ITU, United Arab Emirates sign deal for ICT museum

To be called the ICT Exploratorium, the new museum will be housed at ITU headquarters in Geneva.

The signing of the agreement sees the United Arab Emirates and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of UAE become the Founding Partners of the new learning centre, through a donation of $2m towards its design and construction. ITU will undertake the acquisition of exhibits, equipment and other resources.

Planned to open in 2010, the centre will boost ITU's profile and raise the visibility of its Members, Founding Partners and sponsoring exhibitors.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held today in Abu Dhabi, ITU Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun Touré, said:

"It is with honour that we accept your commitment to the ICT Exploratorium, and welcome UAE and TRA as its Founding Partners. As we all know, ICTs are not just about technologies any more - they are closely linked with every aspect of our daily lives. This is why ITU - as the unique body dealing with ICT issues from a global perspective - has been committed to establishing an ICT Exploratorium. And why we are so pleased to accept the United Arab Emirates' vital contribution."

Responding to Dr Touré's comments, Mr Mohamed Al Ghanim, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates, said, "The ICT Exploratorium is an exciting and distinct initiative of ITU that will enable visitors to appreciate the innovation in the ICT sector. The United Arab Emirates and the TRA feel privileged and honoured to be part of this ITU project and anticipate that our status of founding partners of the ICTE with ITU will be a credible testimony of the long-standing cordial relationship between the UAE and ITU."

The new museum will be open to the general public, ITU delegates and visiting experts free of charge, and will strive to inform visitors about the latest exciting developments in ICTs and ITU's role in helping 'Connect the World'.

In addition to featuring interactive exhibits showcasing cutting-edge ICT systems and their role in transforming the way we live, the ICT Exploratorium will also host rotating exhibitions on key topics, including new inventions, emergency communications, ICTs and climate change, and the future of the Internet.