Youth-Driven Tech: Empowering Next-Gen Innovators | IGF 2023 WS #417

Audience

The audience member at the event was seeking insights into the resources that policymakers can provide to young people advocating for sustainability through technological innovation, apart from financial support. They strongly believe that policymakers should go beyond financial aid to encourage and support the sustainable pursuits of young people in the field of technology. The audience member wanted to know about other types of resources and support that can empower the youth in their pursuit of sustainability.

During the discussion on youth participation in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the importance of learning and capacity building was emphasized. The speaker, who is the chairman of the World Summit Award and the Young Innovators Award, stressed the need for learning and building capacities to actively participate in the IGF. This was particularly highlighted in the context of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The audience member supported the notion that more resources are needed to enable meaningful impact in the IGF.

Another point of discussion revolved around involving youth in the police process and bridging the gaps between them and decision-makers. Andrea Palomino’s project, “Youth for Our Data Future,” aims to achieve this by including youth in the police process. This initiative was positively acknowledged by the audience, who expressed gratitude for the proposed project. Building stronger connections and involvement between youth, decision-makers, and the community can contribute to achieving sustainable cities and communities, aligned with SDG 11.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the audience’s interest in exploring various dimensions of youth empowerment in sustainability and technological innovation. The importance of non-financial support from policymakers, such as resources, capacity-building initiatives, and inclusive participation frameworks, was emphasized. The audience showed appreciation for the dialogue and supported the proposed initiatives focused on youth engagement and bridging gaps between them and decision-makers.

However, it is important to note that the sentiment expressed by the audience members was typically neutral or positive. No specific negative sentiments or arguments were mentioned in the provided data.

Atanas Pahizire

The speakers in the discussion shed light on the importance of youth empowerment and its role in fostering innovation. They highlight the Pan-African Youth Ambassadors on Internet Governance initiative as an example of empowering young people. The initiative has successfully trained over 1,000 young individuals in Africa in five different languages, emphasising the significance of digital literacy and capacity building in enabling youth to contribute to the future of the Internet.

The discussion also emphasises that youth should have a voice in regulatory consultations on artificial intelligence (AI) and data protection. Recognising that youth are the major users of digital technology and will be future leaders, incorporating their perspectives and insights in regulations is essential.

Financial resources are another crucial aspect of empowering youth and fostering innovation. The discussion highlights that having ideas is not enough; young innovators need access to adequate financial resources to turn their ideas into reality.

Moreover, the speakers argue that policies should focus on genuinely empowering young people, rather than just including them as a token gesture. This means involving youth in decision-making processes and ensuring their participation in shaping policies that directly affect them.

Administrative burdens and visa issues are identified as challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, hindering their ability to innovate and collaborate internationally. The speakers call for reducing administrative burdens and improving immigration policies to create a more conducive environment for young entrepreneurs and support inter-regional collaboration.

Despite these challenges, the discussion highlights the resilience and determination of youth to participate and foster sustainable innovation. They encourage young individuals from different fields to continue fighting for their beliefs and building sustainability, even in less than ideal circumstances.

In summary, the discussion underscores the importance of empowering youth and fostering innovation. This includes digital literacy, access to financial resources, meaningful inclusion in policymaking processes, and addressing administrative hurdles for young entrepreneurs. Despite challenges, the speakers find hope in the resilience of youth to create sustainable innovation and advocate for their needs.

Theorose Elikplim

During an event attended by Theo from the Ghana Youth IGF, multiple speakers covered a range of important topics. A more detailed summary of the event reveals that the speakers highlighted various key points and presented arguments backed by evidence, drawing insightful conclusions.

One speaker discussed the significance of digital literacy in empowering the youth in Ghana, emphasizing the need to provide access to digital skills and education to bridge the digital divide. They argued that by equipping young people with necessary knowledge and tools, they can actively participate in the digital economy and contribute to the country’s development.

Another speaker focused on the importance of online safety and security, highlighting the growing risks and threats faced by young people in the digital age, such as cyberbullying, identity theft, and online scams. They suggested implementing effective policies and raising awareness about digital safety to protect the youth and ensure their online well-being.

Furthermore, a discussion on the role of social media in youth activism was explored. The speaker acknowledged the power of social media platforms in enabling young people to raise their voices and advocate for social change. They provided examples of successful youth-led movement campaigns driven by online activism, emphasizing the need to harness these platforms for positive societal impact.

