Etisalat participates in World Summit on Information Society in Tunisia

This event is being hosted by the Government of Tunisia under the patronage of the United Nations, and the exhibition will run from the 15th to 18th of November 2005.

This summit aims to build a comprehensive information society in which every individual has access to information, and can use it to achieve sustainable development and an improved standard of living.

Ahmed Bin Ali, Manager Corporate Communication, Etisalat, said:

"This summit represents one of the most prominent international initiatives to reach and sustain solutions for achieving developmental goals. Coordinating the management and penetration of Internet and telecommunication services, as well as exchanging information and experiences in the ICT sector, are ideals close to Etisalat's aims."

"Etisalat is participating in the exhibition on the sidelines of WSIS phase 2 with some of its specialized business units and subsidiaries, including our submarine cable laying and maintenance subsidiary, e-marine", he added. The other business units that will participate are e-Company, Emirates Internet Exchange (EMIX), Emirates Data Clearing House (EDCH) and the Etisalat Academy.

Etisalat has been extremely active and a key facilitator of e-Government initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Finance and Industry and other branches of the UAE Government. The Corporation is also a key supporter of the upcoming Conference on e-Commerce in the GCC, to be held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, between 20th and 21st of November 2005.

The second phase of WSIS in Tunisia continues from the success of the first phase held in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2003. The first phase covered a series of recommendations including the encouragement of international governments, organizations and private sector entities towards an information society. International commerce, e-Government strategies in enhancing transparency in public management and the commencing of new ICT initiatives at all levels also formed points of focus at WSIS phase 1.