17 May marks the establishment of ITU (International Telecommunication Union) in 1865 and has been celebrated as World Telecommunication Day. World Information Society Day, 17 May 2007 is dedicated this year to making available the benefits of the digital revolution to young people everywhere.

In his message on World Information Society Day, focusing this year on the theme "Connecting the Young", UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-moon said, "Young people are among the most prolific and knowledgeable users of ICT. I urge policy-makers and industry leaders to put their minds together and to work cooperatively with children and youth to produce suitable technologies, applications and services to facilitate access to information and communication technologies."

I believe this is important; as Dr Hamadoun Touré (ITU Secretary-General) said, the key to a better future for everyone is investing in the coming generations. Information and communication technologies and services are the best means to achieve a truly connected and equal word. Remember, knowledge is power.

ITU's youth program active since 2003 lays strong emphasis on capacity building, education and work experience in ICT. The Youth Education Scheme "YES" extends scholarships to future leaders in telecommunication and related fields, mainly from least developed and developing countries.

As a part of World Information Society Day celebration, the ITU presents the "ITU World Information Society Award". H.E. Dr Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, First Lady of the dominican republic, is one of this year laureates.

The Dominican First Lady has contributed to making technological services available to inhabitants of the most impoverished areas of the Dominican Republic, empowering them to become a part of the development process and contribute towards the social, cultural and economic advancement of the country. 135 Community Technology Centres provide telecommunication and ICT services, focusing on programs that include women and young girls.

Ms Mitchell Baker, on behalf of Mozilla Corporation (United States), and Professor Mark Krivocheev of the Russian Federation are the other 2007 laureates.

More info:

International Telecommunication Union
Dia de Internet (Spanish)