Arlington, VA--The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has announced that Nicholas Negroponte, founder of the One Laptop Per Child project and the MIT Media Lab, will deliver an Industry Insider address as part of a new International CES program focused on the role of technology in economic development. Produced by CEA, the 2008 International CES, January 7-10, 2008.

Negropontes address is slated to take place during the new CES program, Technology and Emerging Countries: Advancing Development Through Technology Investments, which is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9. The program consists of an opening and closing keynote address, several panel sessions and demonstrations of the technologies that are being used by developing nations. It will delve into the role consumer technology plays in long-term development and the future growth and sustainability of emerging markets. Negroponte will deliver the closing keynote address of the program.

Nicholas Negroponte is the perfect person to deliver this address and help us launch this important new emerging markets and technology program at the International CES, said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. As the International CES expands it reach globally and draws government leaders from across the globe, it creates an important forum for discussion on how best to leverage technology to foster long term growth and development in emerging countries. Nicholas One Laptop Per Child project is a terrific example of how technology can help educate and empower children in the developing world.