University of Winnipeg and Economic Development Winnipeg attract prestigious forum on the digital connected world
WINNIPEG, MB – The Global Forum is an annual international event that brings together more than 300 key policy-makers and public/private stakeholders from more than 30 countries, from all continents, and for the first time it will occur in Canada, in Winnipeg, in October 2017.
The Paris-based Global Forum/Shaping the Future is an internationally recognized think-tank that enables knowledge exchange and networking among national, regional and local governments; private and public organizations; and research and development experts.
Dedicated to business and policy issues that affect the evolution of the information society, it provides a neutral platform to discuss and debate the latest developments within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Global Forum fosters synergies between suppliers and users of communications applications and assists in connecting practical solutions and innovative ideas. It plays a definitive role in fostering new international initiatives and is helping to create public-private partnerships, tackle the future challenges of our fast moving world. Global Forum has often been referred as “the Davos for ICT” by the press of the countries which welcomed the event.
“Winnipeg has quickly become a go-to destination for high profile, international events,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “With the tremendous momentum of our ICT sector, it is fitting that Winnipeg will be the first Canadian city to host the Global Forum. In Winnipeg and at City Hall, we are embracing technology and innovation to grow the economy while looking at best practices to achieve better value for money.”
Dr. Sylvie Albert, Dean of the Faculty of Business & Economics at UWinnipeg, is Chair of the Canadian Organizing Committee. “We are extremely proud to welcome leading thinkers on the digital economy to Winnipeg, and we look forward to showcasing the work of leaders within Canada’s intelligent communities who have tremendous experience to share with their international colleagues.”
“Winnipeg’s reputation as a growing center of innovation and digital accessibility — solidified by its recent recognition as one of the world’s most intelligent communities — makes it the perfect choice to host the 2017 Global Forum,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg. “The University of Winnipeg’s researchers are on the cutting edge of discovery in areas such as visualizing climate change, machine learning, and high-speed computing, and we look forward to sharing their work with the world.”
Economic Development Winnipeg’s Bring It Home program encourages local business and community leaders to advocate Winnipeg as the city of choice for national and international meetings and conventions. Since its inception in 2012, Bring It Home has helped facilitate nearly 100 meetings, bringing more than 37,000 delegates to Winnipeg and generating estimated direct spending in excess of $40 million.
“We appreciate the importance of ensuring that sufficient supports exist for local influencers interested in attracting premier events to our city,” said Dayna Spiring, President and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg. “Collaborating with UWinnipeg to convince the Global Forum that Winnipeg is an exceptional setting for its 2017 digitalization conference is a step forward in the city’s efforts to raise its international ICT profile. Next October, I’m certain delegates will be wowed by Winnipeg’s ability to compete with the world within an ever-evolving sector.”
The Global Forum is an independent, international, self-sustained event that has been in operation for 25 years.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Diane Poulin, Senior Communications Specialist, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
Dr. Sylvie Albert, Dean, Faculty of Business & Economics, University of Winnipeg
Chair, Canadian Program Committee for Global Forum 2017
P: 204.786.9268 E: s.albert@uwinnipeg.ca
