International Days
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
May 17th 2024
On May 17th we celebrate the Telecommunication and Information Society Day, which is an occasion to reflect about the digital innovation that plays a key role in building a sustainable future. It’s a chance to raise awareness about the digital divide that strongly characterizes our days and to commemorate the evolution of telecommunication and its impact on social and economic progress.
On this day in 1865 the International Telecommunication Union was founded, and the first International Telegraph Convention was signed: within it in the article 18 is written that “Members recognize the right of the public to correspond by means of the international service of public correspondence. The services, the charges and the safeguards shall be the same for all users in each category of correspondence without any priority or preference”.
This celebrating Day aims at a collaboration that can lead to the development of telecommunications infrastructure in developing countries, by focusing on a different issue every year: this year the theme is Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development.
But why is facing this challenge so important? Because of the central role that information and communication technologies (ICT) have in the daily life of the worldwide population: in fact during this day we the importance of technological growth in the transformation of sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education as well as providing access to digital financial services that can contribute to a reduction of poverty is highlighted.
Furthermore, let’s think about the connection provided by telecommunication among beloved ones that live abroad or the freedom of sharing news and different points of view during critical periods. But in this kind of context, it’s fundamental to make sure to include everyone, in order not to increase the inequality that already exists.
How can you celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day? Here is some advice:
- Spread awareness
- Create engaging content
- Join online events
- Share stories of digital transformation
- Reflect about critical moments during which connectivity allowed you to stay in touch with people you love
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