Additionally, a speaker talked about the potential of technology in contributing to sustainable development. They discussed how innovation and digital solutions can address environmental challenges and enhance access to healthcare, education, and other essential services. They called for collaborations between policymakers, tech entrepreneurs, and the youth to develop and implement sustainable technology solutions.

In conclusion, the event provided valuable insights into various relevant topics, including the importance of digital literacy, online safety, youth activism through social media, and the role of technology in sustainable development. By understanding and addressing these issues, it is possible to empower the Ghanaian youth and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Nicolas Fiumarelli

Innovation is essential for progress and is often synonymous with technological advancement. It has the potential to solve complex problems and enhance the quality of life. The private sector plays a crucial role in driving technological advancements and shaping economic pursuits.

However, in the digital age, there are barriers to innovation. Unequal access to the internet is a significant challenge, as a large portion of the population still does not have access to it. This creates a digital divide, where many people are unable to unlock the knowledge and opportunities that the internet provides.

Overregulation is another barrier that can inhibit experimentation and restrict the free flow of information. Striking a balance between regulation and innovation is crucial. It is important to govern the internet in a fair and inclusive manner that facilitates technology and opportunities for all.

Global collaboration is essential in championing a free and innovative internet. Collaboration across nations and generations is necessary to address the complexity of the challenge. The UIGF Uruguay, for example, is committed to advocating for a free, fair, and innovative internet.

Sustainability is not just about collaboration and innovative ideas, but also about considering the environment. It is important to prioritize long-term ecological wealth over immediate corporate gains. Corporate legacy should recognize the profitability of sustainability.

Global equity is crucial for progress. Progress should not only benefit the privileged few but should be inclusive and benefit everyone. This requires a shift towards a more equitable society, where opportunities and benefits are accessible to all.

Youth have an essential role to play in internet governance and innovation. Their fresh and innovative perspective can lead to the creation of new ideas and solutions. Supporting mentorship programs that target young individuals in internet governance is important to foster their involvement and provide guidance as they navigate the digital landscape.

Youth can also drive sustainable practices in the tech industry. They are often more environmentally conscious and can integrate sustainable practices from the beginning. Their involvement can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible approach to technological development.

In conclusion, innovation is crucial for progress and technological advancement. However, barriers such as unequal access to the internet and overregulation hinder innovation in the digital age. Governing the internet in a fair and inclusive manner is important to facilitate technology and opportunities. Global collaboration is needed to champion a free and innovative internet, while also considering sustainability and the environment. The involvement of youth in internet governance and their drive towards sustainability is essential. Supporting mentorship programs further enhances their involvement and development in this field.

Osei Kagyah

The speakers in the discussion highlighted the crucial role of youth participation and collaboration in driving innovation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They emphasised that young people possess the energy and fresh perspectives necessary to bring about innovative solutions to complex global challenges. By actively involving young individuals, the speakers argued, societies can harness their potential and creativity to drive progress in various fields.

The importance of effective collaboration was also emphasised during the discussion. The speakers noted that collaboration is essential for addressing “the elephants in the room,” indicating that complex and longstanding issues require a collective effort to be resolved. By working together across different sectors and disciplines, it becomes possible to tackle these challenges more effectively and achieve meaningful progress towards the SDGs.

Furthermore, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) was highlighted as a significant platform for facilitating collaboration among young people from different countries. The IGF was recognised as a space where individuals can come together, share their ideas, and work collectively towards finding solutions to global problems. The forum’s inclusive nature allows young people to engage in international collaboration, exchange knowledge, and foster partnerships to drive positive change.

In conclusion, the speakers expressed a positive outlook on the role of youth and collaboration in shaping a better future. They underscored the importance of involving young individuals in innovation and problem-solving, highlighting their unique perspectives and fresh energy. Moreover, effective collaboration, both within and across diverse communities, was stressed as a crucial element in addressing global challenges comprehensively. The Internet Governance Forum was singled out as a platform that offers opportunities for young people to collaborate globally and contribute to achieving the SDGs. Overall, the discussion shed light on the necessity of youth participation and collaboration as key drivers for innovation and sustainable development.

Shradha Pandey

The involvement of youth in international discussions surrounding digital transformation has witnessed a significant increase, with young individuals playing a more substantial role and moving beyond mere token representation. These young members are actively contributing to strategic plans and priorities, developing new skills in leadership and strategy. This engagement has not only empowered grassroots communities but has also enabled youth to participate in high-level discussions.

