Buenos Aires to host WTDC-17

Buenos Aires will host the ITU’s World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-17) from 9-20 October 2017.

Under the theme, ICT for Sustainable Development Goals – ICT④SDGs, WTDC-17 represents a unique opportunity for the international community to gather together and discuss the future of the telecommunication and information and communication technology (ICT) sector and its contribution to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Expected outcomes of WTDC-17 include, among others, the Buenos Aires Declaration, and the Buenos Aires Action Plan, which will set the priorities and programme of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) over the next four years.

WTDC-17 will also host a series of side events to highlight the role that ICTs play in achieving socio-economic development. Topics to be covered include: digital skills for youth, entrepreneurs and innovation, access to ICT④SDGs, academia engagement in ICT④SDGs, emergency telecommunications, cybersecurity and Universal Health Coverage.

Pre-events will be held on 8 October and will focus on ICT accessibility; ICT④SDGs in Least Developing Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Development States; and on the private sector’s role in fostering ICT④SDGs.

As part of the celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of ITU-D, two Ministerial Roundtables will be held on 11 October. They will focus on ICT④SDGs and the digital economy, respectively, and will feature inspiring and visionary speakers.

WTDC-17 will attract more than 1,500 participants including over 100 ministers high-level delegates, experts, and leaders from the private sector, international and regional organizations, development banks, academia and the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector.