World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2023: Date, History, Facts

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2023: World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (W.T.I.S.D.) is observed annually on May 17 to increase global awareness of the social and economic benefits the Internet and information and communication technology (ICT) can offer. It also aims to increase awareness of methods for bridging the digital divide. In the digital era, the Internet and ICT have proved indispensable in addressing the world’s challenges. And global cooperation is necessary to reduce the digital divide so that everyone has access to new technologies and can communicate.

HISTORY OF WORLD INFORMATION SOCIETY DAY

The first World Telecommunications Day was observed on May 17, 1969. It commemorates the 1865 establishment of the International Telecommunication Union and the first International Telegraph Convention. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed May 17 as World Information Society Day in March 2006. In November 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to observe both World Telecommunication and Information Society Day and Information Society Day on May 17.

ITU is a specialised United Nations agency in control of information and communication technology-related matters. As the earliest agency of the United Nations, it was founded as the International Telegraph Union. Initially, I.T.U. intended to connect telegraphic networks between countries. In 1934, the ITU changed its name to the International Telecommunication Union to reflect its expanded responsibilities in radio and telephone. On November 15, 1947, I.T.U. reached an agreement with the United Nations to become a specialised agency within the United Nations System, which went into effect on January 1, 1949.

ITU is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and its membership consists of 193 Member States and approximately 900 international and regional organisations, corporations, and universities. Its responsibilities include the allocation of global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, the development of technical standards, and the enhancement of ICT access for all underserved communities. In addition, ITU works on radio astronomy, radio amateurism, broadband, wireless technologies, and next-generation networks. As a result of I.T.U’s efforts, we can make mobile phone calls, access the internet, and send emails.

HOW TO CELEBRATE WORLD INFO SOCIETY DAY

Join a virtual event

Generally, ITU conducts virtual events. Join an online event that connects individuals from around the world.

Increase your level of knowledge

Internet and information and communication technology education. A universe awaits you!

Spend the day with others

Utilise the hashtag #WorldTelecommunicationAndInformationSocietyDay on social media platforms. Invite others to join you in celebrating this occasion.

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5 FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TECHNOLOGY

Nokia wasn’t just connecting people.

Prior to producing mobile phones, Nokia manufactured lavatory paper, tyres, computers, and other electronic devices.

Computer user’s response to the display

The typical computer user reportedly blinks seven times per minute.

Google was to have been Googol

The founders mistakenly searched for the domain name ‘google.com’ as opposed to ‘googol.com.’

YouTube was created out of affection

YouTube was originally conceived as a dating website where individuals could upload videos of themselves.

Twitter messages sent every second

Every minute, approximately 6,000 messages are sent on Twitter.

WHY THIS DAY IS IMPORTANT

They are necessary

Internet and ICT are indispensable in this digital age. Everyone will have access to the internet and information and communication technologies (ICT) in the near future, if this day’s awareness-raising efforts are successful.

We can network universally

No matter how far apart we are, the Internet and ICT have proved to facilitate communication. We can work remotely, study remotely, and participate in online forums remotely.

We can discover so much

With the internet, we can find an abundance of information. There is so much available information. Whatever it is that we seek, there will always be something.