The ICA 39th Conference, hosted by the Government of Austria, was held in the Salzburg Sheraton Hotel in Salzburg from 13-15 September 2005.

Each year ICA's officers identify an issue of vital importance in the realisation of its objectives as the theme for its Annual Conference. This year its theme was 'Anticipating the Citizen's Needs in the 21st Century'. Our 39th Conference was once again an opportunity to learn from the success of others in providing solutions for the interconnected world.

Over three days nearly 30 speakers from some 20 countries and international organisations asked the questions and provided the right answers, while nearly 80 delegates from 26 countries plus the European Commission and OECD each had the opportunity to add their knowledge and wisdom to this important issue.

ICA provides officials in national governments with a vehicle for addressing the key issues and emerging policies related to the development and implementation of e-Government and remains an international forum to support senior managers in the formulation of policies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government administration.

ICA therefore does not sit on the sidelines with respect to the Information Society. We are an interconnected world where each of us must play a role in shaping the vision and collaborating across jurisdictions. The 21st Century is truly a time of opportunity for government, as the global community and citizens' expectations become a reality.