WTISD 2015

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17 May 2015, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD 2015)

17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union. This year, 2015, marks the 150th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union

ITU150 Awards

On the occasion of ITU's 150th Anniversary, ITU150 Awards were launched to recognize individuals past and present from government, ICT industry, academia, and civil society that have contributed to improving lives of world citizens through ICT innovations developed, promoted or implemented by ITU.

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Theme WTISD 2015

Telecommunications and ICTs: Drivers of innovation

The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. 17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union.

Member States and Sector Members are invited to celebrate the day annually by organizing appropriate national programmes with a view to:

stimulating reflection and exchanges of ideas on the theme;
debating the various aspects of the theme with all partners in society;
formulating a report reflecting national discussions on the issues underlying the theme, to be fed back to ITU and the rest of its membership.

Message from ITU Secretary-General

This year, 2015, marks the 150th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union. Established in 1865, ITU has reaffirmed its reputation worldwide as one of the most resilient and relevant organizations and continues its work as the specialized agency of the United Nations, and its oldest member, dealing with state-of-the-art telecommunications and information and communication technologies.

The remarkable history of ITU exemplifies its stellar role in connecting the world to the most advanced and innovative means of communication, from the days of the telegraph to the Internet and mobile broadband, which now allows us to be in touch anytime, anywhere with friends, family, colleagues and even things.

As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we look back with pride at our accomplishments. And we look forward to the future as we respond to the rapid changes in the global ICT environment.

The innovations with and from ICT and the implementation of these technologies pervade every aspect of our lives. ICTs are also the catalysts for shaping the post-2015 development agenda and achieving our goals for sustainable development.

Throughout 2015, we will organize several events highlighting ICTs as the drivers of innovation at ITU and around the world to mark this landmark 150th anniversary. I invite you to celebrate with us and participate in the events, providing your support as well as your contributions in order to fulfil our commitment to connect the world.

I wish you a very productive 150th anniversary in 2015.

Houlin Zhao

ITU Secretary-General