One of the key arguments put forth by the youth community revolves around advocating for inclusive and sustainable innovation. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating rights-based approaches, environmental care, security, and sustainability into digital legislation and innovation. The involvement of youth members recognizes and addresses crucial issues related to trust, security, environmental sustainability, and accountability. They actively advocate for the integration of these aspects as inherent elements in the development and implementation of digital policies.

To foster innovation, it is essential to strengthen human resources, particularly those of young individuals, alongside allocating sufficient financial resources. Youth contributions in this context are based on volunteering their time, energy, effort, and hours. This highlights the need for adequate support and recognition of their input. Furthermore, the correct implementation of policies and the availability of financial resources are imperative for creating an environment conducive to youth-led innovation.

The youth community also stresses the significance of building digital skills and literacy. They argue that these skills should be an integral part of lifelong learning, with digital literacy being incorporated into formal education. By emphasizing the adoption of new technologies and fostering local development of digital content, the youth community aims to ensure that individuals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

Lastly, investment in digital initiatives, projects, and infrastructures is highlighted as essential for fostering innovation and supporting communities. Public and private development services play a crucial role in creating an environment that enables youth to thrive and contribute to innovation. Mentorship, incubation labs, and capacity-building programs are a few examples of initiatives aimed at supporting the youth community in their digital development journey.

In conclusion, the involvement of youth in international discussions related to digital transformation has witnessed a positive shift, with young individuals assuming more significant roles and contributing to strategic plans and priorities. Their presence has empowered grassroots communities and allowed for their participation in high-level discussions. The youth community advocates for inclusive and sustainable innovation, stressing the importance of incorporating rights-based approaches, trust, security, environmental sustainability, and accountability. Strengthening human resources, particularly the youth, and allocating adequate financial resources are crucial for fostering innovation. Building digital skills, literacy, and promoting local development of digital content are seen as essential for capacity building. Furthermore, investment in digital initiatives, projects, and infrastructures plays a vital role in creating an environment that supports youth-led innovation. Lastly, the continuous development of digital skills and literacy should be a lifelong learning process, with digital literacy being integrated into formal education to ensure individuals are equipped to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

Deborah

Deborah is a strong advocate for networking and believes in its value and importance. She expresses her belief in and support for networking, highlighting its benefits for personal and professional growth.

In addition to her passion for networking, Deborah also operates a nonprofit organization called findoutwhy.info in The Hague. The focus of her nonprofit is on partnerships for the goals, aligning with SDG 17. She emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaboration in achieving sustainable development.

Denise Leal, another individual mentioned in the analysis, emphasizes the need for digital literacy in today’s society. She offers one-to-one mentoring services at Find Out Why, based in The Hague. By providing mentorship in digital literacy, Denise aims to empower individuals and equip them with the necessary skills for success in the digital age. This aligns with SDG 4 and SDG 9, which respectively focus on quality education and industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

Deborah also encourages individuals to seize opportunities and take a proactive approach to professional advancement. She urges them to embrace their seniority, disregard hierarchical structures, and form alliances to collaborate effectively. This approach promotes gender equality (SDG 5) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

The Digital Fluency Lab, an organization mentioned in the analysis, operates in the city of peace and justice. Their work is centered around championing fairness, human rights, trustworthiness, and privacy. By aligning with these values, the organization contributes to SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Deborah’s personal history reflects her resilience and mentorship capacity. She shares her experiences of career reinventions and personal adversity, highlighting the valuable lessons she has learned along the way. Her journey serves as a source of inspiration to others and demonstrates the power of resilience in overcoming challenges.

Lastly, Deborah believes that the youth have a deep understanding of betrayal based on their historical experiences. She encourages young individuals to use their influence and make a positive impact. This aligns with SDG 10 and SDG 16, which focus on reduced inequalities and peace, justice, and strong institutions.

In conclusion, Deborah, Denise Leal, and the Digital Fluency Lab are individuals and organizations that are committed to making a positive difference in the world. Through networking, partnerships, mentorship, and a strong belief in fairness, they contribute to various sustainable development goals, including quality education, reduced inequalities, and peace, justice, and strong institutions. Their efforts inspire others to embrace personal growth, seize opportunities, and create a better future for all.

