Theme 2017: Big Data for Big Impact
The theme for WTISD-17, "Big Data for Big Impact," focuses on the power of Big Data for development and aims to explore how to turn imperfect, complex, often unstructured data into actionable information in a development context. The insight brought on by advanced analysis can strongly complement the evidence-based nature of decision-making that can be leveraged at national, regional and international levels to drive success towards attaining all 17 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
The theme for WTISD-17 is in line with ITU's work highlighting the technological developments that have facilitated the emergence of Big Data, developing standards related to Big Data and identifying sources and uses of Big Data, including use of Big Data technologies for developing and monitoring improvements in information societies.
Activities undertaken by the ITU Membership will contribute towards building political momentum to embrace Big Data and leverage insights to identify new opportunities to creatively address sustainable development challenges.
Membership Activities
The activities to be undertaken by ITU Membership, beginning as early as possible and continuing throughout the year, will contribute towards building momentum to further mobilize support for leveraging big data for development and as a mechanism to enable and accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals through ICT-enabled solutions and applications.
They will showcase and leverage relevant national and regional strategies and initiatives that demonstrate how big data is being used to deliver positive impact for communities and people around the world and to accelerate sustainable development.
Worldwide initiatives
Message from ITU Secretary-General
Every year on 17 May, the ITU membership around the world, celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day – a day to mark the founding of our Union over 150 years ago.
The theme for 2017 is "Big Data for Big Impact," which will explore the power of big data for development and examine the opportunities to convert unprecedented quantities of data into information that can drive development.
Read the full message
