Monrovia, Liberia (The Saharaa) – His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, has issued a Proclamation declaring Friday, May 17, 2024, as “World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.” This day is to be observed throughout the Republic as a Working Holiday. The Proclamation calls upon all Government ministries, agencies, business houses, national and international ICT organizations, as well as telecommunication companies and internet service providers, to collaborate with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications in executing appropriate programs fitting for the occasion. World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually since May 17, 1969, to commemorate the founding of the International Communication Union (ITU) and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention on May 17, 1865, according to a release from the Foreign Ministry.
Emphasizing the significance of the ITU, the Proclamation highlights that the ITU comprises 192 Member States and over 700 sector members, serving as the specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for facilitating the development of telecommunications and ICT services globally. The Government of Liberia, being a founding member of the ITU, pledges to support and uphold the rules and procedures laid down by the world body. Under the theme “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development,” the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, will join member states of the ITU to celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on May 17, 2024. This celebration aims to align with the plans of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS), focusing on building competencies in ICT, particularly among women, girls, and physically challenged individuals, by promoting equitable access to opportunities provided by ICT. The Proclamation aligns with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/60/252), adopted in May 2006, which mandates the celebration of World Information Society Day on May 17 every year.
Additionally, the Proclamation notes that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was founded in 1934, replacing the International Telegraph Convention of 1865. Its purpose is to assist member states in harmonizing their policies, bridging technological differences, fostering interoperability of networks, and harnessing the full potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for economic and social advancement. The Proclamation underlines the commitment of Liberia to the ideals and objectives of the ITU, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration in advancing telecommunications and ICT services for the benefit of all nations and peoples.
