World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is an annual event celebrated globally to raise awareness about the significance of communication and information technology in our lives, as well as to bridge the digital divide and promote an inclusive information society. The observance of this day is aimed at stimulating reflection and exchanging ideas on the theme adopted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, ultimately highlighting the potential of telecommunication and information technology tools to transform societies and economies.

This special day has its roots in 1865 when the ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations for information and communication technologies, was founded. Celebrated every year since 1969, the World Telecommunication Day (WTD) was combined with the World Information Society Day (WISD) in November 2005 to form the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. The significance of this day lies in its focus on fostering international cooperation through telecommunication networks, technology-based infrastructure, and innovative applications to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and health care.

In South Africa, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is commemorated on the 17th of May each year. This day marks an opportunity for the country to reflect on its achievements in harnessing technology and connectivity, while also identifying areas where further improvements can be made in order to continue building a digitally inclusive society.

Facts about World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

• The theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day in 2024 was Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development. The theme in 2022 was Digital technologies for Older Persons and Healthy Ageing.
• The first ever theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day in 1969 was The role and activities of the Union.
• South Africa has one of the highest mobile penetration rates in Africa, with more than 90% of the population owning a mobile phone.
• The National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper, adopted in 2016, sets out a vision for South Africa to become a "globally competitive and inclusive knowledge-based digital society" by 2030.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

Top things to do in South Africa for this observance

• Explore the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day's 2021 advocacy toolkit. The toolkit focuses on digital transformation which is about improving people's expereinces and wellbeing.
• Watch a Documentary to learn more about Telecommunication and Information Society in South Africa:
  1) Connections - (1978): While not solely focused on South Africa, this BBC documentary series provides a broad overview of the history of telecommunication technology.
  2) Project Code: Rush - (2000): It’s a documentary that shows how the internet is introduced in Africa, with South Africa at the foreground.
• Take part in online Awareness Campaigns: There might be campaigns on social media or in communities to raise awareness about internet safety, cyberbullying, or digital citizenship.