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World Telecommunication Day 2025, observed on 17 May, marks the 160th anniversary of ITU with the theme “Why Gender Equality in Digital Transformation Matters.” Learn its history, significance, and India’s telecom evolution.
PWOnlyIAS
May 17, 2025
World Telecommunication Day 2025, officially known as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), is observed annually on May 17. This global event aims to raise awareness about the potential of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) in transforming societies and economies. The day also underscores the critical need to bridge the global digital divide, making digital innovation inclusive and accessible for all.
In 2025, the importance of World Telecommunication Day is more pronounced than ever, as the world marks both 160 years of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action, a milestone for gender equality.
World Telecommunication Day 2025 was observed on 17 May 2025 (Saturday), marking the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This global observance highlights the transformative power of digital technologies and raises awareness about the importance of bridging the digital divide, especially for women and girls.
With the theme focused on “Why gender equality in digital transformation matters”, this year’s celebration aims to accelerate progress toward inclusive and equitable access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
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| World Telecommunication Day 2025 Overview | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Event Name | World Telecommunication Day 2025 |
| Date | 17 May 2025 |
| Established By | International Telecommunication Union (ITU) |
| Observed Since | 1969 |
| Occasion | 160th Anniversary of ITU |
| Theme for 2025 | Why gender equality in digital transformation matters |
| Purpose | To raise awareness about the importance of ICTs and bridge the digital divide |
| Key Focus Area (2025) | Promoting digital inclusion for women and girls |
| Global Importance | Accelerates digital development, innovation, and sustainable growth |
| Related Initiative | World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) |
The roots of World Telecommunication Day date back to 17 May 1865, when the first International Telegraph Convention was signed in Paris, leading to the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Since 1969, this day has been observed annually to commemorate ITU’s foundation and its continuing contributions to global connectivity.
In 2005, recognising the expanding importance of the Internet and ICTs, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) urged the United Nations to declare 17 May as World Information Society Day. By 2006, both observances were merged into World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), strengthening the combined focus on telecommunication and digital transformation.
The World Telecommunication Day 2025 theme is “Why Gender Equality in Digital Transformation Matters”. This theme draws global attention to the persistent digital gender divide, which continues to limit the potential of women and girls in the digital world.
These inequalities not only harm women’s potential but also hinder economic growth, innovation, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The WTISD 2025 theme calls for urgent and collective action to ensure equitable access to digital resources and opportunities for all genders.
The telecommunication history in India spans nearly 170 years, beginning in 1851 when the first landline services were established near Kolkata by the British. By 1881, formal telephone services had been introduced, and in 1883, they were integrated with India’s postal system.
The telecommunication in India spans over many years, evolving through several transformative stages:
Despite rapid growth, the sector still faces challenges like regulatory hurdles, customer service demands, and affordability concerns. Nonetheless, India’s telecom landscape remains a global case study in digital democratisation.
World Telecommunication Day 2025 places strong emphasis on bridging the digital divide, especially for women and marginalised communities. With 2.6 billion people still offline globally, of whom a large majority are women and girls, the digital divide is a major development barrier.
The answer lies in both history and progress. World Telecommunication Day commemorates the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1865. Since then, ITU has led the development of global communication standards and networks, contributing significantly to worldwide digital advancement.
The purpose of celebrating this day is to:
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World Telecommunication Day 2025 serves as a global call to action to bridge digital divides, empower underserved communities, and ensure that digital transformation is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. From its historic origin in 1865 to its evolution as a day celebrating the power of ICT, this day remains vital in promoting connectivity and innovation.
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