Following on from the success of the Iraq Security, Technology & Communications (ISTC) Summit in September 2006, the Iraqi Government has requested that a second event takes place to tackle Iraq’s key ICT & Education requirements.

Hence we are proud to announce Iraq’s ICT & Education Summit to take place in the UAE, 27-28 February 2007.

A central pillar of Iraqi Government strategy is to form and strengthen relationships with leading international operators who can bring best in breed technology, training and management skills to the country.

The Iraq Development Program (IDP) is proud of its achievements in bringing the leading Iraqi Government decision makers to a safe and secure environment to spend time meeting companies who can offer practical and technological solutions to improve security and communications. The first ISTC Summit had a high quality Iraqi delegation of over 40 officials from both the Central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

The Iraq ICT & Education Summit will be hosted by:

Key Content

The following is a breakdown of the key areas that will be covered by the summit. This includes each ministry specifically detailing their most important contracts and funded projects that require immediate fulfillment.

Communications
• Building secure voice and data communications networks
• Mobile telecommunications infrastructure and equipment
• Microwave transmission systems
• Nationwide fixed line backbone
• Wireless local loop
• LAN and WAN solutions in government buildings

Technology
• Modernisation of IT infrastructure
• Digitising critical data records and the creation of government databases and management systems
• Modernisation of banking and financial databases
• Procurement of IT equipment and services to establish network interfacing of hardware and software
• Establishing uniform software standards
• Implementation of VSAT internet connectivity
• Development of a centralised online procurement system
• IT Training and education

Education
• Building Ministry of Education capacity - planning, consulting and construction of schools
• Educational and curricular consulting
• Equipment and material supplies (including IT and computing equipment)
• Provision of schoolbooks throughout all schools
• Pens, pencils, pastels, crayons, finger paints, modeling clay, gouache, watercolours and erasers
• Class desks, boards, scientific equipment, laboratories and sports clothing
• The promotion and establishmend of E-learning
• Teacher training (including specialised technology training for Ministry staff and teachers)
• Implementation of the Education Management Information System (EMIS)
• Installation of computer labs in higher education institutes
• Establishing connectivity and internet access in student labs and university campuses
• Development of the Iraqi Virtual Science Library for scientists and educators
• Development of computer literacy and youth-orientated IT-clubs
• Establishment of accredited training centres for programmers and IT students

Each ministry has a set of priority assignments and will be using this official summit to determine the best partners and suppliers to work with. The summit will provide an essential forum for all businesses interested in working with Iraqi Government ministries and quoting on key contracts.