LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing May 17, 2010 as World Telecommuni-
cation and Information Society Day

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of important
events and recognizes their significant value to the success and
progress of society and publicly acknowledges their endeavors which have
enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
May 17, 2010 as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day; and
WHEREAS, The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Socie-
ty Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities 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; and
WHEREAS, World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on
May 17th since the year 1969, marking the founding of the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the signing of the first Interna-
tional Telegraph Convention in 1865; it was instituted by the Plenipo-
tentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos, Spain, in 1973; and
WHEREAS, In November of 2005, the World Summit on the Information
Society (WSIS) called upon the UN General Assembly to declare May 17th
as World Information Society Day to focus on the importance of ICT and
the wide range of issues related to the Information Society raised by
WSIS; the General Assembly adopted a Resolution (A/RES/60/252) in March
of 2006 stipulating that World Information Society Day shall be cele-
brated every year on May 17th; and
WHEREAS, In November of 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in
Antalya, Turkey, decided to celebrate both events on May 17th as World
Telecommunication and Information Society Day; the updated RESOLUTION 68
invites Member States and Sector Members to celebrate the day annually
by organizing appropriate national programs with opinions on stimulating
the reflection and exchange of ideas on the theme adopted by the Coun-
cil; in addition, it is to also debate the various aspects of the theme
with all partners in society formulating a report reflecting interna-
tional discussions on the issues underlying the theme, which would be
provided to ITU and the rest of its membership; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when insti-
tutions and events of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citi-
zens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize May 17, 2010 as World Telecommunication and Information Socie-
ty Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the International Telecommunication Union.