Archived Newsroom • Media Advisory |
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World Telecommunication and Information Society Day ceremony on 17 May
ITU Award presentation to President Tarja Halonen of Finland,
Sam Pitroda and Kristin Peterson
Geneva, 12 May 2011
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What:
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World Telecommunication and Information Society
Day ceremony
World Telecommunication and Information Society
Award presentation
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When:
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Ceremony: 17 May 2011, 11:00 am
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Where:
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ITU: Popov Hall,
Place des Nations,
Geneva
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Why:
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17 May 2011 marks the 146th
anniversary of ITU’s establishment in 1865.
World Telecommunication and Information Society
Day
raises awareness of the full potential of the Internet and other
information and communication technologies (ICT)
for the benefit of people everywhere, as well as
of ways to bridge the digital divide.
The theme for 2011 is
“Better life in rural communities with ICTs”.
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Who:
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Awards will be presented by ITU
Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré to three
eminent laureates:
H.E. Tarja Halonen, President
of Finland
Mr Sam Pitroda, ICT innovator
and Adviser to Prime Minister of India
Ms Kristin Peterson, CEO of
Inveneo
The 2011 laureates are cited for their
leadership and dedication in promoting ICTs as a
means of providing a better life through global
sustainability, particularly in rural
communities.
Ministers, Heads of Mission to UN in Geneva
(UNOG), and Heads of UN agencies will attend.
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Media information
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UN Press accreditation is valid, but
registration is requested.
Others must seek accreditation at
http://groups.itu.int/wsis-forum2011/Register/MediaAccreditationProcedure.aspx
Press opportunity: With laureates and ITU
Secretary-General
on 17 May at 12:30
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Background information
The theme of this year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society
Day, “Better life in rural communities with ICTs” aims to create
fresh opportunities through long-term, sustainable development, not least among
the most vulnerable and under-served sections of society who live in rural
communities.
ICTs are essential in helping us accelerate progress towards meeting the
Millennium Development Goals. In the rural context, ICTs provide enhanced
opportunities to generate income and combat poverty, hunger, ill health and
illiteracy. ICTs and related
e-applications are key instruments in improving governance and rural services,
such as providing community health care, safe drinking water and sanitation,
education, food and shelter; generating gainful employment and livelihood;
improving maternal health and reducing child mortality; empowering women and the
more vulnerable members of society; and ensuring environmental sustainability.
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Twitter:
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For more information, please visit
www.itu.int/wtisd/
or contact:
Sanjay Acharya
Chief, Media Relations and Public Information, ITU,
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