Capitalizing on the success of the MENA ICT Forum held in 2010, The Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j) organized a media roundtable to announce the upcoming MENA ICT Forum. The event will be under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah, and will be held on the 6th and 7th of March 2013 at the prestigious King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center, Dead Sea titled “Arab ICT Spring: Realizing Potential". In the presence of Int@j's Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Tahboub, and Int@j's CEO, Mr. Abed Shamlawi, the media roundtable highlighted the arrangements of this year's forum and interacted with the media representatives at the Sheraton hotel to discuss the preparation phase. Previously and successfully organized as The “Jordan ICT Forum" in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006, and as the successful newly-branded MENA ICT Forum in 2010, the forum of 2013 will showcase an outstanding level covering the Middle East and North Africa region with a content-rich agenda that covers vital issues related to regional investment climates, legislative supportive systems, infrastructure and communications, emerging technologies, education and human capital development. Media representatives were acquainted with the Agenda of the forum featuring: ICT Conference, ICT Expo, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Theater, Games Corner, and other networking events. During the media roundtable, the main topics of all sessions were announced with the focus on the opening session that will tackle the “State of Arab ICT Transformation" highlighting the recent development of the Arab World with an emphasis on the role of ICT, Arab Spring, Online and Mobile development, Social Media among other drivers that contributed to the development in key sectors such as Education and Health. During his speech, Mr. Mohammed Tahboub, Int@j's Chairman, stated: “We are eager to announce our plan for the upcoming MENA ICT forum which will build on the success of previous years. The MENA ICT Forum 2013 aims at reinforcing the leading position the region has built throughout the years to serve as a regional ICT hub and to become internationally recognized as an exporter of ICT products and services. It is an exceptional opportunity for all participants to experience the rich content reflecting the strong role of technology and social media in the past period. Tahboob added: “The Forum offers a platform for all ICT key figures in the Middle East and North Africa, to discuss the effect of the ICT sector influencing the future of the Arab World. The event will address vital issues in a context that is highly relevant to the MENA region, while provide the business community, decision makers and stakeholders with a holistic overview of the region's current position, existing opportunities and the recommended approach for leveraging its potential". Mr. Tahboub stressed on the important role of the Arab World and its prominent achievements in the field of ICT which will open numerous doors for new markets to witness growth and success, expressing: “We truly believe that the significant level of development that we reached in the ICT sector in the region is a remarkable milestone that has its major role in building historical ICT achievements. This drove us to come up with our theme for this year's Forum “Arab ICT Spring", which is an absolute reflection for the growth and transition time of the ICT sector in the MENA towards a bright and fruitful future that will leave a footprint with transformations for future generations to remember us by." The media roundtable was concluded by an interactive session responding to all inquiries about the agenda and expected outcome which will hopefully result in an imprint in the field of ICT. Prior to the official launch of the Forum, press representatives will be invited to another press conference announcing the keynote speakers, official sponsors and partners.
