Res Communis

ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2010 to be held in Mexico

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

From the ITU:

ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2010 to be held in Mexico

Geneva, 16 July 2009 — ITU’s 18th Plenipotentiary Conference will be held in Veracruz, Mexico, from 4-22 October 2010, following the signing of a host country agreement between ITU Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun Touré and H.E. Mr Juan Francisco Molinar Horcasitas, Secretary of State for Communications and Transports of the Government of Mexico.

The event is expected to attract some 2’000 participants from over 150 countries, representing both government and private sector, as well as regional and international organizations.

Held every four years, ITU Plenipotentiary Conferences adopt the Union’s Strategic and Financial Plans and develop new policies to respond to developments in the fast-moving information and communication technology sector. PP-10 will set the future direction of ITU’s efforts to facilitate the growth and development of ICTs worldwide, and will elect the leadership of the organization, which has been committed to connecting the world for almost 145 years.

In the wake of the global financial crisis PP-10 comes at a challenging time for the ICT sector, but also a time of new opportunities, as ICTs are increasingly leveraged by other industry sectors to drive new efficiencies that will help them weather the storm.

ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré said: “We are delighted to be holding PP-10 in Veracruz. Mexico is fast emerging as a key economic hub for the region, and is renowned for both its excellent facilities and for the warm welcome it extends to international visitors.”

H.E. Mr Molinar Horcasitas said: “Mexico is honoured that ITU has chosen Veracruz as the venue for this very important international event. The Mexican government believes that ICTs have a critical role to play in helping drive economic and social development. At this crucial juncture, when old barriers are now breaking down, technology is empowering countries and their citizens to break free of traditional constraints to growth and to realize their full potential.”

Mexico has experienced solid ICT growth over the past few years, with total telephone penetration now reaching 92% (fixed 18%, mobile 74%), and Internet penetration at 25% (broadband 7%). The country is rapidly gaining importance as an ICT manufacturing hub, and has been a world leader in promoting access to ICTs to underserved communities through its Digital Community Centres (DCCs) Based in schools, post offices, libraries, health centres and government offices, DCCs provide shared, low-cost access to a range of voice and data services.