INTERNATIONAL GIRLS IN ICT DAY — INTERNATIONAL DAYS

PURPOSE: TheInternational Girls in ICT Day aims to inspire a global movement to increase the representation of girls and women in technology. Today, let's recommit to the goal of equal access for young women and girls to opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. The main goal of Girls in ICT is to cultivate the presence and digital skills of young women and girls [aged 12-24] in the career field of STEM, particularly ICT.

FORUM: “AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future.” International Girls in ICT Day 2026. This year and every year, ITU and partners work together to inspire and encourage girls to pursue a future in ICT’s towards bridging the gender digital divide. On this day, we will encourage young women and girls to pursue their studies and careers in science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and other fields and help them achieve their dreams. During the day, participants will be able to listen to the most inspiring speeches and messages made by the world leaders in order to motivate future women in tech; The global celebration will include a series of events that will address different topics related to Digital Skills i.e., role models, education, mentorship, and youth participation. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #STEM, #DigitalSkills, #ICT #GirlinICT, #ICTs, #DigitalTransformation, #GirlInICTDay.

EVENTS: On April 23rd around 10:30-17:30 pm (EST); The event to mark the Girls in ICT Day 2026 entitled “AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future” will be held. The ITU global celebration was co-hosted by the European and American regions as a hybrid event, featuring a live link between Tirana, Albania and Brasilia, Brazil, with global participation enabled through live streaming. Additional celebrations of Girls in ICT Day events from around the world will also be featured. In Tirana, the event was organized in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Authority of the Republic of Albania while, in Brasília, the celebration was held in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications of the Federative Republic of Brazil. The Global Celebration was webcast.The celebration will emphasize the critical importance of achieving equal and equitable digital inclusion for ALL young women and girls, especially those in vulnerable situations, in the digital transformation process to accelerate global meaningful connectivity. Explore the Girls in ICT Day 2026 Programme and watch the celebration!

STATEMENTS: Read the statement of the ITU Secretary-General on ICT Day 2026 and the Statement by the ITU DBT Director-General on International Day of Girls in ICT 2026; April 24th.

PUBLICATION: Exploring the Opportunities and Challenges of ICT-Mediated Food Sharing in Japan.Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been identified as potential enablers for alternative forms of sharing surplus food to prevent food loss and waste. Food sharing platforms can also provide an entry point to the sustainability transition by encouraging its users to confront the systemic causes of unsustainable and inequitable food systems. The paper explores the opportunities and challenges of ICT-mediated food sharing platforms in Japan. A comparative case study of 10 food sharing platforms operating in Japan was drawn from a web content analysis and semi-structured interviews. A consumer-side analysis was conducted, based on a Japan-wide survey of 10,000 respondents, to understand consumers’ general attitudes towards ICT-mediated food sharing and identify key challenges and drivers for its expansion. This paper provides initial contributions to understanding the Japanese experience of ICT-mediated food sharing from both the supply and consumption sides. All investigated food sharing platforms embedded food waste reduction and sustainable objectives in their mission. However, a consumer-side survey suggests that participation in food sharing was mainly driven by price consciousness and convenience orientation. Distrust towards the safety of redistributed food and reluctance to engage in a sharing community were some of the main barriers identified to food sharing. Highlighting convergences and divergences between platforms and consumers was key to starting developing intervention designs towards expanding online food sharing and leading consumers’ behaviour change. Read the full publication!

PODCASTS: How to inspire more girls to explore STEM careers?. Girls in ICT Day is now a global movement, with ITU partners and other organizations conducting their own events and celebrations on the Girls in ICT Day and throughout the year. Listen to the audio-podcasts!

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: “AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future.” International Girls in ICT Day 2026. We’re building a #GirlsinICT collection of encouraging and inspiring statements from role models in tech and STEM. So if you need a a little bit of encouragement to help you see your future potential, please check back regularly. Get the campaign material or the Social Media Pack !

WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?

Girls’ access to, and engagement in ICTs and STEM is more crucial now than ever. Every girl has a right to be connected and safe, and to play her part in shaping a more equal, green and tech-driven future. In support of this, the UN Secretary-General has called for a global digital compact for improved digital cooperation.

ACTIONS

The main goal of Girls in ICT is to cultivate the presence and digital skills of young women and girls [aged 12-24] in the career field of STEM, particularly ICT.

Encourage girls and young women to pursue STEM education
Inspire girls and young women to work in STEM careers
Engage the community and promote collaboration through partnerships

PARTNERSHIPS

The International Girl in ICT Day is co-organized by the United Nations, the UNESCO, the ITU, The Broadband Commission, the UN WOMEN, the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), the United Nations University (UNU), the CARICOM Secretariat and the CICSO Networking Academy.

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