HE Dr. Hessa Al-Jaber Delivers Qatars Connect 2020 Policy Statement in Korea

Busan, S. Korea, October 20 (QNA) - H.E. Dr. Hessa Al-Jaber, Minister of Information and Communications Technology today delivered the State of Qatars Connect 2020 ICT Policy Statement before the ITUs 19th Plenipotentiary Conference, PP 14, in convention in the City of Busan, South Korea, from October 20 through November 7. Dr. Al-Jaber opened her speech with highlighting the milestones of Qatars ICT sector and the nations ambitious goals for the next few years. She then emphasized continuing ICT sector development efforts, enlarging sectors contribution to the GDP and to social, economic and environmental sustainable growth and development through digital inclusion, innovation, entrepreneurship and the delivery of ICT benefits to everyone, according to a Ministry press release issued today. "Our presence here affirms our commitment to a future where people everywhere can create, access, utilize, and share information and knowledge to achieve their full potential as well as fuel our economies. Qatar is well positioned for that future," said H.E. Dr. Hessa Al-Jaber, referring to Qatars high ranks in recent World Economic Forum reports and Qatari research studies that say Internet penetration among households and individuals has reached near universal levels, plus the 4G LTE technology countrywide, 185% mobile penetration, and high-speed fiber connecting around 85% of the homes in Qatar. "Our aim is to become the best-connected country in the world and a leader in innovative digital economy," H.E. Dr. Hessa stated. She added, "As a nation, we cant think of a more important goal than inclusiveness and ensuring that all people reap the benefits from ICT, regardless of their age, gender, income, location, or abilities. For several years now, a host of ICT training programs targeted to women, low-skilled workers, people with disabilities, and the elderly have been successfully under way." H.E. the Minister also talked about youth as the main translators of this Policy into reality, saying, "We know that our youth will propel Qatar forward into the future. To equip them with the advanced 21st century skills they need to be the future leaders of the sector, we have recently initiated a new program, the goal of which is to train our nations young people in advanced skills such as cloud computing, big data analysis, coding, and media literacy." She also highlighted the role ictQATARs Digital Incubation Center plays in helping young entrepreneurs and startups to move on and advance from starting up to smarting up their businesses to reach real market success. Dr. Al-Jaber said, "We embrace Connect 2020s vision and its four goals: growth, inclusiveness, sustainability, and innovation and partnership." Wrapping up her speech, Dr. Hessa invited the audience to the ITU Telecom World 2014 that will be held in Qatar under the theme of "Future in Focus", providing an important update on how new developments in ICT are transforming our lives. Fresh innovations around smart technology will be on display for the first time at ITU Telecom World 2014. This includes Smart City, Smart Building and Smart Stadium technology. Qatar is at the forefront of deploying these technologies, as the host of the FIFA World Cup in 2022. The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference is the worlds largest meeting of international policy makers from the ICT sector. Around 3,000 participants, including Heads of State and around 130 VIPs from over 160 countries, including government ministers and CEOs, are attending the Conference. It is held every four years to set the strategic direction of ITU, develop policies and recommendations that address the evolving needs of the Unions members, elect the senior management team, ITU Council members and the members of Radio Regulation Board. The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR) builds a vibrant, advanced, and secure ICT sector that will propel a thriving, diversified economy and benefit all the people of Qatar. As a change agent for human, social, economic, and environmental progress, the Ministry strives to drive innovation well into the future. Specifically, it is charged with a wide-ranging mandate that includes: overseeing and developing the communications sector, e-government programs and postal services; fostering a regulatory environment that is conducive to competition and investment; promoting digital inclusion for all people of Qatar; and developing the next generation of infrastructure. (QNA)