TEC Program Highlights Access to Technology as a Basic Human Right
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today announced that
Craig Barrett, chairman of Intel Corp., and John Chambers, chairman and CEO of
Cisco, will speak at the 2009 International CES ® as a part of the
second annual Technology and Emerging Countries Program (TEC), which focuses on
the role technology plays to further economic growth. Produced by CEA, the 2009
International CES, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology,
returns to Las Vegas, January 8-11, 2009.
The TEC program, which will be featured as a keynote session at the 2009 CES,
is scheduled for 1 – 4 p.m., Friday, January 9, in the Venetian’s Palazzo
Ballroom.
“The Technology and Emerging Countries program at CES is an excellent
opportunity for industry and government leaders to discuss technology’s impact
on developing economies and share ideas for future advancement,†said Gary
Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “Craig Barrett and John Chambers are
long-time advocates for education and sustainable development in emerging
countries. Their commitment to innovation and passion for utilizing technology
for economic growth are inspirations, and we are thrilled to welcome back these
compelling speakers to the 2009 International CES.®
Craig Barrett has served as chairman of the board of Intel Corp. since May
2005, and has been a leading advocate for improving education in the U.S. and
around the world. He is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide
in raising social and economic standards globally. In addition to serving as
Intel’s chairman, Barrett also is chairman of the Intel Foundation which
contributes tens of millions of dollars to education and nonprofit organizations
in communities around the world. Barrett is also chair of the United Nations
Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development
(UN GAID), and co-chairs the Business Coalition for Student Achievement and the
National Innovation Initiative Leadership Council. Through his role with the UN
GAID, Barrett partnered with the International Telecommunications Union and
World Bank to develop the Connect Africa initiative to improve Internet
connectivity across the continent. He is also one of the business executives
co-leading the “Partnership for Lebanon,†delegation in partnership with the
U.S. State Department to provide resources for the reconstruction of Lebanon.
John Chambers is chairman and CEO of Cisco. Since January 1995, when he
assumed the role of CEO, Chambers has grown the company from $1.2 billion in
annual revenues to approximately $40 billion. In November 2006, he was named
Chairman of the Board, in addition to his CEO role. Chambers plays an active
role in philanthropic activities worldwide. Chambers recently traveled to China
with other U.S. private and public sector leaders as members of a U.S. Business
Roundtable delegation. Cisco has committed $45 million to support rebuilding
efforts in China's earthquake-affected Sichuan Province. He also received the
Award for Corporate Excellence for Cisco’s partnership with His Majesty King
Abdullah II of Jordan and the World Economic Forum to develop the Jordan
Education Initiative, to improve education to Jordan’s citizens. Chambers was
also on the forefront of the 21 st Century School Initiative, working to improve
educational opportunities for the Gulf Coast areas affected by Hurricane
Katrina. Additionally in 2006, in partnership with the U.S. State Department, he
co-led a delegation to form the “Partnership for Lebanon,†a group of
business leaders working to provide resources for the reconstruction of Lebanon.
The 2009 International CES will feature more than 2,700 exhibitors debuting
their latest consumer technology products across 30 product categories including
digital entertainment, wireless, digital imaging, audio and more. For more
information and to register to attend the 2009 International CES, visit www.CESweb.org, the
interactive source for CES information.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is
the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $161 billion U.S.
consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of
CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical
training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and
strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES –
Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge. All profits from CES are
reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.
Follow the 2009 International CES on Twitter at http://twitter.com/2009CES and visit
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CES Page on Facebook.