Theme of WCIT 2008

The Global Impact of Information and Communications Technology:
ENABLE Businesses, EMPOWER Societies and ENRICH Economies

Although the ICT revolution started 20 years ago, the biggest impacts of the digital revolution are just beginning to unfold.  At WCIT 2008, leaders from business and academia will join forces with policy-makers and regulators to discuss a variety of issues arising from the proliferation of information and communications technology (ICT) and its impact on businesses, societies and economies.

With a vision “To Catalyze Global Transformation”, the Congress is positioned to provide the ideal platform for the meeting of great minds to instigate discussion and debate that will catalyze greater use of ICT to enable businesses, empower societies and enrich economies.

1. Enable Businesses
   ICT’s usefulness to “enable” is perhaps the most obvious as businesses recognize the potential of ICT to enhance their competitiveness in local and international markets. The ICT revolution has significantly changed how business is done. ICT has enabled business in a multitude ways, inter alia as follows:  
    
   - Improve the operational efficiency, speed and accuracy of business processes
   - Analyze and relate information from multiple sources. 
   - Understand markets and customers better
   - Expand market reach quickly and inexpensively through e-business channels
   - Leverage on existing strengths to venture into new businesses
   - Collaborate with other firms
    
2. Empower Societies
   For societies, ICT provides the means for affordable access to instant global communications as well as a source of vast information. The nature of ICT also promotes greater openness and transparency on the part of governing authorities. Connected members of societies are empowered to do many things not thought possible before such as the following:- 
   
   - Overcome physical barriers and time constraints to have instant and constant  access with others around the globe
   - Share and exchange experience and knowledge with others with similar interest
   - Be able to make informed-decisions on matters important to them
   - Be better citizens of the world as we learn more about others’ customs and cultures
    
    
3. Enrich Economies
   For a country, increased deployment of ICT leads to greater economic development.  ICT enrich economies by allowing more efficient allocation and deployment of economic resources. ICT can be a potent tool in reducing poverty, improving healthcare services, expanding educational opportunities and improving the quality of life for many of the world’s disadvantaged people.  ICT can potentially be a powerful engine for economic development and enrich economies as follows:
    
   - Facilitate expansion of trade and commerce
   - Promote technological advancement in all economic sectors including manufacturing, banking, logistics, services
   - Provide opportunities for wealth creation
   - Create employment opportunities
   - Promote rural connectivity and development