World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is observed every year on May 17. History World Information Society Day World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969, marking the founding of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973 as Resolution 46. World Telecommunication Day In November 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society called upon the UN General Assembly to declare 17 May as World Information Society Day to focus on the importance of ICT and the wide range of issues related to the Information Society raised by WSIS. The General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/60/252) in March 2006 stipulating that World Information Society Day shall be celebrated every year on 17 May. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day In November 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to celebrate both events on 17 May as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. Purpose The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. Theme for 2026 - Strengthening digital lifelines for a resilient and connected world In a world that increasingly depends on uninterrupted connectivity, the resilience of our digital networks is essential. Digital lifelines – terrestrial networks, submarine cables, satellites, and data systems – form the backbone of our communities and economies. Every day, invisible digital systems help keep the world running. They warn communities when disasters approach. Guide navigation across land, sea and air. Carry the data that connects continents. These systems form the digital lifelines that underpin modern life. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) calls on the world to strengthen resilient digital infrastructure that supports connectivity, public services and emergency response. Resilient digital infrastructure is the foundation of a connected, and inclusive world. Digital resilience underpins universal meaningful connectivity – the ability for everyone to access and use the Internet safely, affordably, and effectively. Resilience needs to be designed and included in every element of connectivity: submarine cables linking continents, terrestrial networks carrying data across cities, satellites supporting communication and navigation, and data centers powering digital services. When any part of this chain fails, essential systems, from finance and healthcare to transport and disaster response, are at risk. Today, many networks remain vulnerable in the face of growing threats, such as extreme weather events and mega earthquakes. Resilience ensures that digital systems are designed to withstand, adapt, and recover from disruption, protecting both lives and livelihoods. Source : UN