Celebrating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, 17 May 2021

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is celebrated on 17 May annually. The day marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Hyderabad: Telecommunication and information are the backbones of any society. The difficult pandemic situation has not only highlighted the critical role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for the continued functioning of societies but has also brought to the fore the startling digital inequalities between and within countries.

What is Telecommunication?

Communication which is done over a distance by cable, telegraph or broadcasting is known as telecommunication. In other words, we can say that it is the transmission of signals, messages, words, writings, images and sounds or any kind of information. Without technology, the exchange of information between communication participants is not possible.

The theme of World Telecommunication Day 2021:

The theme for this year is ‘Accelerating digital transformation in challenging times’ focusing on the critical role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for the continued functioning of societies during the COVID-19 pandemic and bringing to the fore the startling digital inequalities between and within countries.

From children's school education to adults' working from home and important activities like banking and even just staying in touch with family, the role played by telecommunication has become crucial. ''The COVID-19 has also brought to the fore the startling digital inequalities between and within countries,'' according to the International Telecommunication Union.

World Telecommunication Day history :

The Day commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 17 May 1865. On 17 May 1969 first time, World Telecommunication Day was celebrated annually, marking the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. 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. In March 2006, the General Assembly adopted a resolution that World Information Society Day shall be celebrated every year on 17 May. In November 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey decided to celebrate together World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on 17 May. The theme was adopted by the Council annually and celebrates it by exchanging ideas and methods for making communication better.

Importance of World Telecommunication Day :

The day is celebrated with an aim to raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the internet can have to bridge the gap in society and economies and the digital divide. The celebration of the day makes a way for increasing awareness of positive communication technology among people in the world.

The celebration of the day also aims for making information and communication easily accessible to people living in remote parts and rural areas of the world.

The day also highlights the importance of communication in our lives through various technologies. In a crisis, technologies developed by scientists help the authorities in spreading messages and official communication.