2016 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day observed with theme ICT entrepreneurship for social impact

May 17: World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

The 2016 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) was observed on 17 May 2016.

This year, WTISD focused on the theme ICT entrepreneurship for social impact. The theme was in accordance with Resolution 68 and as endorsed by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council 2015.

The theme for WTISD-16 was in line with ITU’s work in unlocking the potential of ICTs for young innovators and entrepreneurs, SMEs, and others.

Background

• The purpose of WTISD is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies can bring to societies and economies.

• 17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union.

• World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969. It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973.

• In November 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society called upon the UN General Assembly to declare 17 May as World Information Society Day.

• The General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/60/252) in March 2006 stipulating that World Information Society Day will be celebrated every year on 17 May.

• In November 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to celebrate both events on 17 May as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

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