Digital Lifelines – Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World
17 May is World Telecommunication & Information Society Day
Building a sustainable future demands innovative thinking and action, especially in the digital world.
The 2026 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) will focus on the theme "Digital Lifelines – Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World"
highlighting the critical role of resilient digital infrastructure in supporting essential services, safeguarding communities, and ensuring continuity in times of crisis. In support of this mission, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) invites public and private sector partners to collaborate through its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.
WTISD has been observed annually on May 17th since 1969, commemorating the founding of the ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865.
Since 2012, Vanuatu has actively participated in this global initiative through the organization of National ICT Days in key locations including Port Vila and Luganville (Santo). The most recent celebration was held in May 2025 at Unity Park, Luganville, Santo.
In 2026, Vanuatu will once again host its flagship event, Digital Week Vanuatu 2026, building on the success of previous years. This multi-day event will continue to bring together government, private sector, and community stakeholders through key activities such as the E-Commerce Symposium, Consumer Rights Day, and National ICT Days, all integrated into one dynamic program. It will take place from May 13th to 15th, 2026, at Independence Park in Port-Vila, Efate.
Digital Week Vanuatu 2026 will align closely with the global WTISD theme, emphasizing the importance of digital systems as lifelines that enhance national resilience, support disaster preparedness, and maintain critical communications during emergencies.
Join us at Digital Week Vanuatu 2026 as we strengthen digital resilience, empower communities, and ensure that everyone remains connected and supported in an increasingly digital world.
Celebrated every year on 17 May, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) marks the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – the United Nations agency for digital technologies.
Be part of the celebration!
Join us for WTISD 2024 with events in different time zones around the globe.
A virtual live-streamed hour from the TV Studio at ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, will bring together experts and innovators for a chat about digital impact.
You, too, can be part of the conversation on digital innovation for sustainable development.
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.
In November 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society called upon the UN General Assembly to declare 17 May as World Information Society Day to focus on the importance of ICT and the wide range of issues related to the Information Society raised by WSIS.
The General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/60/252) in March 2006 stipulating that World Information Society Day shall be celebrated every year on 17 May.
In November 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to celebrate both events on 17 May as:
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