Celestine Alves

The discussions centre around the lack of innovation in Brazil. It is argued that this lack is not due to a lack of thinkers or intelligence, but rather a lack of opportunities and funding. There is a belief that innovation can push and influence the government and public sector to invest more, particularly in public universities. The sentiment regarding this argument is neutral.

Another factor that is said to contribute to the decrease in industry in Brazil is the impact of the global economy and police problems. It is noted that this has complicated the region’s situation over the past few decades. The sentiment towards this argument is negative.

Regulation is seen as a means to foster innovation, rather than block it. The stance is that regulation can actually encourage innovation, and methods like Sandbox are mentioned as examples. The sentiment regarding this viewpoint is positive.

When it comes to private investment, it is acknowledged that it is profit-focused. However, there is a recognition that preventative measures must be in place to address potential risks associated with innovation. Unfortunately, no specific supporting facts are provided for this viewpoint. The sentiment regarding this stance is neutral.

The importance of innovative hubs in universities and public investments is emphasised as a way to foster innovation in Brazil. However, no specific supporting facts are provided for this argument. The sentiment regarding this argument is positive.

It is argued that big tech companies are exerting control over innovation worldwide. This is supported by the fact that small tech startups, such as the app Waze, have been acquired by big companies like Google. It is suggested that Brazilian engineers from universities are thinking about creating tech solutions that could be sold to these big companies. The sentiment towards this argument is negative.

There is a call for the empowerment of young people and small to medium-sized businesses so that they can control and stimulate their own innovation. It is noted that young people and graduates are already innovating but lack sufficient financial support. There is also a concern that big tech companies take control over smaller startups through acquisition. The sentiment regarding this argument is positive.

The need for society to regulate the control of big companies over innovation is highlighted. It is argued that regulation is necessary to prevent big tech companies from exerting too much power and control over the innovation landscape. The sentiment towards this viewpoint is neutral.

Another aspect that is deemed crucial for innovation is more diversity and participation. It is believed that complex problems require different perspectives, and that solving these problems necessitates the involvement of those who have been affected by them. The sentiment towards this argument is positive.

Lastly, there is a call for the youth to be included in the decision-making process. It is recognised that the youth have ideas and thoughts that could contribute to important discussions, and that simply inviting their participation is not enough. The sentiment regarding this viewpoint is positive.

In conclusion, the discussions surrounding the lack of innovation in Brazil centre around the need for more opportunities, funding, regulation, and diversity. The involvement of the youth in decision-making processes and the empowerment of small to medium-sized businesses are also highlighted. Additionally, there is a concern about big tech companies exerting control over innovation globally.

Boris

The analysis comprises multiple speakers discussing a range of topics, including innovation, sustainability, education, and youth empowerment. One of the speakers, Boris, believes that every aspect of life provides learning opportunities for making positive changes. Boris himself developed a strong understanding of programming after reading the book “How Things Work” in year six. Using his programming skills, Boris and his team in the computer science society created a neural network that successfully pairs students with their preferred subjects. Boris encourages youth to recognize the impact they can have by harnessing their skills and thinking resourcefully.

The sentiment turns negative when tech companies are discussed. It is argued that these companies intentionally make managing cookies a difficult process to collect more user data. This practice raises concerns about privacy and data collection.

Another negative sentiment arises when discussing the use of carbon offsetting by many companies. While these companies claim to offset their carbon emissions, it is stated that many of these offsetting methods are ineffective. This highlights the need for more accountability from tech companies regarding their contributions to data center pollution.

On a positive note, one speaker advocates for the implementation of a data tax. The argument is that everything on the internet is intellectual property, and companies should be held accountable for using this data to create new technologies. The suggestion is to impose a data tax to ensure that companies are held responsible for their data usage.

There is also a call for increased government funding targeted at youth below the age of 18 to engage in sustainable tech solutions. The argument is that governments can do more to support and fund young individuals, allowing them to exercise their creativity and contribute to sustainable technology.

The importance of accessible knowledge, a suitable environment, and mentors is emphasized for youth to make a significant impact. The speakers stress that for young people to succeed, they need up-to-date knowledge in emerging sectors such as the metaverse and cryptocurrency. Mentorship is seen as essential in guiding young individuals to effectively utilize their skills. Additionally, government policies that promote the right environment are viewed as crucial for skill development.

