World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD)

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

Basic Information about WTISD

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) earlier known as World Telecommunication Day is observed annually on May 17 to raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.


Observed on: May 17

Organized by: UNESCO, UN, ITU

Introduced in: 2006 (UN Proclamation), 2006 (First Observation)

Observed: Worldwide


About World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD)

Every year May 17 is observed as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). The day earlier known as World Telecommunication Day to commemorate the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 17 May 1865. World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969.

In March 2006 UN General Assembly proclaimed to celebrate every year May 17 as World Information Society Day. The first World Information Society Day was celebrated on 17 May 2006.

In November 2006 ITU decided to observe both events on May 17 as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). On that basis UN has updated its resolution.

The main objective of celebrating this day is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.


Activities and Programs on WTISD

Programs and activities are conducted across the world to support the theme chosen for the year. Programs like joining hands with schools to to use the new technology to solve social challenges encounter in our daily lives. The observance also give importance to artificial intelligence and importance of inclusion of all. The use of artificial intelligence and technology to various sectors like healthcare, education, finance, agriculture, transportation, etc.


Theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD)

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2021 Theme is “Accelerating Digital Transformation in challenging times

Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2020 Theme was “Connect 2030: ICTs for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

WTISD 2019 Theme was “Bridging the standardization gap

WTISD 2018 Theme was “Enabling the positive use of Artificial Intelligence for All

2017 Theme: Big Data for Big Impact

2016 Theme: ICT entrepreneurship for social impact

2015 Theme: Telecommunications and ICTs: Drivers of innovation

2014 Theme: Broadband for Sustainable Development

2013 Theme: ICTs and improving road safety

2012 Theme: Women and Girls in ICT

2011 Theme: Better life in rural communities with ICTs

2010 Theme: Better City, Better Life with ICT

2009 Theme: Protecting Children in Cyberspace

2008 Theme: Connecting Persons with Disabilities: ICT Opportunities for All

2007 Theme: Connecting the Young: the opportunities of ICT


Click here for List of Important Days or UN Observations

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