Born on May 17
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
From Morse code to video calls.
Next: May 17, 2027
Where it comes from
On 17 May 1865, in the Clock Room of France's Foreign Ministry in Paris, 20 states signed the first International Telegraph Convention and founded the International Telegraph Union, the world's first modern international organisation.
How it's celebrated
ITU chooses a theme each year, and governments, regulators, telecoms companies and universities use the day to talk about how the internet and other technologies can improve lives and help close the digital divide.
Did you know
ITU is the oldest agency in the United Nations family; it became a UN specialised agency in 1949.
Read the full story of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
Star sign
Taurus · April 20 – May 20 · Earth sign
Steady and loyal, with a weakness for good food and comfortable things.