1 April 2014, 13:30 - 14:15 Room D       Be part of ITU 150 Join this historic event by becoming a partner of the anniversary or by organizing activities within your country or region. Contact itu150@itu.int for further information on how to get involved in ITU150.

2015 Marks ITU's 150th Anniversary

​On 17 May 2015 ITU will be celebrating 150 years since the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telegraph Union. For a century and a half since 1865, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has been at the centre of advances in communications - from telegraphy through to the modern world of satellites, mobile phones and the Internet. The story of ITU is one of international cooperation, among governments, private companies and other stakeholders. The continuing mission is to achieve the best practical solutions for integrating new technologies as they develop, and to spread their benefits to all.

The information session " ITU turns 150 in 2015" will provide participants at WTDC-14 with an overview of past ITU anniversaries, and present the different modalities for ITU Membership to contribute to commemorate 150 years of global collaboration to connect the world.

Format

• Opening remarks : Dr Hamadoun I. Touré, Secretary-General, ITU
• Why ITU 150 is important
  Mr Nasser Bin Hammad, Chair of the Council Committee for the preparation of the 150th anniversary celebrations
• Overview of preparatory work conducted by the Secretariat
  Ms Doreen Bogdan, Chief, Strategic Planning and Membership Department, ITU
• Open discussion

The session will be moderated by Paul Conneally, Head of Communications, ITU