WTISD 2024
Technology drives continuous innovation. Rapid digital innovation has become critical to accelerate sustainable development worldwide.
Digital innovation in the world
ITU’s work revolves around digital innovation. Check out these stories
In fact, digital technologies can help achieve 119 of the 169 targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – or about 70 per cent of SDG targets for 2030 – including in areas like climate action, education, and eliminating hunger and poverty.
At the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), innovation is at the heart of everything we do – from ensuring rational and efficient use of the radio-frequency spectrum and advancing equitable, affordable connectivity to promoting practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to protect our planet and improve people’s lives.
ITU’s strategic plan for 2024-2027 highlights the need for technology-centric innovation and entrepreneurship, coupled with innovative regulation to propel sustainable digital transformation in developing countries.
Today, the benefits of innovation remain unevenly distributed. The resulting innovation gap mirrors the global digital divide.
Despite investments in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, many countries struggle to adopt emerging technologies and adapt to the fast-changing digital world.
What you can do
The world needs new solutions, with a holistic approach to digital innovation spanning different countries and regions, sectors and industries.
Together, we need to:
- Develop conditions that enable digital innovation and entrepreneurship
- Adopt and share insights on emerging digital technologies
- Drive digital innovation that strengthens sustainable development
- Empower innovative entrepreneurs to create jobs
- Form innovative partnerships – locally, regionally and globally – to accelerate sustainable digital development
What’s your digital innovation?
How can your project or initiative help protect our planet and create prosperity for everyone, everywhere?
What is World Telecommunication & Information Society Day?
Celebrated every 17 May since 1969, the day commemorates the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the founding of ITU.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (#WTISD) focuses this year on “Digital innovation for sustainable development.”
Past World Telecommunication and Information Society Days.