The Forum offers policymakers and other participants an opportunity to discuss and adopt concrete strategies on how information and communication technologies can contribute to the implementation of the Sendai Declaration and Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and mitigate the effects of climate change in accordance with the Paris Agreement, adopted by the climate change conference in December 2015.
“This Forum aims to bring together thought leaders under one roof to find ways to leverage new technologies not only to save lives, but also to improve people’s living conditions,” said Houlin Zhao, Secretary-General of the ITU. “It will further develop the ITU’s vision of providing disaster-affected communities, first responders, governments, and disaster management entities with appropriate, timely, and reliable telecommunications resources.”
The Government of Kuwait is hosting this event, organized by the ITU, the United Nations specialized agency for ICTs, and brings together delegates from around the world, including government ministers and ICT regulatory bodies, national disaster management actors, researchers, private sector companies, the United Nations and NGOs.
“The State of Kuwait is very proud to host this important event,” said Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Acting Minister of Water and Electricity of Kuwait. “In 2014, the United Nations Humanitarian Leadership Award was presented to the Emir of Kuwait in recognition of Kuwait’s role in humanitarian action, and I am very pleased that GET-2016 is taking place during the 10th anniversary of our Emir’s coronation.”
GET-2016 will consist of a wide range of discussions focusing on emerging technical trends and innovations, financing mechanisms, case studies, the challenges posed by the deployment of telecommunications/ICT to respond to disasters, issues related to climate change and the role of the private sector and other non-state actors.
“This three-day event presents an unparalleled opportunity to study the role of telecommunication/ICTs in disaster mitigation and response,” said Brahima Sanou, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. “During this Forum, we aim to launch concrete programs that will transform how telecommunication/ICTs are deployed and used for disaster management, particularly during the response phase.”
This morning's opening ceremony was followed by a Ministerial Roundtable on achieving better preparedness and an effective response for sustainable development, and a Leaders Dialogue on technological, regulatory and operational issues.
During a special ceremony, a series of exhibits were shown presenting solutions and the effective use of ICT during emergencies.
