TUNIS, TUNISIA — Nov 16, 2005 — Acting as the ambassador for the global information and communications technology industries, Intel Chairman Craig Barrett today spoke at the opening ceremony of the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society (UNWSIS) about a new era in economic history marked by ‘ideas as the new source of wealth.’

‘Technology enables businesses and individuals to participate in the global information society,’ said Barrett, who as Chairman and former CEO of Intel visits more than thirty countries a year. ‘The world has changed and geography is no longer destiny,’ said Barrett. ‘Technology enables every child in every small community to have the same opportunity.’

To be competitive in today’s information society, students need to develop 21st century skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration. Intel works with governments and educators to help today’s students develop these proficiencies through its education and digital inclusion programs in more than 50 countries.

‘The most valuable assets in the world today are ideas and the people who create and develop them,’ said Barrett. Intel makes significant investments in local companies that enable growth and technology adoption through Intel Capital, the company’s venture capital branch. To further support local innovation Intel has opened Platform Definition Centers based in Bangalore, Cairo, Sao Paulo, and Shanghai.

Read it all at the Intel Press Room.