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CANADIAN YOUTH AT ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006: DIGITAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW |
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| On behalf of the Government of Canada, Gerry Campbell, Consul General of Canada in Hong Kong, today congratulated two Canadian award winners participating in the Youth Forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 in Hong Kong. The head of the Canadian business delegation, Stewart Beck, Assistant Deputy Minister (Investment, Innovation and Sectors), Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, also acknowledged the contributions of Canadian winners Rebecca Baxter of the University of Waterloo (Ontario) and Michael Alty of the Canadian Mennonite University of Manitoba. The award recipients were selected by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for their respective essays on "Digital Vision." "It's a pleasure to welcome these insightful and promising digital leaders of tomorrow to Hong Kong," said Mr. Campbell. "The voice of youth is critical in understanding the current trends and future impacts of technology, and their participation adds a valued dimension to the Youth Forum discussions." "Canada places great importance on promoting youth development and initiative - recognizing that talented people are our currency," added Mr. Beck. "I commend both of our talented award winners for their participation in this important global forum." The Youth Forum at ITU Telecom World 2006 is designed to introduce youth fellows from all over the world to the challenges and opportunities of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector and to the openings this dynamic sector may hold for those contemplating it as a career. Also in attendance was Jennifer Corriero, Executive Director of TakingITGlobal, an international organization led by youth and empowered by technology. TakingITGlobal connects youth around the world to find inspiration and information, and to get involved in improving their local and global communities. Ms. Corriero delivered a speech at the "Technologies and Applications for Digital Society" session. "It is more important than ever for Canadian youth to assert their perspective and vision in international forums such as this," said Ms. Corriero. "Technology is moving at such a rapid pace, it is incumbent upon leaders of the future to help define a vision which considers the opportunities and challenges in realizing the full potential of ICT across the global economy." Two youths from the 190 ITU member-states are participating in a six-day
program which will cover three major roles for ICT: (1) using ICT to bridge
the digital divide; (2) using ICT to foster socio-economic development;
and (3) the implications of a digital society.
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