The United Nations (UN)’s World Development Information Day (WDID)is annually observed across the globe on October 24 to create awareness of the world development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them.
Background:
i. The UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/3034(XXVII) in 1972 and declared October 24 as World Development Information Day every year.
ii. The 1st World Development Information Day was observed on 24th October 1973.
Why October 24?
i. World Development Information Day is marked on the same day as United Nations Day, which was formed on October 24, 1945.
ii. The day (October 24) coincides with the date of the adoption (A/RES/2626(XXV)) of the International Development Strategy for the 2nd UN Development Decade in 1970.
Significance:
i. The UNGA aims to improve the dissemination of information and the mobilization of public opinion, particularly among young people, which would lead to greater awareness of the problems of development.
ii. The purpose of observing WDID is to enhance the spread of information on global development issues.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs):
i. According to the UN, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is a key to eradicating poverty and unemployment and the importance of building a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society.
ii. During the UN Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), it was recognized that ICTs are facilitating the flow of information between governments and the public.
Science and Technology:
i. The UN states that Science and technology are linked to economic development.
ii. It is also one of the most effective means of eradicating poverty and stimulating economic growth through the acquisition, adaptation and application of new technologies.
New Solutions to Development Challenges:
ICTs have the potential to provide new solutions to development challenges, particularly in the context of globalization.
- It can promote economic growth, competitiveness, access to information and knowledge, poverty eradication, and social inclusion that will help to expedite the integration of all countries into the global economy.
About United Nations General Assembly (UNGA):
President- Csaba Kőrösi
Headquarters- New York, United States (US)
Establishment- 1945
