The United Nations(UN) World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is annually observed on 17th May to create awareness of the possibilities of the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) in societies and economies.
- 17th May also marks the anniversary of the signing of the 1st International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The theme of WTISD 2022 is “Digital technologies for older persons and healthy ageing”.
The 2022 theme creates awareness of the important role of Telecommunications or ICTs in supporting people to stay healthy, connected and independent – physically, emotionally and financially.
Background:
i.World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969, marking the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865.
ii.It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973 as Resolution 46.
iii.In November 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society called upon the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to declare 17 May as World Information Society Day(WISD).
iv.The UNGA adopted resolution A/RES/60/252 in March 2006 and proclaimed the 17th May of every year as World Information Society Day.
v.In November 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to celebrate both events on 17 May as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day(WTISD).
- The day is observed as WTISD since 2007.
Secretary-General’s Roadmap For Digital Cooperation
The report titled “Secretary-General’s Roadmap For Digital Cooperation” lays out the roadmap in which all stakeholders play a role in advancing a safer, more equitable digital world, one which will lead to a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
About International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
ITU is a UN agency which coordinates telecommunication operations and services throughout the world.
It was founded in 1865 as International Telegraph Union, the ITU is the oldest existing international organisation.
Secretary–General– Houlin Zhao
Member– 193 member states
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
