By Abdul Malik Bangura
Ambassador to the Republic of South Korea, His Excellency Omrie Michael Golley
Sierra Leone Ambassador to the Republic of South Korea, His Excellency Omrie Michael Golley has on Monday 25th September, 2017, been congratulated by the Korean Ministry of Science and Information Communications and Technology (MSIT) for successful Sierra Leone participation during the opening session of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) conference held in Busan City, South Korea.
Dilating on the purpose of the conference, during a phone call interview with this writer, Sierra Leone Ambassador to South Korea confirmed that the ITU conference is supposed to take place from Monday 25th to Thursday 28th September 2017, and has brought together companies and countries large and small, investors, innovators, projects and decision-makers. The conference, he said, is also geared to explore Industry Stands, National Pavilions, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs from around the world.
Ambassador Omrie Golley also confirmed the delight and commendation from the Korean Government, who he said expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Government of His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma for allowing a Sierra Leonean delegation, led by Honourable Sidi Tunis, Minority Chief Whip in the Sierra Leone House of Parliament, to participate for the very first time in the ITU Telecom World Conference in South Korea. Hence, he assured that the Korean Government as always is still committed in working with Sierra Leone.
In addition, Ambassador Omrie Golley said the decision of President Koroma’s government to let a delegation participate and showcase its potentials in this year’s ITU conference, is very timely as Sierra Leonean delegates were able to interact with other advanced countries which have made significant inroads in the areas of Information Communications and Technology (ICT). He said, Sierra Leonean delegates have now been fully briefed on the processes and the stages undertaken by leading countries like Korea, Senegal, Ghana and some Latin America states, on how they were able to make significant inroads in the areas of ICT. Hence, he expressed optimism that the fifteen (15) man delegation would re-energies the Sierra Leone ITC sector with the experience gained during the conference.
Furthermore, Ambassador Omrie Golley stressed that the decision to choose Busan as a perfect venue is as a result that Busan is internationally renowned as a leading exhibition and convention city, and that its convenient location at the heart of East Asia and its status as the first IoT-based smart city in Korea make it the ideal location for ITU Telecom World Conference.
According to a research by this writer, the conference comprises sessions on transforming the ICT sector. They delve on how the rapid growth of digital technologies is affecting traditional telecommunication companies, new internet players, niche markets, new global sectors and the roles of government.
In addition, the research shows that there is also a session on the shaping smart industries. This discloses how digital is creating new industry sectors and players through vertical markets, new technologies and applications.
Another session is also going to be held on digital citizens first. This one talks about the impact of transformation on us as individuals, citizens and societies. How can we make sure that the benefits of the digital economy are available to all – in areas such as digital content, public administration, data ownership and eSkills?
Following the opening session, Ambassador Omrie Golley has on Tuesday 26th September 2017, returned to his station in the Korean capital of Seoul, where he continues his good work at the newly established Sierra Leone Embassy in South Korea. Ambassador Omrie Golley confirmed that the Sierra Leonean delegation is due to leave South Korea later this weekend.
