ITU/93-3
2 March 1993
Original: English
 World Telecommunication Day
17 May 1993

Telecommunications and Human development
Celebrated annually on 17 May, the Day commemorates the founding of the Union in 1865, under the name "International Telegraph Union", by the plenipotentiary representatives of 20 States signatories of the International Telegraph Convention - the first intergovernmental treaty for the regulation of international telegraphy.
The theme of the 25th World Day, "Telecommunications and Human Development", is defined as being the role which telecommunications play in humanitarian action, the promotion of human rights, the universal availability of medical care, access to education, employment, environmental protection and economic development.
The World Day is celebrated in various ways at the national level; symposia involving users, the industry and policy-makers, televised discussions, radio programmes, press articles or open days are organized to take stock of telecommunication development in the perspective of the theme as well as to stimulate reflection and the exchange of ideas. Information on specific programmes of activities may be obtained from the national telecommunications administrations of ITU's 176 Member countries. 
This year's World Telecommunication Day should therefore be regarded as an opportunity for illustrating the role of telecommunications in fulfilling human needs from an national and international point of view.
To highlight the theme and help organizers and the media, supporting material can be obtained using the enclosed order form. It consists of the message by the ITU Secretary-General, colour posters, colour slides selected to help illustrate the topic chosen for the Day and films proposed for showing on the occasion of World Telecommunication Day. 
In addition, broadcasters can obtain, at no cost, a 60' audio cassette which includes sound tracks/effects and transcribed radio interviews. The non-edited material is made to suit each broadcaster's needs and minimize production time. A 6' video cassette illustrating the message of the Secretary-General is also available for TV stations. 
As far as the films listed in annex are concerned, a separate official request must be addressed to the ITU Film Library at the following address. 

ITU Film Library		
International Telecommunication Union		
Place des Nations		
CH-1211 GENEVE 20		
Telephone: +41 22 730 5248	Telex: 421000 uit ch	
Telefax: + 41 22 730 5326	Teletex: 228 46815100=uit