World Telecommunication Day 2025, Date, Theme, History, 160th Anniversary of ITU
Deeksha Dixit17 May, 2025
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World Telecommunication Day 2025, also known as World Telecommunication Information Society Day 2025, is set to be celebrated on 17 May 2025. This day, established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), highlights the importance of communication technologies in our daily lives. The focus of WTISD 2025 is on promoting gender equality in digital transformation.
World Telecommunication Day 2025 Overview
World Telecommunication Day is an annual celebration by ITU that takes place on May 17th to commemorate the founding of the ITU and to raise awareness about the importance of communication and information technologies in today’s world, as well as to promote global development through digital inclusion.
The theme for WTISD 2025 is “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation,” which emphasizes the need to bridge the digital gender divide, ensuring that women and girls have equal opportunities to access and benefit from digital technologies. Here is an overview of the day:
| World Telecommunication Day 2025 Overview | |
| Official Name | World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) |
| Date | 17 May 2025 (Saturday) |
| Established By | International Telecommunication Union (ITU) |
| Campaign | #WTISD-25 |
| First Celebration | 1969 |
| Origin | Marks the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention (1865) and the ITU’s foundation |
| 2025 Occasion | 160th Anniversary of ITU |
| Theme for 2025 | Gender equality in digital transformation |
| Focus | Awareness about the importance of ICTs, bridging the digital divide, and gender equality |
World Telecommunication Information Society Day 2025
Every year on May 17, the world observes World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). This year, the focus is on gender equality in this digital age. The digital world offers immense opportunities, but not everyone benefits equally. Women and girls often face barriers to accessing technology and digital education. Therefore, the WTISD-25 campaign will focus on gender inclusion.
World Telecommunication Day 2025 Theme
World Telecommunication Day 2025 is themed “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation.” It urges governments, organizations, and individuals to work together to ensure gender equality in digital spaces. This is especially important because the majority of the 2.6 billion people who remain unconnected are women and girls.
Credit: ITU
By promoting inclusivity, we can harness the full potential of digital transformation, leading to more innovative solutions and a more equitable society.
Also Read: Important Days in May 2025, International and National
World Telecommunication Day History
World Telecommunication Day was originally established in 1969 to mark the founding of the ITU on May 17, 1865, when the first International Telegraph Convention was signed in Paris. The day was created to raise awareness about the role of telecommunications in global development and to promote access to information and communication technologies for all.
In 2006, following the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), the United Nations General Assembly officially declared May 17 as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. Since then, the day serves as a reminder of the transformative power of communication technologies and the need to make them accessible to all.
Telecommunication History in India
India's journey in telecommunications began in 1851 with the introduction of the telegraph. The first telephone exchange was established in Kolkata in 1882. Over the years, India’s telecom sector has grown rapidly, reaching nearly 1.2 billion telephone connections and over 996.96 crore internet subscribers as of June 2024.
Also Read: Important National and International Days 2025
Here is a quick glimpse of the telecommunications history in India:
| Period | Key Milestones |
| 1850–1882 | Telegraph network established; first telephone exchange in Kolkata |
| 1901–1951 | Wireless telegraphy, automatic exchanges, radio-telegraph with UK, TV transmission begins |
| 1970s–1980s | Digital microwave, optical fiber, satellite communications were introduced |
| 1990s | Sector liberalization, TRAI established, mobile and internet services launched |
| 2000s onwards | BSNL formed, VSNL privatized, exponential growth in users, 5G rollout, Digital India initiatives |
International Telecommunication Union 160th Anniversary
In 2025, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) celebrates its 160th anniversary. Established in 1865, the ITU has been at the forefront of global communication advancements. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in standardizing communication technologies, allocating global radio spectrum, and promoting international cooperation.
Credit: ITU
ITU’s 160th anniversary is being celebrated throughout 2025, with events, conferences, and campaigns highlighting ITU’s legacy and ongoing mission to connect the world
Significance of World Telecommunication Day 2025
WTISD 2025 holds special significance as it brings attention to the digital gender divide. In many parts of the world, women and girls have less access to digital tools and the internet. This disparity limits their opportunities in education, employment, and civic participation.
By focusing on gender equality in digital transformation, WTISD 2025 aims to create a more inclusive digital landscape. Empowering women and girls with digital skills and access not only benefits them but also contributes to broader economic and social development.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025 is a reminder of the transformative power of communication technologies. By ensuring gender equality in digital access and opportunities, we can build a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all.
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World Telecommunication Day 2025 FAQs
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