Harnessing ICTs to save lives

ICT technologies for disaster management featured heavily on the agenda at GET 2016, ITU’s Second Global Forum on Emergency Telecommunications, which took place in Kuwait City from 26–28 January.

The forum hosted leaders and visitors from government, business, academia, NGOs as well as ICT regulators and the United Nations.

“This forum is all about bringing thought leaders under one roof to find a way of mobilising new technologies to not only save lives, but improve people’s lives,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao.

“ITU’s vision to provide disaster-affected communities, first responders, governments and entities involved in disaster management with appropriate, timely and reliable telecommunications resources will continue to grow.”

GET 2016 featured discussions focusing on trends and emerging technological innovations, financing mechanisms, case studies, challenges in deploying telecommunications/ICT for disaster response, climate change issues and the role of the private sector and other non-state stakeholders.

Brahima Sanou, director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, said the three-day event provides a unique opportunity to explore the role of telecommunications/ICT in mitigating and responding to disasters.

“During this forum, we want to launch concrete programs that will change the way telecommunications/ICT resources are deployed and used for disaster management, especially during the response phase,” said Sanou.

A ministerial roundtable on better preparedness and effective response for sustainable development, and a leaders’ dialogue on the topic of technology, regulatory and operational issues were held on day one.

A series of exhibits featuring the use of ICT in emergencies was also unveiled during a special ceremony.

Image courtesy of ITC Pictures under CC BY 2.0