Purpose: The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is to help raise awareness concerning the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) and the advantages to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. The 17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union. The objectives of the day are to Stimulate reflection and exchanges of ideas on the theme adopted by the Council, to Debate the various aspects of the theme with all partners in society , to formulate a report reflecting national discussions on the issues underlying the theme, to be fed back to ITU and the rest of its membership

FORUM: ‘‘Gender Equality in Digital transformation.’’ World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025. Achieving gender equality in the digital world requires collective action. To help close the gender digital divide, we invite you to Promote gender-responsive policies that enable women’s active participation in the tech sector; to Ensure equal access to digital skills and training for women and girls; to Foster global partnerships across governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to scale impact. Whether you shape policy, build technology, teach, lead, or advocate, your voice matters.

Why gender equality in digital transformation matters?

Despite progress, inequality remains a barrier to digital inclusion. According to Facts and Figures 2024:

• 70% of men use the Internet globally, compared to 65% of women, a gap that leaves 189 million more men online than women worldwide.

• While the digital gender gap has narrowed in many developed countries, it has widened in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where only 29% of women are using the internet compared to 41% of men.

• Gaps persist not only in access, but also in affordability, digital skills, participation in STEM, and leadership in the tech sector.

These gaps not only disadvantage women and girls, they also hinder economic growth, innovation in countries around the world, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

What are the impact of the gender digital divide?
The effects of digital exclusion are interconnected, limiting not just individual potential, but also the resilience of communities and the performance of economies.

On individuals; When women and girls gain digital access and skills, they unlock educational, professional, and social opportunities, from becoming entrepreneurs to obtaining essential health, financial and government services.

On communities; Inclusive digital participation fosters stronger, more resilient communities by ensuring diverse perspectives and locally relevant solutions. When women and girls benefit from and contribute to digital transformation, communities are strengthened by increased innovation and greater social cohesion.

On economies; Equality for all women and girls fuels economic growth by driving diversity, innovation, and productivity.  According to the IMF, narrowing gender gaps in labor markets could boost GDP by up to 8% in emerging and developing economies.

Follow the conversations with the hashtags #DigitalInclusion, #EveryoneIncluded, #wtisd, #17May, #InformationSocietyDay, #TelecommunicationDay.

EVENTS: On May 17th, the ITU’s 160th anniversary and the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025 will be observed at ITU in Geneva. As we commemorate ITU's 160th anniversary, we will highlight its long-standing role in advancing global connectivity and fostering international cooperation. Our hour-long event will bring together digital experts and innovators on a global journey, exploring digital hubs around the world where innovation thrives. Register to participate to the event; Step into the future with us on WTISD on May 17th, broadcasting live from the ITU TV studio in Geneva.

On May 17th, the ITU will mark its 160 years of technology for humanity with a light show at the Place des Nations in Geneva. The first light show starts at starts at 21:30 and will be repeated every 10 minutes until 22:40. Every time you turn on the radio or television, board a plane, call home, go online, use GPS, check the weather, or view satellite images, you use a vital service coordinated by ITU. Join us for a first-ever light show projected onto the iconic ITU Tower, opposite the United Nations Office at Geneva, as part of Geneva Museum Night. Sixteen slides projected on the 15-storey ITU Tower will show highlights of 160 years of technology for humanity, embodying innovation, countries, organizations and people working together, shared achievements and resilience. You will hear from inspiring speakers as to how they are #ConnectedByITU, from the sea to the sky. If you’re in Geneva, come to the Esplanade adjacent to the ITU headquarters buildings, near the Place des Nations. If you’re elsewhere, Learn more and tune in online—you can stream the light show on our social media platforms: Facebook, YouTube, or ITU Webcast live.

This year marks also the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, a global blueprint for advancing women’s rights. The Beijing+30 Action Agenda includes targeted actions to close the digital gender gap — from expanding digital infrastructure to increasing representation in tech leadership. The ITU’s work aligns closely with these efforts through its initiatives, resolutions, and partnerships including:

• Resolution 70 and Gender Equality and Mainstreaming (GEM) policy and action plan

• The EQUALS Partnership, co-founded by ITU, the United Nations University (UNU), UN Women, the International Trade Centre (ITC) and GSMA in 2016 

• Girls in ICT Day, reaching 377,000+ participants in 171 countries since launching in 2011 

• Projects in LDCs enhancing digital skills and entrepreneurship for women 

• Programs like Women in Cybersecurity, Girls Can Code, and Talking Tech 

• The Network of Women in ITU-D, ITU-R and ITU-T. 

• And more… Learn more about how ITU ‘s work in gender equality!

From 7–11 July 2025 As part of the ITU160 Gender Champions initiative, 10 chosen youngs womens will travel to Geneva to participate in the WSIS+20 High-Level Event, the AI for Good Global Summit, and ITU’s 160th Anniversary commemorations. These 10 young women are emerging leaders, advancing digital transformation and development in meaningful ways across diverse sectors and communities. Their work addresses real-world challenges — from digital literacy and online safety to broadband connectivity and responsible AI — bringing forward solutions that make technology more effective and accessible to all. Launched on the occasion of ITU’s 160th Anniversary, the ITU160 Gender Champions initiative recognizes and supports young women who are contributing to digital development and transformation worldwide. With support from the Government of Canada, the initiative provides a platform for 10 young women leaders (ages 18–25) to share their work, engage with global stakeholders, and help shape the future of digital connectivity. Throughout their week in Geneva, the Gender Champions will:

• Engage with key stakeholders in the digital and tech sectors

• Amplify their work in digital development and digital transformation, by actively participating in a variety of sessions and activities

• Co-design and facilitate with their unique perspective, a workshop on promoting gender equality in digital transformation
  

Selection process: The Gender Champions were selected from a highly competitive pool of 1,179 applications received from over 150 countries. The final cohort reflects a diversity of regional perspectives and lived experiences, with special consideration given to applicants from developing countries, least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), small island developing states (SIDS), Indigenous communities, and young women with disabilities.

Follow along: Updates, stories, and spotlights from the Gender Champions’ week in Geneva will be on ITU’s social media channels, see footer. Stay tuned as we highlight their work and explore how youth leadership is shaping the future of digital development.

STATEMENTS: Read the United Nations Secretary-General statement on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025, May 17th and Watch the message from Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, for ITU's 160th anniversary.

PODCASTS: Harnessing the Power of Tech. Experts and innovators chat about digital impact. Let’s advance a safer, more equitable digital world, one which will lead to a brighter and more prosperous future for all. Listen to the audio-podcasts!

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Explore how you can get involved this World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) and help drive inclusive digital transformation. Take action for digital gender equality; Find resources and opportunities to mark WTISD-25 and help close the digital gender gap. Get involved by sharing the visual materials of the campaign which are free to use for non-commercial purposes.​ Get the campaign Materials!

PUBLICATIONS: Road map for digital cooperation: implementation of the recommendations of the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation.