016, preceded by pre-events on 5 September.

The symposium is organized by ITU , the UN specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs) and hosted by the Government of Kenya under the theme “Embracing Capacity Building Opportunities in the Digital Era” . The event brings together thought leaders from all over the world including Ministers, Directors-General of Regulatory Authorities, Heads of UN organizations, CEOs of private sector companies, representatives from universities and research institutions, human capacity building executives and other experts in ICT capacity building.

The programme will focus on how education and training in the field of ICTs will contribute towards achieving the SDGs across all sectors

Efforts to meet the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) come at a time of major digital technology transformation that will impact the way people live and societies operate. Emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and advent of smart cities and smart societies, as well as the growth of big data, require different sets of knowledge and skills across all sections of society.

Governments, industry, universities and other higher education institutions need to invest in, and develop a range of ICT skills, which will not only enable increased participation in the economy, but will ensure the creation of digital citizens for a digital society.

ITU’s Global ICT Capacity Building Symposium will explore a number of topics, including:

• New skills requirements in a changing world – investing in tomorrow’s workforce
• Innovative tools for education and learning
• New digital learning methodologies, including online learning, social media tools and massive open online courses (MOOCs)
• The central role of academia in building skills in the digital era.

The opening day of the event will feature a Ministerial Roundtable on ICTs, Sustainable Development Goals and future priorities for capacity building, and a Leaders’ Dialogue on public policies, industry skills requirements, and the role of academic institutions as providers of education and skills.

Journalists are encouraged to register now using this form to attend Day One of this compelling international event. Please note that for security reasons advance registration is essential to obtain a badge to enter the venue.

Media Information: Registration is essential for media and industry analysts to participate in person.