The idea of increasing collaboration between the public, private, and civil society is highlighted. It is argued that such collaborations can provide necessary resources and training programs for individuals. Moreover, increased interaction between youth and older individuals can lead to valuable learning experiences and further skill development.

The analysis concludes by asserting that anyone, regardless of age, can make a positive change in their communities. The speakers urge individuals to take action and collaborate for a better future.

In summary, the analysis presents various viewpoints on innovation, sustainability, education, and youth empowerment. While there are negative sentiments towards certain practices by tech companies, there are also positive ideas proposed, such as a data tax and increased government funding. The importance of accessible knowledge, a suitable environment, and mentorship for youth is emphasized, along with the need for collaboration between different sectors of society. The analysis inspires individuals to recognize their power to make a difference and work together towards creating a better future.

Denise Leal

Denise Leal, a young innovator from Brazil, is taking the lead in hosting a youth panel focusing on innovation. This event is particularly significant for some of the speakers, as it marks their first participation in such a gathering. Denise shows great enthusiasm as she actively encourages the speakers, creating an environment that fosters engagement and learning. She expresses her delight in seeing the audience join the session, clearly demonstrating her passion for youth participation and encouragement.

During the panel, Andrea Palomino discusses a noteworthy project called ‘Youth for our Data Future’. This initiative aims to include young people in the police process and bridge the gap between youth and decision-makers. Andrea’s comment highlights the importance of empowering and involving young individuals in decision-making processes, particularly in areas related to community development and the promotion of peace and justice. This project serves as an excellent example of the positive impact that youth inclusion can have on building stronger institutions and sustainable cities.

Denise also emphasizes the significance of continuous contribution to the Internet Governance (IG) community. By encouraging active participation and engagement, she demonstrates her belief in the power of collaboration and collective action. Her support for the inclusion of youth in the decision-making process reinforces the idea that diverse voices and perspectives are essential for making informed and inclusive decisions.

In conclusion, Denise Leal’s hosting of the youth panel centered around innovation showcases her passion for empowering young people and amplifying their voices. Through her enthusiasm and encouragement, she creates an environment that fosters collaboration, learning, and engagement. Furthermore, her support for initiatives such as ‘Youth for our Data Future’ highlights the importance of youth inclusion in decision-making processes and community development efforts. Denise’s dedication to the IG community exemplifies the potential for positive change when young individuals are given the opportunity to contribute and shape the future.

James Amattey

James Amattey, a student at the University of Hong Kong, advocates for increased support and collaboration to assist young people in developing sustainable initiatives. He understands the challenges faced by youth in sustainable innovation, including the lack of experience, resources, and skills. James emphasises the importance of collaboration with government and big firms to provide the necessary support and capacity building for young individuals in sustainable innovation. This collaboration is crucial for the success of sustainable initiatives as it allows for the inclusion of the youth’s perspective and provides the needed resources, capital, and training.

Furthermore, young people play a crucial role in the digital economy and are at the forefront of finding innovative solutions to societal challenges. Their proximity to these problems gives them an advantage in contributing to sustainable development. James encourages the younger generation to communicate and share their views through existing platforms, enabling them to actively contribute their knowledge, experiences, and viewpoints.

Intergenerational mentorship also plays a significant role in bridging the knowledge gap. The older generation’s increased openness to offering mentorship to young individuals is essential for transferring knowledge and expertise. This exchange of wisdom and guidance empowers young people to effectively lead sustainable initiatives.

To summarise, James Amattey highlights the need for increased support and collaboration to assist youth in developing sustainable initiatives. Collaboration with government and big firms provides the necessary resources and capacity building for young individuals. Young people’s active involvement in the digital economy and their ability to communicate their viewpoints are valuable assets for sustainable development. Intergenerational mentorship is also crucial in bridging the knowledge gap and empowering young individuals.

Ethan Chern

Ethan Chern, a concerned student, identified a waste problem in his school involving the disposal of unused books, leading to the emission of carbon dioxide. At the start of the school year, only 2-3 books were designated for book crossing, but by the end of the year, this number had surged to 400-500 books. Unfortunately, the school management decided to discard or recycle these books, resulting in additional carbon emissions. Ethan observed that this waste issue was detrimental to the environment and called for immediate action.

To address the waste management problem in educational institutions and promote sustainability, Ethan, along with his father, formulated an innovative solution. They established the Mon Pau Foundation, which aimed to find ways to deal with the excess books in a sustainable manner. The successful establishment of the foundation paved the way for ongoing initiatives and actions to mitigate waste and foster environmental consciousness among students.

