ICT involves the use of modern and old technologies for gathering, storing and retrieval of information with subsequent transmission to third party for further usage. The youth being adaptable, creative and innovative stand the best to benefit from the rapid development of ICT.
The proliferation of Information and Communication Technologies presents on the other hand both opportunities and challenges in terms of social development and inclusion of youth. (United Nations, 2005).
World Telecommunication and Information Society 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.
The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the opportunities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.
ICT entrepreneurs and start-ups as well as small to medium-sized enterprises have a particularly relevant role in ensuring economic growth in a sustainable and inclusive manner. They are involved in the development of innovative ICT-enabled solutions with a unique potential to make a long-lasting impact in global, regional and national economies. In fact, they are the important source of new jobs, especially for youth, in the current economy of knowledge and inovation.
In 2016, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) will focus on the theme, ‘ICT entrepreneurship for social impact’, in accordance with Resolution 68 and as endorsed by ITU Council 2015. The theme for WTISD-16 is in line with ITU’s work in unlocking the potential of ICTs for young innovators and entrepreneurs, innovative medium-sized enterprises, start-ups and technology hubs as drivers of innovative and practical solutions for catalysing progress in achieving international sustainable development goals, with a focus on medium-sized enterprises from developing countries.
The World Assembly of Youth (WAY), at the centre of youth services, organises year round events to tackle youth issues. One of the prominent programmes is the annual event known as Melaka International Youth Dialogue (MIYD). In year 2003, WAY organised MIYD with the theme of ‘Youth and Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Development’. The event brought together youth and youth leaders from different countries to convene and tackle the issue of ICT. A declaration was, then, drafted and distributed to National Youth Councils and public sector as suggestions to adopt into their policies. Following is a link to the 2003 declaration: http://www.way.org.my/program-outcome/item/miyd-declaration-2003
Happy World Telecommunication and Information Society Day!
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