Equitable access to digital technologies isn’t just a moral responsibility, it’s essential for global prosperity and sustainability. - Houlin Zhao– ITU Secretary-General
Every year World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is observed on May 17.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is observed to bring attention to the importance of the Internet and to demonstrate the Internet's ability to connect societies.
It focuses on the use of information and communication technologies to reduce the digital divide between people across the globe.
It was first established in 1969 by the UN General Assembly as World Telecommunications Day, then in 2006 by the UN General Assembly, and it was merged into one day in 2006.
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted information technology and communication technology more than ever before.
In times of lockdown and forced confinement, digital technology is the only way to stay in touch with friends, family and others.
World Telecommunications Day celebrates the constant evolution of communication and it is one of the most important aspects of daily life.
The objective of World Telecommunications Day 2022 (WTD) is to showcase the importance of communication and how information can be shared across different continents.
The organization strives to make people aware of the crucial role communication plays in our everyday lives, as well as to promote technological advancement in this area.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has designated this year's World Telecommunication and Information Society Day as "Digital technologies for the elderly and healthy aging."
According to the International Telecommunication Union, the aging of the global population will be the defining demographic trend of the 21st century, and society is struggling to find the opportunities this trend may bring.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can play an important role in achieving healthier aging, as well as help build smarter cities, combat ageism in the workplace, and provide financial support to thousands of caregivers.
In the International Telecommunication Union, three main technology-based areas allow people to communicate:
The first one is satellites—they allow phone calls, television programs, satellite navigation and online maps.
The second is standardization, which allows access to the Internet.
Third, development, which provides opportunities to expand access to information and communication technology
UN Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, 2020 stated, “Connecting billions of people around the world with information technology can be a beacon of hope. These connections are more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The ITU also urges members to continue to use ICTs, to develop digital policies and strategies, and to use digital technologies so that older persons can age healthily, participate in, and contribute to society.
The ITU urges its Sector Members and Academia partners to continue to foster collaborations and partnerships to increase partnerships for innovation, digital knowledge, and literacy, creating opportunities for economic, social, and political growth, and leverage new ways to strengthen digital inclusion, create age-friendly digital environments, and advance the Connected 2030 Agenda.
World Telecommunications and Information Society Day can be celebrated in three meaningful ways.
1. Hear a podcast that discusses the theme of the 2022 World Telecommunications and Information Society Day
2. Examine the advocacy toolkit for the world telecommunications and information society day in 2022. Toolkits are focused on improving people's experiences and well-being through digital transformation.
3. Websites and other mediums can be used to view the message of the 2022 world telecommunication and information society day.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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