World Telecommunication Day [May 17]

World Telecommunication Day is observed on May 17 every year since 1969 to highlight the contribution of technology in bringing social changes. This day also marks the signing of the International Telegraph Convention in 1865, which led to the formation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). World Telecommunication Day also advocates for ending the digital divide.

In 2006, the ITU decided that May 17 would be celebrated as both Telecommunication Day and Information Society Day. So the day is also known as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. Find out more details about the history, theme and significance of this day.

World Telecommunication Day 2023

World Telecommunication Day is remembered to honour the formation of the ITU or the International Telecommunication Union on May 17, 1865. The signing event of the very first International Telegraph Convention located in Paris, France also took place on this date. World Telecommunication Day was established by the United Nations in 1969.

Emphasizing the need for information and communication technologies, World Telecommunication Day also highlights the technological achievements of the last few decades. A brief overview of the day is shared in the table below.

World Telecommunication Day Theme 2023

The ITU announces a new World Telecommunication Day theme every year. The themes generally focus on the social impact of technology and its future scope. World Telecommunication Day theme 2023 is yet to be announced by the ITU.

In 2022, the World Telecommunication Day theme was “Digital technologies for older persons and healthy ageing”. In 2021, the theme was “Accelerating digital transformation in challenging times”. World Telecommunication Day theme 2021 was important because

• It showcased the impact of ICTs on society during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• It highlighted the astonishing digital inequalities that exist between and within countries.
• It called for an end to the digital divide.

World Telecommunication Day Theme (2013-2023)

Check out the World Telecommunication Day theme from the year 2013 to 2023 here.

World Telecommunication Day: Objective

Many rural and remote locations do not have access to the same level of telecommunication as urban locations do. World Telecommunication Day aims to highlight this and encourage people to work towards ending this unfair divide.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day also raises awareness that first-world countries get better access to tech. This day encourages people to investigate this difference with the aim of making it equal for everyone.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day: History

World Telecommunication Day and Information Society Day used to be two separate events. In 2006, ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Turkey merged the two events, which are now celebrated on the same day. Here is more information about the history of World Telecommunication Day.

• International Telecommunication Union announced World Telecommunication Day on May 17, 1969, the date when the first International Telegraph Convention was signed in 1865.
• In 2005, the Information Society's World Summit petitioned the United Nations General Assembly to declare May 17 as World Information Society Day (WISD).
• In March 2006, both days were combined into one World Telecommunication and Information Society Day during a Plenipotentiary Conference in Turkey.
• Since then, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is held each year on May 17.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day: Significance

World Telecommunication Day is celebrated for the purpose of promoting awareness of the potential of the Internet to overcome societal and economic divisions and the digital divide. Find out why World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is so significant below.

• This day highlights the role of information and communication technology and the internet in bridging the social gap.
• World Telecommunication Day encourages people to work towards ending the digital divide.
• This day also highlights the people who lack access to or cannot afford the technology.
• World Telecommunication Day aims to make tech accessible to everyone.

FAQs on World Telecommunication Day

Q1. When is World Telecommunication Day celebrated?

World Telecommunication Day is observed on May 17 every year. This day commemorates the signing of the International Telegraph Convention in 1865, which led to the formation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Q2. What is the World Telecommunication Day theme 2023?

The International Telecommunication Union announces a new theme for World Telecommunication Day each year. The themes focus on the impact of technology on society. World Telecommunication Day theme 2023 is yet to be announced.

Q3. Why is World Telecommunication Day celebrated?

The major goal of commemorating World Telecommunication is to raise public awareness about the potential of using the Internet. This day also highlights the contribution of technology in bringing the world closer together. Moreover, a key aim of World Telecommunication Day is to bridge the digital gap.

Q4. What was the theme of World Telecommunication Day 2021?

In 2021, the theme of World Telecommunication Day was “Accelerating and enhancing digital transformation in difficult times.” This theme displayed the impact of information and communication technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q5. What is celebrated on May 17?

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is celebrated on May 17. This day is recognized by the United Nations and is organized by the International Telecommunication Union every year.