The United Nations (UN’s) World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is observed every year on May 17 across the globe to raise awareness about the transformative power of the Internet and other Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in enhancing quality of life and narrowing the digital divide.
- In 2025, the day gains special significance as it marks the 160th anniversary of the Geneva (Switzerland)-based International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
2025 Theme:
The theme for WTISD 2025 is “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation”, focusing on closing digital gender gaps in access, skills, leadership, and affordability.
Background:
i.17 May was designated as World Telecommunication Day in 1969 to commemorate the founding of ITU on 17 May 1865, when the First International Telegraph Convention was signed in Paris (France).
ii.In November 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) urged the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to declare 17 May as WISD. The UNGA adopted this in March 2006.
iii.In November 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to combine both observances into WTISD, celebrated annually on 17 May.
Global Digital Gender Divide:
According to the ITU’s Facts and Figures 2024:
i.70% of men versus 65% of women globally use the internet, leaving 189 million more men online than women.
ii.In Least Developed Countries (LDCs), only 29% of women use the internet compared to 41% of men, widening the gap.
iii.The Asia-Pacific region reports 68% male and 64% female internet usage.
iv.Women remain underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields (less than 30% globally) and tech leadership roles.
Note: Currently, over 2.6 billion people remain unconnected to the internet, with the majority being women and girls.
Link to Beijing+30 and Digital Inclusion:
The 2025 WTISD coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPFA), a landmark agreement for women’s rights. The Beijing+30 Action Agenda includes targeted measures to:
- Expand digital infrastructure in rural and marginalized areas.
- Promote gender-responsive policies in tech education and employment.
- Increase funding for women-led tech startups.
2025 Event:
To commemorate its 160th anniversary, ITU organized a special light show titled “160 Years of Technology for Humanity” at the Place des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, on 17 May 2025.
- The event symbolizes ITU’s legacy in fostering global connectivity since 1865 and its commitment to a gender-inclusive digital future.
Telecommunication in India:
India’s telecommunications journey began in 1851 with the establishment of the first operational landlines near Kolkata, West Bengal(WB) by the British.
- Formal telephone services were introduced in 1881, and by 1883, these services were integrated with the postal system, laying the foundation for a unified communication network in the country.
- As of March 2025, India’s telecom subscriber base has surpassed 1.2 billion, reflecting robust growth across both wireless and broadband segments.
About International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
Secretary General (SG) – Doreen Bogdan Martin
Headquarters – Geneva (Switzerland)
Established – 1865
Member States – 194
