Edinburgh, Scotland, to Host Microsoft’s European Government Leaders Forum 2007

EDINBURGH, Scotland — 20 Sept 2006 — Microsoft Corp today announced that the next European Government Leaders Forum (GLF) will be held in Edinburgh, Scotland, in early 2007. This two-day event will bring together the top government and education leaders from across Europe with a goal of improving cooperation between businesses; local, regional and central governments; and educational leaders to develop and encourage ICT solutions that have a positive impact on European governments and how they interact with and support their citizens.

The GLF provides a forum for government and academic delegates to formulate successful strategies in key areas relating to connected government, digital learning, employability skills and the transition to the knowledge economy. The 2007 event will be held in the unique setting of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, the first time GLF will have taken place within a working parliament.

“Microsoft is excited about the opportunity to host this prestigious event in such a unique venue,” said Raymond O’Hare, director of Microsoft Scotland. “Having the GLF in a working parliament offers the delegates a perfect setting to debate, challenge and share experiences on how governments get closer to their citizens, learn from best practices and partner for success in a way that boosts future economic growth across Europe”

The GLF in Edinburgh will be the fourth Government Leaders Forum to take place in Europe following the GLF in Lisbon in 2006, Prague in 2005 and the GLF in Rome in 2004. This will mark the first time the event will be held in the UK.