World Telecommunication and Information Society Day


The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on 17 May, 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. 17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The updated Resolution 68 invites Member States and Sector Members to celebrate the day annually by organizing appropriate national programs with a view to:

  • stimulating reflection and exchanges of ideas on the theme adopted by the Council

  • debating the various aspects of the theme with all partners in society

  • formulating a report reflecting national discussions on the issues underlying the theme, to be fed back to ITU and the rest of its membership


FORUM: World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2020, May 17;

Connect 2030: ICTs for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The theme “Connect 2030: ICTs for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” highlights the ICT advances for transition to smart and sustainable development. It will focus on specific ICT-enabled solutions and emerging trends for fostering economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Connect 2030 Agenda is a shared global vision for the development of the telecommunication/ICT sector. Under its five strategic goals – Growth, Inclusiveness, Sustainability, Innovation and Partnership. The SDGs recognize that the spread of information and communications technology and global interconnectedness has great potential to accelerate human progress and to bridge the digital divide.


Statement from António Guterres; U.N Secretary-General on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2020; May 17;

Information technology can be a beacon of hope, allowing billions of people around the world to connect.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, these connections – with loved ones, with schools and colleges, with workplaces, with healthcare professionals and essential supplies– are more important than ever.

The International Telecommunication Union continues to work with the information and communication technology community and UN agencies to help manage and end this crisis, and recover better.

New technologies, from 5G and big data to cloud computing and artificial intelligence, are powerful tools to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, including the pandemic.

Leaving no one behind means leaving no one offline.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day reminds us that international cooperation on digital technology is essential to help defeat COVID-19 and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Thank you.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres.


Statement from ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2020, 17 May ;

Every year on May 17, people around the world join the ITU family to celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

This year, I call on all of you to join me in advancing ITU's Connect 2030 Agenda, a shared global vision to bridge the digital divide and use the power of information and communication technology in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

I invite you to show the world what new technologies like 5G and Intelligent Transport, the Internet of Things, AI and blockchain can do to improve people's lives and facilitate social and economic development.

These technologies and new innovations hold great potential for human progress; they are a powerful tool to achieve each and every one of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Almost half the world's population is still not using the Internet, and overall growth in ICT connectivity is slowing. Time is pressing.

We need to coordinate and redouble our efforts to connect everyone to the global digital economy, and that for those connected, more must be done to ensure that connected life is safe and trustworthy.

On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day and for this new decade, let's harness information and communication technology to accelerate social, economic and environmentally sustainable growth and inclusive development for everyone, everywhere.


​ ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao.


World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is on the 17 May 2020. The ITU explains how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. International Telecommunication Union


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