Ethan firmly believes that everyone, regardless of age or gender, possesses the ability to contribute towards making the world more sustainable. In a speech, he stressed the significance of collective efforts towards sustainability and highlighted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a common objective. Ethan’s advocacy for cooperation and inclusivity resonates with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which emphasises the need for collaboration between various stakeholders to achieve sustainable development.

In conclusion, Ethan Chern’s observations and initiatives shed light on the pressing waste management issues faced by educational institutions. His determination to address these challenges led to the establishment of the Mon Pau Foundation, a commendable step towards sustainability. By promoting collective efforts and emphasising inclusivity, Ethan encourages individuals of all ages and genders to contribute towards achieving the SDGs. It is through cooperative endeavours that we can pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Denise Leal:
I’m seeing a little bit more. Hello, everyone. So, we have this youth panel now. We are about to start. It’s the first time of some of our speakers in the event and speaking also here. So, let’s have a very nice session speaking about youth and innovation. I am going to invite our speakers to present themselves. And since we had some changes on the speakers and also the moderators, I will ask that each speaker could present yourself. And I am going also to be presenting the online speakers and the online moderator. So, let’s begin with it. Our on-seat speakers are going to present themselves. And I am Denise Leal from Brazil, part of the Brazilian youth. And I am very happy that you are here joining this session with us.

Boris:
Hi, I’m Boris from the One Power Foundation. I’m from Hong Kong.

Ethan Chern:
I’m Ethan Chern. I’m also from the One Power Foundation and, yeah, as well from Hong Kong.

Celestine Alves:
My name is Celestine Alves-Britt. I’m also from Brazil, a lawyer and a researcher.

Atanas Pahizire:
Hello, I’m Atanas Pahizire from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I’m the coordinator of the Youth IGFJRC and also in Internet Society Youth Ambassador. Thank you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you. So, now we are going to speak with our online moderator. Nicolas, are you there? And also James and the other speakers.

Nicolas Fiumarelli:
Yes, I am here. Nicolas Fiumarelli from Youth IGF Uruguay, coordinator.

Denise Leal:
James, Teros.

Theorose Elikplim:
Yes. Hi, my name is Theo. I’m from Ghana Youth IGF. Thank you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you. Osei, I see you.

Osei Kagyah:
Hi, everyone. My name is Osei from Ghana and I’m excited to be here.

Denise Leal:
Thank you. James. Okay, I cannot hear James, but I see Shraddha. Please, go on.

Shradha Pandey:
Thank you. Thank you. Hi, everybody. I am Shraddha. I am one of the board members of the Youth Standing Group of Internet Society and it’s very exciting to be here. Thanks, Denise.

Denise Leal:
Thank you so much. So, we are going to talk about youth’s role and also about innovation and what have you done, like we have done, to bring more innovation and solutions? And we are talking about our perspectives on our groups. I am from Latin America and we have also Asia here and we have other spaces. So, we are going to be talking on our experiences as a young person, personally, and also as a person from different, people from different groups. So, now, for starting, can we start with you, Denise? Yes. So, we are about to start. Let me just find the questions here, everyone. So, Terezinha, in your experience, how have youth-led initiatives influenced sustainability in Brazil? Thank you, everyone. So, Terezinha, in your experience, how have youth-led initiatives influenced sustainable tech solutions? And could you also speak on your perspective as a fellow from youth Brazilian program?

Celestine Alves:
Yes. Thank you, Denise. Well, I will speak from perspective from a lawyer, of course, and from a Brazilian young person. And we saw that, at least I hope that you saw, guys, that the theme of our session is youth drive and tech empowering next-gen innovators. So, when you talk about innovation, especially in Brazil, and I could say in other countries in Latin America, we know that you have a lack of innovation. And this is not a problem of a lack of thinkers or a lack of intelligence. It’s much more a lack of opportunities and a lack of money to be invested in these areas. So, I would say that, in Brazil, we are really pushing and trying to put pressure in the government and in the public sector to have more investments, especially in our public universities, because, unfortunately, we have seen a decrease of our industry in Brazil. And this is probably because of the global economy and all the police problems, which is being really complicated in our region, the last decades, actually. So, what we have to think is that, when you talk about innovation, and I know that we have been hearing here in the IGF that we cannot talk about innovation without talking about regulation. And I cannot agree that regulation is just a way to block innovation. That’s not true. Actually, we can foster innovation by regulation methods, like Sandbox that were told here, I think in the same room. And I think we have to see, especially in Latin America, how we can find ways, and I’m talking about the public sector because, as I just said, we don’t have strong industries. So, we need more investments, especially in our universities. And this, I can see, at least to just initiate the conversation, that the way is to have a kind of innovation, innovative hubs in the universities, and trying to have public investments, and then trying to have, as well, private investments. Why I’m saying that? Because we cannot forget that private investments, they always are focused on profits. So, we have to think, before thinking about making money, we need to prevent some risk and some bias about innovation. Thank you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, Terezinha. Now, we are going to pass the floor to Nicolas, so that we can hear also Shraddha speaking. Yes, Nicolas.

