Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) innovators, industry players and stakeholders are among the large number of delegates to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Telecom World 2016.

The event which is due to hold in Bangkok, Thailand from November 14 – 17, 2016 will provide participants the opportunity to network, showcase their innovations and tap new business models in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Terrain.

Participants will explore importance of collaboration in the digital economy through best approaches, business models and technologies to forge flourishing inclusive ecosystem.

Nigeria has adopted a theme: “Smart Communities: the key to a digital Nigeria”. This theme according to Director, Public Affairs, of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Tony Ojobo underscores the importance Nigeria attaches to the ITU Telecom World 2016.

The general theme for ITU Telecom World 2016 is “ Collaboration in the Digital Economy” and this will signpost collaborative regulation, the connected car, smart sustainable cities, fostering SME innovation, new roles for the satellite industry and digital financial services.

This year’s theme will feature compelling formats ranging from top-level CEO/Ministerial round tables to frank, open dialogues between governments and small and medium business leaders and interactive panel debates.

Ojobo explained that Nigerian industry players, regulator, NCC, satellite player, Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), e-government service provider, Galaxy Backbone, the postal sector led by NIPOST and Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will have the opportunity to participate in sessions that will bring together expert Speakers and an influential global audience drawn from governments, key ICT players, International organisations, high growth SMEs, Consultants, Academia, the media among others.

A leadership summit of global leaders from public and private sectors will open the forum with an exploration of why working together is critical for growth in the digital economy and how it can best be achieved.

Some topics lined up for discussions include:

New approaches to connectivity: re-imagining the satellite industry:  how demand for always-on connectivity is leading to innovative connectivity solutions, new players and new markets for the satellite industry

The connected car: freeway to the future or highway to hell?: exploring the status and future of vehicle communications and automated driving from the perspectives of business, technology, and regulation

Creating inclusive ICT innovation ecosystems: targeted business-to-government dialogue exploring concrete measures to foster innovation in SMEs for job creation and socio-economic growth

Smart approaches to smart sustainable cities: the economic and political challenges of delivering the promise of smart homes, streets, cities and regions

Making money from meeting the SDGs: a business approach to sustainable development: how the ICT sector can develop feasible business models to accelerate the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

B2B and B2G dialogues: exploring how corporations and governments can strengthen collaboration with SMEs to improve the outcomes of research and development, accelerate innovation and improve public services

Spotlight on Thailand: focusing on regional and local challenges, including dedicated sessions on Thailand’s ICT priorities and entrepreneurs, featuring Thai industry experts. These sessions will be highly beneficial to local and regional audiences

ITU-wide agenda: providing perspectives from across ITU and its membership and partners, co-located events include the ITU Kaleidoscope academic conference 2016; the World Standards Cooperation Academic Roundtable; a global CTO meeting; the 7th Private Sector Chief Regulatory Officers (CRO) meeting and ITU Academia Consultations.