Strengthening resilience in a connected world

17 May is World Telecommunication & Information Society Day

In a world that increasingly depends on uninterrupted connectivity, the resilience of our digital networks is essential. Digital lifelines – terrestrial networks, submarine cables, satellites, and data systems – form the backbone of our communities and economies.

A single cable break, data center outage, or satellite failure can disrupt vital services, from health and education to finance and disaster response. In a time of escalating natural hazards and rising dependence on technology, building resilient digital infrastructure is critical to the stability of systems and growth for all. This is especially true for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where reliable connectivity underpins recovery from climate impacts and supports growth for all.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2026 calls on governments, industry, and communities to strengthen the digital lifelines that keep the world running. Join us in designing the networks and systems that can withstand shocks and recover quickly, ensuring that no one is cut off and left offline when it matters most.

Celebrated every year on 17 May, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) highlights the growing role of digital technologies in our lives and commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – the United Nations Agency for Digital Technologies.