WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SOCIETY DAY, 2024

Written by: Aanuoluwa Sanya

Theme: Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development

Every year on May 17th since 1969, the world unites to celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). The significance of the WTISD is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.

In celebration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, it is crucial to reflect on this year’s theme: “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development”. This theme is a reminder of the global importance to bridge the digital divide, enabling inclusive access to information and communication technologies as drivers of innovation and as catalysts for change in our societies.

The digital divide represents the disparity in access to information and communications technology between diverse groups of people — a divide that can hinder social and economic development.

Without an iota of doubt, unequal access to digital skills can create barriers to the adoption of new technologies, slowing down the pace of innovation and hindering overall economic growth. In a rapidly changing digital world, the inability to keep up with the pace of technological advancements can leave several individuals and numerous organizations at a significant disadvantage, affecting their ability to thrive in the digital economy.

One of the key challenges in curbing the digital divide is the lack of infrastructure in underserved areas. Without the necessary networks to support high-speed internet, most communities cannot participate fully in the digital economy. Additionally, socioeconomic factors like education, income, and gender dynamics must be addressed to ensure equitable access to digital tools.

Addressing digital divide is essential for fostering a more inclusive and sustainable approach to innovation. By ensuring that all individuals and communities have equal opportunities to access and benefit from digital technologies, we can unlock new sources of creativity and talent, leading to more diverse and impactful innovations. Bridging digital divides can also contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals by empowering marginalized groups, improving digital literacy, and promoting digital inclusion.

Although remarkable progress has been made over the years, there’s still so much work to be done. According to the International Telecommunication Union, global Internet penetration has risen dramatically, yet billions remain offline, with the poorest and most rural at a disadvantage. This emphasizes the need for continued efforts and collaboration. By addressing these challenges, societies can unlock the full potential of digital technologies to drive positive change and create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

In line with this year’s theme, and as an organisation, we remain committed to empowering communities and leading the charge to bring the vision of a connected, innovative, and prosperous society to life. Our mission to equip people with digital skills aligns with the objective of enhancing economic prosperity, financial independence, and sustainable development and we do this through our programs.

As an organization, we are focused on nurturing a generation of digitally literate individuals who are ready to innovate and drive growth in the tech ecosystem, addressing not just employability but also fostering an environment where digital entrepreneurship can flourish. The work that we do at Tech4Dev encourages the creation of a digital workforce capable of leveraging technology to find innovative solutions to local and global problems.

We recognize that for digital innovation to be truly sustainable, it must be inclusive and so initiatives like the Women Techsters initiative is aimed at bridging the digital knowledge divide between men and women as well as ensuring equal opportunities for all.

As we celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society day today, we encourage individuals, the government, organizations in the public and private sector to contribute their quota in bridging the existing digital divide and embrace Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development.

HAPPY WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SOCIETY DAY.