World Telecommunication Day highlights digital divide and ICT benefits

Kathmandu—Today, various countries around the world are celebrating ‘World Telecommunication and Information Society Day’ with a range of programs.

This day is observed annually on May 17 to raise awareness about the positive changes that can be brought to society and the economy through the use of the internet and information and communication technology (ICT), as well as to reduce the digital divide.

The term ‘digital divide’ refers to the disparity between individuals, communities, or regions with access to information and communication technology (such as the internet, computers, smartphones) and those without. It particularly highlights the availability and lack of internet services, skills to use technology, digital education, and access to information. While people in urban areas can easily use internet and online services, those in remote villages are deprived of such facilities, illustrating the digital divide.

World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated since 1969. It commemorates the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. The ITU’s plenipotentiary conference held in Malaga-Torremolinos, Spain, in 1973, formally recognized this day through Resolution No. 46.

Similarly, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) urged the United Nations General Assembly in 2005 to declare May 17 as ‘World Information Society Day’. With the aim of drawing attention to various issues related to the information society and the importance of information technology, the General Assembly passed a proposal in 2006 to observe this day annually.

According to the United Nations, the main objective of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is to spread awareness about the opportunities that can be achieved in society and the economy through the use of the internet and information and communication technology, as well as to create an environment that connects all citizens to digital access.