Geneva, 13 September 2018

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​​​The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the government of Hungary confirmed today the hosting of the next ITU Telecom World event in Budapest, Hungary. The announcement followed a high-level meeting during ITU Telecom World 2018 being held 10-13 September in Durban, South Africa between ITU Secretary General Houlin Zhao and the Government of Hungary, represented by Péter Sztáray, State Secretary for Security Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.

The leading technology event for governments, corporates and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ITU Telecom World 2019 will focus on the smart digital innovations that can enhance lives, and the key role that SMEs can play within the information and communication technology (ICT) ecosystem. It will continue as the international platform connecting tech SMEs with governments and corporates, attracting member states, regulators, heads of international organizations, global media, digital experts and visionaries, leading ICT corporations and cutting-edge tech SMEs from the region and across the globe. 

“I am delighted to be working together again with the government of Hungary to build another successful ITU Telecom World event. With its excellent strategic location and dynamic digital ecosystem, Budapest provides the prime venue to explore the innovations, strategies and policies that are fuelling the digital economy," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “We look forward to continued close cooperation with our hosts across all elements of the event, from the Exhibition, to Forum debates, networking and more, providing a global stage for innovation, ideas and expertise from Hungary and the wider region to meet the world."

“The government of Hungary is very pleased to be welcoming ITU Telecom World 2019 to Budapest," said Péter Sztáray, State Secretary for Security Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary. “In hosting the event, the government of Hungary is underlining its commitment to supporting the digital innovation ecosystem, building partnerships and exploring cooperation on a regional and global level and growing the ICT industry to accelerate socio-economic benefits throughout the world."

ITU Telecom World 2019 will take place in September 2019, with the exact dates to be announced in the coming weeks. The event returns to Europe, after taking place in Africa and Asia. It will be the second time it takes place in Budapest, following a successful event in 2015. It will combine an international tech exhibition, a forum for sharing knowledge, a networking hub for corporates, governments and SMEs and the influential ITU Telecom World Awards programme. The event will provide a unique international platform that brings together developed and emerging markets, public and private sector leaders, and industry representatives from across the entire ICT ecosystem.