World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

The first WSIS+20 preparatory meeting with Member States and observers will be held on 30 May 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1 to discuss expectations and inform the intergovernmental process. In December 2003, the global community gathered in Geneva at the first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) , declaring a shared commitment to “build a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society.” This milestone launched a sustained effort to harness information and communication technologies (ICTs) for sustainable development , initially contributing to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The resulting Geneva Plan of Action established 11 Action Lines to guide progress in key areas. The United Nations General Assembly recognized the outcomes of the Geneva phase in its resolution 59/2202 . The second phase of WSIS, held in Tunis in 2005, built upon the Geneva outcomes and adopted the Tunis Agenda, which addressed additional dimensions...

  Every time you turn on the radio or television, board a plane, call home, go online, use GPS, check the weather, or view satellite images, you use a vital service coordinated by ITU. Tune in to #ITU160 years of tech for humanity and how you are #ConnectedByITU via land, sea, and space! On  May 17th ,  World Telecommunication and Information Society Day , join us for a first-ever light show projected onto the iconic ITU Tower, opposite the United Nations Office at Geneva, as part of Geneva Museum Night . Sixteen slides projected on the 15-storey ITU Tower will show highlights of 160 years of technology for humanity , embodying innovation, countries, organizations and people working together, shared achievements and resilience. You will hear from inspiring speakers as to how they are #ConnectedByITU , from the sea to the sky. How to participate? If you’re in Geneva, come to the Esplanade adjacent to the ITU headquarters buildings , near the Place des Nations. If y...

May 17th marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The effects of digital exclusion are interconnected, limiting not just individual potential, but also the resilience of communities and the performance of economies. On individuals : When women and girls gain digital access and skills , they unlock educational, professional, and social opportunities, from becoming entrepreneurs to obtaining essential health, financial and government services. On communities : Inclusive digital participation fosters stronger, more resilient communities by ensuring diverse perspectives and locally relevant solutions. When women and girls benefit from and contribute to digital transformation , communities are strengthened by increased innovation and greater social cohesion. On economies : Equality for all women and girls fuels economic growth by driving diversity, innovation, and productivity. According to the IMF, narrowing gender gaps in labor markets could boost GDP by up to 8% in emerging and developing economies.

  10 young women are emerging leaders, advancing digital transformation and development in meaningful ways across diverse sectors and communities. Their work addresses real-world challenges — from digital literacy and online safety to broadband connectivity and responsible AI — bringing forward solutions that make technology more effective and accessible to al l. As part of the ITU160 Gender Champions initiative , they will travel to Geneva to participate in the WSIS+20 High-Level Event , the AI for Good Global Summit , and ITU’s 160th Anniversary commemorations from 7–11 July 2025 . Launched on the occasion of ITU’s 160th Anniversary, the ITU160 Gender Champions initiative aims to recognize and support young women who are contributing to digital development and transformation worldwide. With support from the Government of Canada, the initiative provides a platform for 10 young women leaders (ages 18–25) to share their work, engage with global stakeholders, and help shape the ...

  To help close the gender digital divide, we invite you to: Promote gender-responsive policies  that enable women’s active participation in the tech sector Ensure equal access to digital skills  and training for women and girls Foster global partnerships  across governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to  scale impact Check out the Advocacy toolkit to support the campaign Find resources and opportunities to mark WTISD-25 and help close the digital gender gap.  Get involved

  This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, a global blueprint for advancing women’s rights. The Beijing+30 Action Agenda includes targeted actions to close the digital gender gap — from expanding digital infrastructure to increasing representation in tech leadership. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The ITU strives to be a model organization for gender equality, utilizing ICTs to empower both women and men . Encouraging young women and girls to pursue STEM studies and careers is one way ITU advances gender equality and women's empowerment, while also highlighting the value that women bring to the tech sector​. ITU’s work aligns closely with these efforts through its initiatives, resolutions, and partnerships including: Resolution 70 and Gender Equality and Mainstreaming (GEM) policy and action plan The EQUALS Partnership , co-founded by ITU, the United Nations University (UNU), UN Women, the International Trade Centre (ITC) and GSMA in 2016 Girl...

Digital technologies have the power to accelerate progress across every sector of society, yet that potential remains out of reach for many. Of the 2.6 billion people still unconnected, the majority are women and girls . The  Gaps in access and affordability of the internet and digital devices , as well as limited digital skills , continue to hinder the participation of women and girls in today’s economy and in shaping tomorrow’s digital solutions . Bridging this divide is essential to unlocking new pathways for economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development . The  World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2025 highlights the pressing need to advance digital gender equality , so that women and girls everywhere can also benefit from and contribute to digital transformation. As the world marks 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action , WTISD-25 is a critical moment to accelerate collective action that ensures digital transformation delive...

The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) marks the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – the United Nations agency for digital technologies. In 2025, ITU commemorates its 160th anniversary, highlighting ITU's long-standing role in advancing global connectivity and fostering international cooperation . ITU 160: Technology for all and for good From the phone in your hand to the satellites in the sky, ITU – the UN agency for digital technologies – is at the heart of international cooperation that brings the benefits of technology to people everywhere. As ITU observes its 160th anniversary in 2025, we are seizing this moment to shape a better digital future for all. During this anniversary year, we’ll be engaging with all stakeholders on how to connect the unconnected, fast-track sustainable digital development, and empower people to use digital technologies to drive meaningful change . Join us in observing 160 years of advancing global ...

Despite progress, inequality remains a barrier to digital inclusion . According to Facts and Figures 2024 : 70% of men use the Internet globally , compared to 65% of women, a gap that leaves 189 million more men online than women worldwide. While the digital gender gap has narrowed in many developed countries, it has widened in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where only 29% of women are using the internet compared to 41% of men. Gaps persist not only in access, but also in affordability, digital skills , participation in STEM , and leadership in the tech sector . These gaps not only disadvantage women and girls, they also hinder economic growth, innovation in countries around the world, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .  

The 160 years are not only a milestone for ITU, but a commemoration of the shared progress we’ve made in creating a connected, inclusive world. Watch the message from Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, for ITU's 160th anniversary.

First established as World Telecommunication Day, the international observance has been held annually on 17 May since 1969. It was formally instituted by the 1973 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos through Resolution 46. In 2006, it was merged with World Information Society Day to become World Telecommunication and Information Society Day ( WTISD ), reflecting the growing significance of the Internet and digital technologies.  The observance aims to raise awareness of the power of the Internet and other technologies to improve lives and bridge the digital divide . Learn more