Geneva: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) celebrated its 160th anniversary of connecting the world on Saturday, May 17, during the annual World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted the organization's long-standing commitment to ensuring that technology benefits humanity, emphasizing the need to build a shared digital future where no one is left behind.
According to Emirates News Agency, ITU, founded on May 17, 1865, has been a leader in technological innovation, fostering global cooperation for social and economic growth, security, and safety. The organization has played a pivotal role in advancing communication technologies, from telegraphy and radio signals to satellites, mobile phones, and recent developments in artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Among ITU's notable achievements is the management of satellite orbits since 1963, providing fair and reliable access to space for its member states. ITU's technical standards, such as the 1976 publication that enabled computer networks to interconnect, laid the foundation for the modern Internet. The organization continues to publish over 300 open standards annually, ensuring emerging technologies are safer and more impactful.
In the past decade, global connectivity has doubled, with two-thirds of the world's population now online. ITU has facilitated communication and navigation rules for maritime transport since 1906, ensuring the secure and reliable transport of goods. With 99% of Internet traffic traveling through undersea cables, ITU promotes the resilience of this critical infrastructure.
During World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, ITU also emphasized the importance of ensuring women and girls can benefit from the digital transformation. Of the 2.6 billion people still unconnected worldwide, the majority are women and girls. In 2024, it was estimated that 189 million fewer women were using the Internet compared to men, highlighting gaps in access, affordability, and digital skills.
