ITU marks World Telecommunication and Information Society Day with focus on universal connectivity
Date: 2026-05-17
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) has marked World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026
with renewed calls for universal, meaningful, and affordable digital
connectivity across the globe.
Celebrated annually on May
17, the observance highlights the growing role of digital technologies in
society and commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication
Union, the United Nations agency responsible for digital technologies and global
telecommunications cooperation.
Speaking on the occasion, the
Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), Cosmas Luckyson
Zavazava emphasized the organisation’s commitment to expanding inclusive
digital access worldwide.
According to him, the ITU
continues to work with its member states and partners to advance universal
connectivity and ensure that digital technologies contribute to social and
economic development.
He noted that meaningful
connectivity remains central to the organisation’s mission as governments and
stakeholders increasingly rely on digital technologies to drive innovation,
education, public services, and economic growth.
Zavazava also acknowledged
the contribution of the ITU’s leadership and technical bureaus, including the
work of the Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau, Mario Maniewicz, in
supporting global digital development initiatives.
World Telecommunication and
Information Society Day serves as an international platform for discussions on
bridging the digital divide and strengthening access to information and
communication technologies for underserved populations worldwide.
