World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
Celebrated this year under the theme: ‘Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day has been observed on May 17 every year since 1969 to highlight the contribution of technology in bringing social and economic changes as well as the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) to bridge the digital divide. The Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU in 1865, which led to the formation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). World Telecommunication Day also advocates for ending the digital divide and highlights the technological achievements of the last few decades.
Focal point
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) focuses this year on “Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies.” Taking place on 17 May 2023, on the Day ITU calls on the public and private sectors to make pledges for universal connectivity and digital transformation in these countries through its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.
Historical background
International Telecommunication Union announced World Telecommunication Day on May 17, 1969, when the first International Telegraph Convention was signed in 1865. In 2005, the Information Society’s World Summit petitioned the United Nations General Assembly to declare May 17 as World Information Society Day (WISD). In March 2006, both days were combined into World Telecommunication and Information Society Day during a Plenipotentiary Conference in Turkey. Since then, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is held each year on May 17.
InNations calls for bridging the gap between the haves and the have-nots.
On this auspicious occasion, the InNations joins the world in marking this important Day by reaffirming its steadfast efforts to advocate for access to information and communication technologies—the World Economic Forum and the UN estimate that nearly half of the global population remains offline. The company believes that the benefits of technology should reach every person, home and organization. InNations would therefore take this opportunity to call on governments to redouble their efforts to bridge the digital gap between the haves and the have-nots by strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors.