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World Telecommunication & Information Society Day, 17 May 2021

Theme: "Accelerating Digital Transformation in challenging times".

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) has been celebrated annually every 17 May since 1969 to mark the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865.

The COVID-19 crisis has not only highlighted the critical role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for continued functioning of societies but has also brought to the fore the startling digital inequalities between and within countries.

ITU Members have stepped up and engaged in activities that have proven essential in saving lives and sustaining economies. They have demonstrated their remarkable resilience in the face of challenging times.

At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgency of accelerating digital transformation and advancing the goals and targets of the Connect 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind.

WTISD 2021 is an opportunity for ITU membership to continue to push for digital transformation by promoting national strategies on ICT development, smart policies to encourage investments, cooperation, and partnership. ITU invites you to actively participate in commemorating the theme of WTISD 2021, "Accelerating Digital Transformation in challenging times", throughout the year with national, regional, and international initiatives to accelerate digital transformation as highlighted in the Call to Action.

Webcast Live | Archives
High-level event

Resources

ITU Secretary-General's circular letter for Member States, Sector Members, Associates and Academia
- CL-21/002
- CL-21/20
Message from the ITU Secretary-General
Advocacy toolkit: Accelerating digital transformation in challenging times
Call to Action
Promotional materials (posters)
Video and photographic footage requirements
Connect 2030 Agenda
Related WSIS Forum events (English only)
Read stories of digital transformation on ITU News
ITU COVID-19 website
Concept note WTISD 2021
Resolution 200 (Rev. Dubai, 2018) - Connect 2030 Agenda for Global Telecommunication/ICT Development
Resolution 71 (Rev.Dubai, 2018) - Strategic plan for the Union for 2020-2023\
Digital collection of WTISD since 1969

WTISD-21 celebrations around the world

We invite ITU membership and all stakeholders to organize activities in their country and region to mark WTISD-2021. These events raise awareness of the importance of getting all stakeholders around the world involved in " Accelerating digital transformation in challenging times" and to showcase relevant initiatives for digital transformation to improve the lives of people and communities around the world

Worldwide initiatives

ITU Podcasts

What is Digital Transformation? What does it mean for industry, government, and citizens? And what can we expect from a digitally transformed world? World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, has been celebrated all around the world every year on the 17th of May, since 1969, it marks the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. This year its focus is on “Accelerating Digital Transformation in challenging times". Tune in to hear from digital transformation experts at ITU, and in Niger, Trinidad and Tobago, Kenya, South Africa and Estonia.

This podcast is the ninth episode of “Technology for Good"- an ITU podcast series that focuses on how technology is helping to shape the world around us. Listen now...and don't forget to like and subscribe to be the first to hear the next episode! Available on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more.

Presented and directed by: Maximillian Jacobson - Gonzalez
Produced and written by: Philippa Young
Edited by: Jo Barratt