A new year is now here, as is a new ITU-T study period.  I wish everyone a prosperous new year and best wishes as you begin work in the new study period.

As most of you probably know, I will no longer be actively involved in ITU-T activities, including SG16 where I have worked for the past 18 years.  It was a truly wonderful experience and an honor to have worked alongside so many talented researchers, scientists, and engineers to lead in the creation and development of packet-based multimedia communication systems.  I'm very proud of the success we have collectively achieved.

As those who know me well can attest, I am never complacent.  I still believe there are many opportunities ahead for improvement and creation of revolutionary multimedia technology that can improve the everyday lives of people around the world.  I look forward to some amazing results over these next four years from SG16.