Purpose: The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is to help raise awareness concerning the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) and the advantages to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. The 17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union. The objectives of the day are to Stimulate reflection and exchanges of ideas on the theme adopted by the Council, to Debate the various aspects of the theme with all partners in society , to formulate a report reflecting national discussions on the issues underlying the theme, to be fed back to ITU and the rest of its membership

FORUM: ‘‘Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development.’’ World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024. Building a sustainable future demands innovative thinking and action, especially in the digital world. The celebration of WTISD 2024 is a chance to explore how digital innovation can help connect everyone and unlock sustainable prosperity for all. Innovative tech can help tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, from fighting climate change to eliminating hunger and poverty. In fact, digital technologies can help achieve 70% of targets under the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Yet glaring digital gaps hinder innovation in many parts of the world. The lack of policies, investment, and digital skills leaves many countries struggling to keep up in the fast-changing digital landscape. What will the future of digital innovation look like and what role do all of us play? Be part of the conversation. Follow the conversations with the hashtags #DigitalInclusion, #EveryoneIncluded, #wtisd, #17May, #InformationSocietyDay, #TelecommunicationDay, #InnovateForProsperity.

EVENT: ITU’s 159th anniversary. The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024 will be observed on May 17th at ITU in Geneva. As we commemorate ITU's 159th anniversary, we also celebrate the boundless potential of digital innovation for prosperity. Our hour-long event will bring together digital experts and innovators on a global journey, exploring digital hubs around the world where innovation thrives. Register to participate to the event; Step into the future with us on WTISD on 17 May 2024, broadcasting live from the ITU TV studio in Geneva.

Ask an ITU Innovation expert; If you have questions about the challenges hindering global innovation? Curious about actionable solutions to overcome these hurdles? Join the ITU Live Q&A on May 10th to learn from ITU Digital Innovation Ecosystem Expert, Mohamed Ba. RSVP

COURSES & TRAININGS: Prepare for future financial services priorities; Investigate the future of FinTech and learn to think strategically about problems faced by real businesses. Apply now!. Share how your digital innovation is helping to build a better future. Submit your innovation story!

STATEMENTS: Read the ITU Secretary-General statement on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024, May 17th and the United Nations Secretary-General statement on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024, May 17th.

PODCASTS: Harnessing the Power of Tech. Experts and innovators chat about digital impact. Let’s advance a safer, more equitable digital world, one which will lead to a brighter and more prosperous future for all. Listen to the audio-podcasts!

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: The whole world needs digital innovation.
Together, we can make it happen. Innovate For Prosperity. Help raise awareness about the global innovation gap, promote digital inclusion, and spur action to close the digital divide. The ITU can’t do it alone. Join us in this journey towards prosperity through innovation. The visual materials of the campaign are free to use for non-commercial purposes.​ Get the campaign Materials!

PUBLICATIONS: Road map for digital cooperation: implementation of the recommendations of the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation.