World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is celebrated all over the world on 17th May. The purpose of celebrating the WTISD is to raise awareness about digital technologies and it is believed that information and communication technology can help in bringing closer the diverse economies and societies.  May 17 also marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

History of World Telecom Day and Information Society Day

The International Telecommunication Union, ITU was founded on May 17, 1969. Therefore, May 17 is celebrated every year as ‘World Telecommunication Day’ since 1969.

In Nov 2005, the UN general assembly declared May 17 as world Information society day to focus on the importance of Information and communication technology. After this, on this day, World Information Society Day started to be celebrated with ‘World information Society Day’ from the year 2006 but in Nov 2006, ITU Plenipotentiary Conference decided to celebrate both events together on 17 May as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

Theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2020

The theme for WTISD 2020 is “Connect 2030: ICTs for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s theme highlights the ICT transition to smart and sustainable development. The theme focuses on ICT- emerging trends for fostering economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The agenda connect-2030 has five strategic goals – Growth, Inclusiveness, Sustainability, Innovation, and Partnership.

Importance of Telecommunication and Information technology

In today’s modern era, phone, internet, social media have become the basic needs of the people. Life without it seems quite difficult. The inventions in telecommunication around the world made people’s lives manifold easier. Along with this, there comes a significant development in the standard of living. These achievements of telecommunication and information technology have brought revolutionary changes.  On this day, this revolution in the field of telecommunication and information is appreciated.

Information source: https://www.itu.int/en/wtisd/2020/Pages/default.aspx