During this year’s WTISD, ITU calls upon all stakeholders (policy makers, regulators, operators and industry) to promote the adoption of policies and strategies that will protect children in cyberspace and promote their safe access to online resources. The global ceremony of the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 17th May 2009 will be held in conjunction with the opening of WSIS Forum 2009.

World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969, marking the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973.

Since the conclusion of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in November 2005, the World Day has been marked by a high-profile ceremony that includes the presentation of the ITU World Telecommunication and Information Society Award to distinguished laureates for their contribution towards building an inclusive and more equitable Information Society. This year, the awards will focus on eminent personalities who have contributed to protecting children in cyberspace. The global ceremony of the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009 will be held in conjunction with the opening of WSIS Forum 2009.

To read more about the programme of the celebration please click here: WTISD 2009