World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

  In the area of infrastructure and networkdevelopment , identifying connectivity gaps in ICT and Digital infrastructures is key. The ITU Broadband Mapping (of its 193 Member States) activities make use of geospatial tools applied to telecom infrastructure, together with relevant data for identifying missing links. This allows the Development of projects and case studies for planning national broadband infrastructure deployment in support to digital transformation across sectors (e.g., financial inclusion, education, health). ITU mapping tools feed into partnership activities such as in school connectivity , financial inclusion and the use of ICT Business Planning for sustainable network development .

  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 ...

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 ...

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.

  ITU’s vision is an information and digital society , empowered by the interconnected world, where telecommunication/ICTs enable and accelerate social, economic and environmentally sustainable growth and development for everyone . As the specialized UN agency for ICTs , ITU’s mission is to Promote, facilitate and foster affordable and universal access to telecommunication/ICT networks , services and applications and their use for social, economic and environmentally sustainable growth and development. To work towards this vision and mission, ITU has a common strategy and accountability framework, called ‘ Connect 2030 ’. The Connect 2030 Agenda for Global Telecommunication/ICT Development focuses on how technological advances can contribute to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 . With the five goals:  i) Growth,  ii) Inclusiveness,  iii) Sustainability,  iv) Innovation and  v) Partnership. The Connect 203...

Data is critical to our Goal of connecting the world . It tells us where we were, where we are, what works and what does not. Data is a key ingredient of empirical research for establishing correlation, determining causality, identifying good practices, and designing effective interventions. ITU leads the global ICTs statistics agenda . It collects, actively uses the Data and Statistics to monitor digital divide , and disseminates vital information and carries out world-class research to Support evidence-based decision making towards universal and meaningful connectivity and sustained digital transformation : e.g., through ITU DataHub , ITU’s annual Facts and figures and ICT price trends , and the Digital Development Dashboard .