ITU marks 160 years of connecting the world and technology that works for all

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) commemorated 160 years dedicated to connecting the world on Saturday, 17 May during the annual World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

“For 160 years, ITU has brought the world together to ensure technology benefits all of humanity,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “In this milestone year, let's reaffirm our commitment to building a shared digital future where no one is left behind, and where everyone can thrive.”

Building on a history of innovation

Since its founding on 17 May 1865, ITU has been at the forefront of technology innovation, fostering multilateralism, social and economic growth, security and safety.

From telegraphy and the first radio signals, to satellites, mobile phones and the latest developments in AI and quantum computing, ITU inspires innovation through cooperation as it works for a world where everyone, everywhere is connected.

Notable ITU achievements include:

• Since 1963, ITU has ensured fair and reliable access to satellite orbits for ITU Member States. Space is now home to satellites from 91 countries that provide services to billions of people.

• In 1976, ITU published a technical standard allowing computer networks to work together, laying the foundation for the modern Internet. ITU publishes over 300 open standards every year, making emerging technologies safer, more reliable, and more impactful.

• In the decade since ITU’s 150th anniversary, global connectivity has doubled. Today, two-thirds of the world’s population is online, benefiting from the opportunities connectivity brings.

• Since 1906 – and now with 80 per cent of global goods currently transported by sea – ITU has provided rules and frequency resources that help ships communicate and navigate reliably and securely.

• With 99 per cent of all Internet traffic travelling through undersea cables, ITU promotes and facilitates efforts to enhance the resilience of this critical infrastructure.

Unlocking opportunity for all

As part of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, ITU is highlighting the need to ensure that women and girls worldwide can benefit from and contribute to the globe’s digital transformation.

Of the 2.6 billion people around the world that are still unconnected, the majority are women and girls. It is estimated that 189 million less women were using the Internet than men in 2024, with gaps in access, affordability and digital skills hindering participation.

Cooperation at the core

ITU’s anniversary is being marked with activities at ITU headquarters in Geneva, at ITU’s birthplace in Paris and across Member States. ITU is thankful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other supporters for their contributions to commemorate ITU’s 160 years of using technology for humanity and to highlight how ITU is laying the foundations for the future of global telecommunications.