World Amateur Radio Day 2025: Theme, History, Quotes

April 18, 2025| April 18, 2025 7 min read

World Amateur Radio Day is celebrated globally on April 18 to honor the founding of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) in 1925. In 2025, the world celebrates a historic milestone—100 years of the IARU.

This year’s centenary celebration comes with a powerful and forward-looking theme:

🎯 Theme for World Amateur Radio Day 2025:
“Entering the Next Century of Amateur Radio Communications & Innovation”

Let’s dive into the meaning of this day, its history, importance, quotes, and ways you can join the celebration.

World Amateur Radio Day 2025: Quick Overview

Aspect	Details
📍 Date	April 18, 2025
🌐 Organized By	International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)
🎯 Theme	“Entering the Next Century of Amateur Radio Communications & Innovation”
🥳 Significance	Marks 100 years since IARU was founded in 1925

History of World Amateur Radio Day

World Amateur Radio Day commemorates the founding of the IARU in Paris, France, on April 18, 1925. Back then, amateur radio faced intense competition for frequency allocation. The IARU was created to give amateur radio enthusiasts a global voice and a platform to promote and protect their interests.

Thanks to IARU’s work over the past century:

Amateur radio gained important allocations across shortwave, VHF, UHF, and satellite bands.
Hams contributed significantly to disaster communication, scientific exploration, and STEM education.
The community grew to over 3 million operators worldwide.

What is Amateur Radio?

Amateur radio, or ham radio, is the use of designated radio frequency spectrum for:

Non-commercial communication,
Technical experimentation,
Emergency preparedness,
Public service,
Cultural exchange.

Operators (called “hams”) are licensed individuals who often build their own equipment, establish long-distance connections, and help during emergencies.

Theme Significance: “Entering the Next Century of Amateur Radio Communications & Innovation”

As the IARU enters its second century, this theme reflects:

The resilience of ham radio over 100 years,
The transition into digital, satellite, and software-defined radio (SDR),
Ham radio’s role in future technologies, such as mesh networks, amateur satellites, and integration with IoT,
Its continued commitment to education, emergency response, and innovation.

Why Amateur Radio Still Matters in 2025

Amateur radio continues to be relevant and vital in the modern world for several reasons:

✅ Emergency Communications

When the internet and phones go down during earthquakes or hurricanes, ham radio is often the only lifeline.

✅ STEM Education

Young learners gain practical skills in electronics, wireless communication, coding, and physics.

✅ Global Friendship

Hams connect with people worldwide, promoting international goodwill and cultural exchange.

✅ Innovation & Experimentation

Many advances in wireless tech, from packet radio to moon-bounce communication, started with amateur operators.

How to Celebrate World Amateur Radio Day 2025

Here are meaningful ways to participate:

🎙️ 1. Get On The Air (GOTA)

Make QSOs with other hams around the world, especially during special World Amateur Radio Day nets and events.

🛠️ 2. Host a Workshop

Organize or attend a local club event, school seminar, or online webinar to introduce people to ham radio.

🛰️ 3. Try Something New

Experiment with FT8, Morse code (CW), APRS, Amateur Satellites, or digital voice modes like DMR.

📡 4. Share Your Story

Post about your ham radio experience on social media using hashtags like
#WorldAmateurRadioDay, #IARU100, #HamRadio2025.

📺 5. Promote Awareness

Write blogs, upload YouTube videos, or talk on local community radio about the impact of amateur radio.

Inspirational Quotes for World Amateur Radio Day

“Ham radio is not just a hobby, it’s a service that connects hearts across frequencies.”
— Unknown

“When everything else fails, ham radio prevails.”
— ARRL

“In a world of instant messaging, ham radio reminds us of the magic of real conversation.”
— Anonymous

“Amateur radio is the original social network—powered by curiosity and community.”
— IARU

“Celebrating 100 years of innovation, connection, and commitment. Here’s to the next century!”
— World Amateur Radio Day 2025

Fun Facts about Amateur Radio

The term “ham” was originally a nickname but became an endearing title of pride.
You can bounce signals off the moon to talk to someone on Earth—called EME (Earth-Moon-Earth).
There are ham radio satellites orbiting Earth—called OSCARs (Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio).
Morse Code (CW) is still popular and efficient—even when voice fails.

📜 Licensing & Getting Started

Want to become a ham radio operator?

Steps:

Study the basics of electronics and radio regulations.
Pass your country’s licensing exam (e.g., FCC in the USA, WPC in India).
Get your unique call sign.
Set up your radio station, and start making contacts (QSOs)!

🧠 FAQs: World Amateur Radio Day 2025

❓ When was the IARU founded?

April 18, 1925.

❓ What is the role of the IARU?

To protect and promote amateur radio spectrum, coordinate with international regulators, and support radio societies globally.

❓ Can I still use Morse code today?

Absolutely! It’s still one of the most effective forms of communication, especially during poor signal conditions.

📝 Conclusion

World Amateur Radio Day 2025 celebrates a century of community, service, and innovation. As we enter a new era, ham radio remains a beacon of resilience, learning, and global unity. Whether you’re a lifelong ham or a curious newcomer, this day is your invitation to connect, experiment, and communicate—without borders.

🔗Suggested Articles

📡 Happy World Amateur Radio Day 2025!