WTISD: information society Day

World Telecommunications  And Information Society Day 17 May

World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD) is an annual event celebrated on May 17th 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. The event is organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that is responsible for issues that concern information and communication technologies. The theme of WTISD changes each year, and focuses on a specific aspect of the use of ICTs in society.

Back Ground:

The ITU, the UN specialized agency responsible for WTISD, was founded in 1865 and is the oldest existing international organization. It is based in Geneva, Switzerland and its mandate is to coordinatetelecommunication operations and services throughout the world. The ITU is divided into three sectors: the Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), the Development Sector (ITU-D), and the Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T).

The ITU-D sector is in chargeof promoting and developing international cooperation to support the needs of developing countries. This sector also helps to bridge the digital divide by providing technical assistance, sharing best practices and fostering regulatory cooperation.The ITU-T sector, on the other hand, is responsible for developing and promoting global technical standards for information and communication technologies (ICTs). These standards help to ensure that ICTs are interoperable and work seamlessly across different networks and platforms.

WTISD is an opportunity toraise awareness of the importance of ICTs and the role of standardization in promoting economic and social development. It also serves as a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and best practices in the use of ICTs, and to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the information and communication technology sector.

HISTORY

WTISD was first celebrated in 2006, and since then it has been celebrated annually on May 17th. The date was chosen to commemorate the founding of the ITU on May 17, 1865. The theme of the first WTISD was "Bridging the Standardization Gap." Since then, the themes havefocused on various aspects of the use of ICTs, such as "Enabling the Positive Use of ICTs," "ICTs and Climate Change," and "ICTs for the Sustainable Development Goals."

The event is celebrated globally, with events and activities organized by governments, industry, and civil society organizations.These activities include conferences, workshops, and exhibitions that focus on the use of ICTs to address specific challenges in areas such as education, health, and the environment.

WTISD is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of ICTs in promoting economic and social development, and to encourage the use of thesetechnologies to bridge the digital divide and bring the benefits of the digital age to all. It also serves as a reminder of the need to continue to invest in the development of infrastructure and policies that support the growth of the information and communication technology sector.

Why do we mark international Day? 

International days are marked to raise awareness and promote action on important issues that affect the global community. They provide an opportunity for individuals, organizations, andgovernments to come together and focus on a specific theme or cause. Marking an international day can also serve as a reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done.

WTISD is marked to raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information andcommunication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. It highlights the importance of ICTs in promoting economic and social development, and encourages the use of these technologies to bring the benefits of the digital age to all.

Marking WTISD is also an opportunity to reflect on the role of ICTs in addressing global challenges such as education, health, and the environment, and to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the information and communication technology sector. It also provides a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and best practices in the use of ICTs and to discuss ways to further advance the information society.