ITU160 Light show

On 17 May, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day,
ITU marks 160 years of technology for humanity with a light show at the Place des Nations in Geneva — also streamed live on ITU’s social media platforms.

Every time you turn on the radio or television, board a plane, call home, go online, use GPS, check the weather, or view satellite images, you use a vital service coordinated by ITU.

On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, 17 May, join us for a first-ever light show projected onto the iconic ITU Tower, opposite the United Nations Office at Geneva, as part of Geneva Museum Night.

Sixteen slides projected on the 15-storey ITU Tower will show highlights of 160 years of technology for humanity, embodying innovation, countries, organizations and people working together, shared achievements and resilience.
 
You will hear from inspiring speakers as to how they are #ConnectedByITU, from the sea to the sky.

How to participate

If you’re in Geneva, come to the Esplanade adjacent to the ITU headquarters buildings, near the Place des Nations. If you’re elsewhere, tune in online—you can stream the light show on our social media platforms: Facebook, YouTube, or ITU Webcast live.

Programme

21:00 Welcome
Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General
Ms Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General, UN Office at Geneva
Ms Shahad AlBalawi, International Representation Director, Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST)
21:10 #ConnectedByITU
Mr Alan Roura, Swiss skipper who completed his third consecutive Vendée Globe in 2024
Mr Claude Nicollier, first Swiss astronaut with the European Space Agency
21:45 First light show (English)
22:00 Further light shows (French and English), DJ Leo
23:00 Closing

Meet the speakers

Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin

With over three decades of leadership experience in global telecommunications policy, Ms. Bogdan-Martin has emphasized the need for digital transformation to achieve economic prosperity, job creation, skills development, gender equality, and socio-economic inclusion, as well as to build circular economies, reduce climate impact, and save lives.

Her historic election by ITU Member States in S​eptember 2022 made her the first woman ever to head the 160-year-old organization.

Known for mobilizing innovative partnerships, she aims to promote meaningful connectivity, intensify cooperation to connect the unconnected, and strengthen the alignment of digital technologies with inclusive sustainable development.​​

Mr Claude Nicollier

Claude Nicollier was born in Vevey, Switzerland. He pursued studies in physics at Lausanne and astrophysics at Geneva, ultimately becoming an astrophysicist. In 1978, he was selected as part of the first group of astronauts for the European Space Agency (ESA). Subsequently, he was assigned to the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas, where he completed full training as a Mission Specialist for the U.S. Space Shuttle programme.

Mr Nicollier flew on four Space Shuttle missions. During his final spaceflight to do repair work on the Hubble Space Telescope, he conducted a spacewalk, becoming the first European Space Agency astronaut to do so during a Space Shuttle mission. In 2007, he was appointed full professor of SpaceTechnology at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has received numerous awards and honors.


Shahad Albalawi
International Representation Director (CST) and the Vice-Chair of TDAG (ITU)

A dedicated leader in national and international initiatives, driving efforts to empower women and youth in the ICT and Space sectors. As International Representation Director, she has led impactful projects and partnerships. Currently serves as Vice-Chair of the ITU Telecommunication Development Advisory Group and is the first Saudi woman in an ITU leadership role. Also an active member of the advisory board of the ITU-D Network of Women.


Ms Tatiana Valovaya

Tatiana Valovaya is the 13th Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva and the first woman to occupy the position.

Ms. Valovaya has more than 35 years of experience in public service, diplomacy, and journalism. She began her career as a reporter to The Economic Gazette in Moscow (1983-1989) before serving the Government of the Russian Federation in various capacities, including as the Third and Second Secretary at the Russian Permanent Mission to the European Union in Brussels (1989-1994) and Deputy Director and subsequently Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Russian Federation (1999-2012).

Ms. Valovaya joined the Eurasian Economic Commission in 2012 as a Member of the Board and Minister in charge of integration and macroeconomics of the Eurasian Economic Commission, the executive body of the Eurasian Economic Union.

Ms. Valovaya graduated from the Department of International Economic Relations of the Moscow Financial Institute. She holds a Ph.D and a Doctorate of Economic Sciences from the State Financial Academy, Moscow.

Mr. Alan Roura


Raised on the shores of Lake Geneva and shaped by 11 years sailing the world aboard his family’s boat, Alan Roura discovered his passion for offshore racing early. At just 20 years old, he completed the prestigious Mini Transat. 

Three years later, he became the youngest competitor to finish the Vendée Globe, the “Everest” of the seas, and returned for a second participation in 2020. In 2019, he secured the solo North Atlantic record.

In 2024, he once again set off on the solo round-the-world race, which he completed for the third consecutive time at just 31 years old.

Throughout his journey, Alan Roura has been #ConnectedByITU.