World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (W.T.I.S.D.) is celebrated every year on May 17 to raise global awareness of the potential that the Internet and information and communication technology (I.C.T.) can bring to society and the economy. It’s also to help raise awareness of ways to bridge the digital divide. The Internet and I.C.T. have proven to be essential in facing the world’s challenges in the digital era. And global cooperation is required to decrease the digital divide so that all can access new technologies and connect.
History of World Information Society Day
World Telecommunication Day was first celebrated on May 17, 1969. It’s to mark the founding of the International Telecommunication Union and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. In March 2006, the U.N. General Assembly proclaimed May 17 annual World Information Society Day. In November 2006, the I.T.U. Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to celebrate both telecommunication day and information society day on May 17 as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
I.T.U. is a specialized agency of the United Nations in charge of things related to information and communication technology. Being the oldest U.N. agency, it was established as the International Telegraph Union. At first, I.T.U. was aimed at helping connect telegraphic networks between nations. I.T.U. later adopted the name International Telecommunication Union in 1934 due to its expanded responsibilities over radio and telephone. I.T.U. agreed with the United Nations to become a specialized agency in the United Nations System on November 15, 1947, which came into force on January 1, 1949.
I.T.U’s based in Geneva, Switzerland, and its global membership includes 193 Member States and around 900 international and regional organizations, companies, and universities. Its work involves allocating global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, developing technical standards, and improving access to I.C.T. for all underserved communities. Besides, I.T.U. does work for amateur radio, radio astronomy, broadband, wireless technologies, and next-generation networks. We are benefitting from I.T.U’s work, such as making phone calls via mobile, accessing the internet, and emailing.
World Information Society Day timeline
Founding members sign The International Telegraph Union in Paris.
The International Telecommunication Union becomes an agency of the United Nations.
World Telecommunication Day holds its first celebration.
The day changes its title to World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
World Information Society Day FAQs
What is the theme of World Telecommunication Day 2022?
“Digital technologies for Older Persons and Healthy Aging.”
What is the role of Telecommunication?
Telecommunication is an important tool that enables companies to communicate effectively with customers and deliver good customer service.
Which country has the fastest internet?
Three countries with the fastest average mobile internet speeds as of October 2021 are China (168.28 Mbps), Saudi Arabia (164.81 Mbps), and Bulgaria (153.72 Mbps.)
How to Observe World Information Society Day
Join a virtual event
I.T.U. generally holds virtual events. Join an online event connecting with people globally.
Educate yourself more
Learn more about the Internet and information and communication technology. A world awaits you!
Share the day with people
Go on social media platforms and post #WorldTelecommunicationAndInformationSocietyDay. Ask people to join you in celebrating this day!
5 Facts About Technology You Need To Know
Nokia wasn’t just connecting people
Before mobile phones, Nokia made toilet paper, tires, computers, and other electronics.
Computer user’s reaction to the screen
The average computer user is said to blink only seven times in a minute.
Google was supposed to be Googol
The founders accidentally searched for the domain name ‘google.com’ instead of ‘googol.com.’
YouTube was made for love
YouTube was initially meant to be a dating site where people upload videos of themselves.
Tweets sent every second
Around 6,000 tweets are sent on Twitter every minute.
Why World Information Society Day is Important
They are essential
In this digital era, the Internet and I.C.T. are essential. Hopefully, awareness-raising from this day forward can soon lead to access to the internet and I.C.T. for everyone.
We can connect globally
No matter how far we are from each other, the Internet and I.C.T. have proven to help us connect. We can work remotely, study remotely, or join a forum remotely.
We can find so much
With the internet, we can find so many things on it. There is so much information we can find. Whatever we’re looking for, there’ll always be something.
World Information Society Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 17 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 17 | Sunday |
| 2027 | May 17 | Monday |
| 2028 | May 17 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | May 17 | Thursday |
