Kathmandu, May 17: Annually, on May 17, nations worldwide unite to observe World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. This occasion serves as a reminder of the beneficial effects that the internet and information and communication technology (ICT) can exert on our society and economy. The theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026 is ‘Strengthening digital lifelines for a resilient and connected world.’ The phrase “digital divide” refers to the disparity between individuals who have access to information and communication technologies—such as the internet, computers, and smartphones—and those who do not.
It particularly underscores the variations in internet accessibility, technological proficiency, digital education, and information access. Often, individuals residing in remote villages do not have the same access to these resources as those in urban areas, where internet and online services are easily accessible. World Telecommunication Day has been commemorated since 1969, coinciding with the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the signing of the inaugural International Telegraph Convention in 1865.
The day was officially acknowledged by the ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos, Spain, in 1973 through Resolution No. 46. In 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) urged the United Nations General Assembly to designate May 17 as World Information Society Day. The General Assembly consented to celebrate this day each year, adopting a resolution in 2006 aimed at enhancing awareness regarding various issues associated with the information society and the importance of information technology. As stated by the United Nations, the primary objective of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is to foster awareness of the opportunities presented by digital communication.
