The Worldwide Telecommunication Union (ITU) commemorated 160 years devoted to connecting the world on Saturday, 17 Could throughout the annual World Telecommunication and Data Society Day.
“For 160 years, ITU has introduced the world collectively to make sure expertise advantages all of humanity,” stated ITU Secretary-Normal Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “On this milestone yr, let’s reaffirm our dedication to constructing a shared digital future the place nobody is left behind, and the place everybody can thrive.”
Constructing on a historical past of innovation
Since its founding on 17 Could 1865, ITU has been on the forefront of expertise innovation, fostering multilateralism, social and financial development, safety and security.
From telegraphy and the primary radio alerts, to satellites, cell phones and the newest developments in AI and quantum computing, ITU conjures up innovation via cooperation as it really works for a world the place everybody, in every single place is related.
Notable ITU achievements embrace:
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Since 1963, ITU has ensured honest and dependable entry to satellite tv for pc orbits for ITU Member States. House is now house to satellites from 91 nations that present providers to billions of individuals.
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In 1976, ITU revealed a technical commonplace permitting pc networks to work collectively, laying the muse for the trendy Web. ITU publishes over 300 open requirements yearly, making rising applied sciences safer, extra dependable, and extra impactful.
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Within the decade since ITU’s one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, international connectivity has doubled. At present, two-thirds of the world’s inhabitants is on-line, benefiting from the alternatives connectivity brings.
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Since 1906 – and now with 80 per cent of worldwide items at present transported by sea – ITU has supplied guidelines and frequency assets that assist ships talk and navigate reliably and securely.
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With 99 per cent of all Web visitors travelling via undersea cables, ITU promotes and facilitates efforts to reinforce the resilience of this important infrastructure.
Unlocking alternative for all
As a part of World Telecommunication and Data Society Day, ITU is highlighting the necessity to make sure that girls and ladies worldwide can profit from and contribute to the globe’s digital transformation.
Of the two.6 billion folks world wide which might be nonetheless unconnected, the majority are girls and ladies. It’s estimated that 189 million much less girls have been utilizing the Web than males in 2024, with gaps in entry, affordability and digital abilities hindering participation.
ITU’s anniversary is being marked with actions at ITU headquarters in Geneva, at ITU’s birthplace in Paris and throughout Member States. ITU is grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and different supporters for his or her contributions to commemorate ITU’s 160 years of utilizing expertise for humanity and to spotlight how ITU is laying the foundations for the way forward for international telecommunications.
