April 18, 2025
Every year on April 18, ham radio operators around the world celebrate World Amateur Radio Day. This special day marks an important date in 1925 when the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) was first established in Paris.
The 100th Anniversary Celebration
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of World Amateur Radio Day! This centennial celebration commemorates when radio amateurs from 25 countries gathered in Paris on April 18, 1925, to form the IARU and protect their rights to use radio frequencies.
Special activities for this historic day include:
- On-air operations from 00:00 to 23:59 UTC on all authorized amateur bands (except WARC bands)
- Operating modes including CW, SSB, and FT8
- Special commemorative stations worldwide using WARD (World Amateur Radio Day) in their callsigns
- Commemorative awards and contests dedicated to the event
- Public demonstrations to promote amateur radio among young people
- Conferences and webinars about the history and future of amateur radio
For more information, visit the IARU website: https://www.iaru.org/on-the-air/world-amateur-radio-day/
How It All Started
In the early days of radio, amateur operators made an amazing discovery. They found that short wave frequencies could send signals around the world. But there was a problem – these valuable radio frequencies were at risk of being taken away from amateur users.
To protect their hobby, radio amateurs met in Paris in 1925 and formed the IARU. Their work paid off quickly. Just two years later, amateur radio operators secured the frequency bands we still use today – 160, 80, 40, 20, and 10 meters.
Growing Stronger
From those 25 founding countries, the IARU has grown to include 160 member-societies across three regions covering the entire world:
- Region 1: Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Northern Asia
- Region 2: The Americas
- Region 3: Australia, New Zealand, Pacific islands, and most of Asia
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recognizes the IARU as the official voice for amateur radio interests.
Today, amateur radio is more popular than ever, with over 3,000,000 licensed operators worldwide!
Evolution of Amateur Radio
Amateur radio operators have always been at the forefront of communication technology:
- From early telegraph experiments to modern digital transmissions
- Today’s operators use both analog and digital modes
- Technologies like D-STAR, FT8, and amateur satellites have expanded our capabilities
- Ham radio operators work with government agencies and international organizations to ensure safe and effective use of radio frequencies
Emergency Communications
Throughout history, the amateur radio community has proven its value, especially in emergency situations where radio is often the only reliable means of communication when other systems fail.
This Year’s Theme: “Entering the Next Century of Amateur Radio Communications & Innovation”
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the IARU. For a full century, the IARU has worked to promote innovation in amateur radio and help it grow around the world.
IARU volunteers from many countries have represented amateur radio at international meetings. The IARU has been a member of the ITU since 1932, achieving important accomplishments, including significant outcomes at the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead to the next 100 years, amateur radio will continue to be a platform for technological experimentation and global communication. With the integration of artificial intelligence, new digital modes, and space collaborations, the world of amateur radio is destined to remain a reference point for innovation.
World Amateur Radio Day represents not only a celebration of the past but also an opportunity to look to the future. Amateur radio operators have built a legacy based on knowledge, experimentation, and solidarity – values that will continue to be at the heart of this extraordinary passion.
On April 18, get on the air and join the worldwide celebration! Whether you make one contact or many, you’ll be part of a global community that has been connecting the world for a century.
73 to all amateur radio operators worldwide!