World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

May 17, Friday

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is celebrated annually on May 17. This day was established by the UN and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to raise awareness about the importance of using information and communication technologies (ICT) for the development of society and the economy.

History
World Telecommunication Day was first established in 1969 to commemorate the founding of the International Telecommunication Union, which was established on May 17, 1865. In 2006, the UN General Assembly merged this day with World Information Society Day, adding a focus on the importance of the digital society.

Objectives of the Day:

Raising awareness about how the Internet and ICT can reduce the digital divide and contribute to economic and social development.
Accelerating the digitalization process: focusing on technologies and their role in developing the digital economy.
Addressing global challenges: each year, a theme is chosen related to current issues such as cybersecurity, digital inequality, or sustainable development.

Themes of the Day in Different Years
Each year, the ITU selects a specific theme that reflects contemporary challenges in the field of ICT. For example: 2021: "Accelerating digital transformation in challenging times." 2022: "Digital technologies for older persons and healthy aging." 2023: "Enabling innovation for connectivity improvement."

Significance for Society
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day highlights the importance of digital technologies for economic development, improving access to education and healthcare, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and poverty.

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World Telecommunication and Information Society Day in other years

2021 May 17, Monday
2022 May 17, Tuesday
2023 May 17, Wednesday
2025 May 17, Saturday

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day in other countries