World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is an official United Nations day of observance. It is held annually on 17 May to promote the potential of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve societies and economies worldwide.
The day also marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialized agency for ICTs.
2018 theme: Enabling the positive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for All
In recent years there has been significant progress in AI technology. AI-based technologies are now emerging as a key component of tools and applications being used to help people lead better lives by improving healthcare, education, finance, agriculture, transportation, and a wide range of other services.
At ITU headquarters in Geneva, the day will be marked by an interactive forum with female astronauts and the first female private space explorer, to share existing and potential AI-based technologies in space travel and exploration. The female astronauts will also share their own inspiring examples of breaking gender barriers in the field of space science.
WTISD-18 will coincide with the second edition of the
Artificial Intelligence for Good Global Summit at ITU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
What: Interactive forum with female astronauts and space explorer on the topic of leveraging AI for space travel and exploration, to mark World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2018 and the establishment of ITU.
Event Programme.
When: 17 May 2018, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (UTC +1) *** CLICK TO WATCH THE WEBCAST ***
Where: ITU, Popov Room – entrance through Montbrillant Building only.
Why: AI technology has advanced significantly and is now recognized as a valuable ICT tool towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The female perspectives presented in this event will be valuable towards bridging the digital gender divide.
Who:
- Liu Yang, Astronaut and Pilot; first Chinese woman in space
- Yelena Kondakova, Russian Cosmonaut; first woman to make a long-duration spaceflight
- Samantha Cristoforetti, Astronaut and Pilot; first Italian woman in space
- Anousheh Ansari, Member & Chair of Management, XPRIZE Foundation Board of Directors, Space Ambassador; first female private space explorer
For more information, please see
www.itu.int/wtisd
Join the commemoration on social media using the hashtag #WTISD
