May 17th: World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, but not only…
For me, the 17th of May has a special meaning: not only does it celebrate World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, it also marks my birthday.
As the son of a telecommunications engineer and current editor-in-chief of the online news magazine “Mais Afrika”, this date symbolizes the intersection of my personal and professional interests, as well as the remembrance of my father's legacy.
It is therefore an annual opportunity not only to celebrate my birthday and remember my Father, but also to reflect on the crucial importance of telecommunications and information technologies in our society.
Through this article, I intend not only to share my personal vision, but also to highlight the urgent need for digital investment in less developed countries and particularly in Africa.
Telecommunications: A Family Legacy
My father dedicated his life to telecommunications, working tirelessly to drive the sector forward, first being a pioneer of digital communication for MARCONI and later, after the independence of Angola, in EPTEL, where he was responsible for the Funda Satellite Ground Station.
Through your work, I've come to appreciate how vital the ability to transmit information quickly and on a global scale is. Whether it's a phone call, a television broadcast, or internet access, telecommunications underpin virtually every aspect of our modern lives, and that's what May 17th reminds us of.
My father's passion for his profession left an indelible mark on me and taught me the importance of connecting people, improving access to information, and creating opportunities for economic and social development. Today, I feel honored to be able to contribute to this field through my work atMore Afrika“, keeping my father’s legacy alive and relevant.
The Origin of This Celebration on May 17th
The celebration of World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, on 17 May, has deep roots in the history of telecommunications. This date marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1865.
Celebrated since 1969, this day was instituted by Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973, such as Resolution 46. In November 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society asked the United Nations General Assembly to declare 17 May as World Information Society Day.
This request was intended to highlight the importance of ICT and the wide range of Information Society related issues raised by the Summit. In response, the General Assembly adopted a resolution in March 2006 stipulating that World Information Society Day would be celebrated each year on 17 May.
The Evolution of the Date
A year later, in November 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to celebrate both events on May 17 as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. The updated Resolution 68 invites Member States and Sector Members to celebrate this day annually by organizing appropriate national programs with the aim of:
- Stimulate reflection and exchange of ideas on the topic adopted by the Board;
- Debate the various aspects of the topic with all partners in society;
- Formulate a report reflecting national discussions on the issues underlying the topic, to be sent to the ITU and the rest of its members.
The Information Society and the Media
The digital age we live in today is often referred to as the information society. Through the internet and digital technologies, we have access to an unprecedented amount of information. However, with this abundance of information comes great responsibility. As editor-in-chief of “More Afrika“I see myself on the front line of this responsibility every day.
It is up to me and my team to ensure that the information we share is accurate, relevant and unbiased. In addition, we are tasked with ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and that important issues are highlighted, promoting fair representation of all perspectives. This is a huge task, but one that I embrace with enthusiasm and dedication.
On the other hand, the PALOP media have played a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion. However, they face significant challenges such as lack of resources, censorship and political pressure. Despite these obstacles, journalists continue to work hard to inform the public and promote transparency and accountability.
Media diversity in the PALOP today is remarkable, with a combination of local radio stations, national broadcasters, print newspapers and digital platforms. Radio remains the most accessible and widely used medium, particularly in rural areas. However, the Internet is changing the media landscape, with more and more people accessing news and information online.
Digital Investment: An Urgent Need
In recent years, the issue of digital investment in less developed countries has gained prominence. Although interconnections have increased globally, the gap between the least developed countries and the rest of the world remains large.
In 2023, May 17th, when celebrating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, focused on “Empowering less developed countries through information and communication technologies".
It was a call to action for the public and private sectors to commit to universal connectivity and digital transformation in these countries. As part of the effort to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, it is crucial that these nations—many of which have young and dynamic populations—are not left behind in the digital race.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), it is estimated that in 2022, 407 million people in least developed countries were using the Internet, representing 36% of the population, compared to 66% globally. Therefore, it is clear that much remains to be done to ensure that these countries are included in the information society.
Of course, accessing the Internet is just the first step. We need to ensure that this interconnection is meaningful – that it provides a safe, rewarding, enriching, productive and accessible online experience. For many less developed countries this is still a major challenge, and this is where digital investment becomes crucial.
In 2024 we sought to “extend” this objective and, therefore, the theme chosen was “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development” which aims to draw attention to the benefits and opportunities that the internet and information and communication technologies can bring to societies and economies.
A Call to Action
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The message from the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, is clear: communication is fundamental to human beings, it is what connects us and is the basis of our entire civilization. Therefore, as editor-in-chief of “More Afrika“And since today is also my birthday, I feel a personal responsibility to highlight these issues and use our digital platform to promote change.
I remember the lessons of my father who dedicated his life to connecting people through telecommunications. In his memory and for future generations, I pledge to continue working towards an information society that is accessible to all, regardless of where they come from or how developed their country of origin.
Today, May 17, as we celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, I invite everyone to reflect on the importance of telecommunications and information technologies, and on the role each of us can play in ensuring an inclusive digital future.
On this World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, I invite everyone to join me in this commitment. Together, we can ensure that the digital revolution is a tide that lifts all boats, not just those in the most developed countries. Let's make 2024 a year of progress for digital transformation in least developed countries.
Conclusion
On May 17th, World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, as I celebrate another year of life, I reaffirm my commitment to the information society and digital inclusion. With my father's legacy and the responsibility of my role as editor-in-chief, I will continue to strive to ensure that the digital revolution is truly inclusive and accessible to all.
Let's, together, make 2024 a year of progress towards digital transformation in less developed countries, so that the legacy of the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day is reflected not only in words, but in concrete actions and significant changes. Because all of us, regardless of where we are born or live, deserve to be part of this information society.
What do you think of this celebration? Does May 17th have any other meaning for you? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
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Picture: © 2024 ITU
