World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is celebrated annually on May 17. This day is an international day proclaimed in November 2006 by the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey. The United Nations’ message for World Telecommunication Day is to applaud the ITU for its efforts to boost global connectivity by 2030, and to encourage everyone to help close the digital divide and create a more sustainable and equitable future
History of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
- The day was previously named as ‘World Telecommunication Day‘ to celebrate the International Telecommunication Union’s foundation on May 17, 1865. It was established by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973.
- The primary goal of the day was to increase global awareness of the societal changes caused by the Internet and new technology. It also intends to assist bridge the digital gap.
- World Information Society Day-Following the 2005 World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 17 as World Information Society Day.
- World Telecommunications and Information Society Day. In November 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, resolved to mark both milestones on May 17.
Themes of the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024
- 2024 – The power of digital innovation in advancing sustainable development and prosperity for al
- 2023 – “Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies”
- 2022 – “Digital technologies for older persons and healthy ageing”.
International Events around the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024
- Digital innovation can help tackle the world’s most pressing challenges – Digital technology have the potential to help accomplish 70% of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from combating climate change to eliminating hunger and poverty. Building a sustainable future requires more imaginative thought and effort in the digital age than ever before.
