The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) celebrates World Telecommunication Day on May 17. It is officially known as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. The day emphasises the impact of the internet and other communication tools on society. Many sections of the world continue to encounter connectivity issues. This day aims to reach those areas and strives to bridge this divide.
World Telecommunication Day 2024: History
Since 1969, World Telecommunication Day has been observed on May 17 to commemorate the foundation of the ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865.
In November 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society requested that the UN General Assembly establish May 17 as World Information Society Day to highlight the importance of ICT and the wide range of topics presented by the World Summit on the Information Society.
World Telecommunication Day 2024: Significance
The goal of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is to raise awareness about the benefits that the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) can offer to society and economies.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, innovative technology can help address the world’s most serious issues, such as combating climate change and eradicating hunger and poverty.
Furthermore, digital technologies can help accomplish 70% of the UN Sustainable Development Goals’ ambitions by 2030. However, significant digital gaps stifle innovation in many parts of the world. Many countries are struggling to keep up with the rapidly evolving digital landscape due to a lack of policies, investment, and digital skills.
World Telecommunication Day 2024: Theme
This year’s theme, “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development,” focuses on the importance of leveraging new technical advancements that help build a brighter future while safeguarding the needs of future generations. The theme for the last year was “Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies.”
World Telecommunication Day 2024: Key Facts
According to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, everyone should have safe and affordable internet access by 2030, including the ability to use digitally enabled services meaningfully.
Digital divisions reflect existing social, cultural and economic disparities. The gender disparity in global Internet use is proof.
As per the UN, in two out of every three nations, men use the Internet more than women.
Migrants, refugees, internally displaced people, the elderly, children, individuals with disabilities, rural communities, and indigenous peoples all face similar issues.
Digital technologies offer new ways to stand up for human rights, but they are also frequently used to abuse it as well. Human rights should be central to the regulatory frameworks and legislation governing the development and use of digital technology.
Quotes And Wishes To Share
- “Don’t you think dreams and the Internet are similar? They are both areas where the repressed conscious mind vents.” –Yasutaka Tsutsui,
- “An efficient telecommunications network is the foundation on which information society is built.” –Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
- “Intuition becomes increasingly valuable in the new information society precisely because there is so much data.” –John Naisbitt
- Let us make efforts to create an informed, progressive and interconnected society. Happy World Telecommunication Day.
- Let us celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day by embracing the technology that keeps us all ahead and progressive in life.
Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a happy World Telecommunication Day.
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