The Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC) hosted a ceremony to honour 40 winning international teams of the 2014 World Summit Award (WSA) and eight 2015 WSA Mobile global Champions for their pioneering innovation in the field of mobile content.
The three-day event showcased 500 mobile applications across 178 countries and eight main categories covering a range of key economic, social and business areas, from commerce and government to environment, health and education.
Focusing on originality, diversity and creative content, the 48 winning teams were selected by a jury panel of subject-matter experts within the framework of the United Nation’s World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) and represented 30 UN member states from the Middle East, Western Europe, North and South America, Africa, Russia, and South and East Asia.
Several key representatives from various Abu Dhabi Government entities were present at the ‘WSA 2015 – Mobile Content’ awards ceremony, which was held in Abu Dhabi, and witnessed the attendance of more than 400 local and international participants. Overall, 30 speakers shed the spotlight on a number of key m-content issues including excellence in mobile content, ways of supporting the UN’s Millennium Development Goals and operational innovation.
Commenting on the occasion, Rashed Lahaj Al Mansoori, Director General at ADSIC stated, “ADSIC continually seeks to reinforce its position as a platform for thought leaders and subject-matter experts and proactively contributes to positioning the emirate of Abu Dhabi as an ideal platform to celebrate and honor true innovators. ” “The breadth and sheer quality of innovation that was demonstrated during this event is a testament to the Information Society’s ongoing efforts to create new pioneering solutions that cater to all, on every level.” Al Mansoori added, “The successful exchange of insights and global learnings we , in the last three days were both inspirational and motivating, and we are proud to have provided a platform in the heart of the UAE’s capital for this key ICT gathering.” Dr. Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Police Central Operations and Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority were accompanied by Rashed Lahaj Al Mansoori, Director General at ADSIC and toured the Exhibition area, gaining first-hand insights into the mobile apps and solutions that were being showcased by the winners. The visiting guests also toured the ‘Ibtikari’ 2015 booth organized by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.
Prof. Peter A. Bruck, Chairman of the World Summit Award Board of Directors added, “Mobile devices are the closest and most critical things for people in today’s information society. Mobile penetration has already outnumbered the earth’s population. Access to mobile networks is today as important as clean water or basic foods. The challenge is to create exciting content and innovative applications that do more than just meet basic needs of communication. Content, applications and solutions that impact the daily lives of millions and that connect minds in a smart manner.” He added, “The WSA mobile Global Congress is the impressive showcase of products from all United Nations member states that make a difference and therefore have been selected by the WSA-mobile jury of global experts from 40 countries. The World Summit award addresses the social impact of mobile content and apps in the context of the UN focus on making the world sustainable and to create a true knowledge society.” Winners from the m-Government and Participation category included the Dubai Police app by Dubai Police GHQ.
Source : WAM News Agency for United Arab Emirates