Nicolas Fiumarelli:
Hello, everyone. So, I wish to discuss an issue that strikes at the heart of the digital age, that is barriers to innovation, right? Particularly as they relate to the objectives and principles of the Internet Governance. Can you confirm that you are hearing me well? Yes? Great. So, innovation is the lifeblood of the progress, right? It’s what drives society forward, allowing us to solve complex problems and to enhance the quality of life. In the digital life, innovation is synonymous of the advancement in technology and the digital realm. So, we can also encompass quantum computing, artificial intelligence applications, and all these new technologies correlated with innovation. But as we forge ahead, embracing the many opportunities the digital world offers, we must be acutely aware of the challenges and barriers that will hinder our path. So, the profound barriers to innovation are unequal access, that is the main key. In a world where the Internet is the key to unlocking knowledge, fostering collaboration, and enabling breakthroughs such as, as I mentioned, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, it is distressing to see a vast number of individuals remain disenfranchised from this resource. So, as we speak of the digital divide, we must remember that it’s not just about access to devices or connectivity. It’s about access to the opportunities, to education, and to the markets, right? Then comes the issue of the regulation, as Denise mentioned, because the purpose of the regulation is to protect the users and ensure these fair practices at times. So, overly strict or ill-conceived regulations can deter startups or inhibit the experimentation or restrict the free flow of information. So, those things are all vital for a thriving digital ecosystem. So, the very platform that provides connectivity and democratization can sometimes become monopolist giants that we have seen, gatekeeping innovation and dictating the terms of online existence. So, the influence often extends to shaping the very policies that govern the Internet. We can lead to an environment not conducive to small players on newer ideas, right? So, the Internet Governance Forum, where we are just here, in its essence is to ensure that the governance of the Internet is inclusive, transparent, and just. But the governance should not be about control and regulation. It should be about facilitating this technology, these opportunities for the people. So, how can we, as members of the IGF, foster a new environment that not only safeguards the users, but also promotes this innovation, right? We have innovators from all around the world with a lot of experiences. So, how can we ensure that the policies are adaptable, resilient, and forward-looking? So, in the case of Uruguay, it has always been a beacon of progress throughout the region, and the UIGF Uruguay is committed to championing the cause of this free, fair, and innovative Internet. But it’s a global challenge, as we were mentioning, and requires a global response. So, we need to have equal foot in the terms of innovation. So, as we move forward, I don’t want to take so much time. Not just focus on the barriers, but maybe on the bridges we can build together. So, let’s collaborate across nations and generations to create this digital world that is not just safe and equitable, but also vibrant and innovative. Thank you, and I look forward to have this fruitful discussion ahead.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, Nicolas. Now, we are going to listen to Shraddha speaking about the role of youth-led initiative. Please go on. We are waiting for your words.

Shradha Pandey:
Thank you. Thank you so much, Denise. Hi, everybody. It’s Shraddha Pandey, for the record. And I’m going to talk to you a little bit about youth-led initiatives and the soft skills that youth can bring to the table while having discussions at such an international level, having such crucial discussions. What we’re seeing now is that the token representation of the youth community members, while it still remains token in some places, has been changing drastically over the past few years. And today, currently, I would like to talk a little bit about leadership and strategy that is – those are the new skills that the youth community members are developing with strategic plans and priorities for digital transformation by having a detailed plan and a detailed way of action towards grassroots communities. Our action about the youth-standing group of internet society on how they further the contribution and to essentially create an internet that leaves no one behind is by ensuring that we empower not only the grassroots communities and the initiatives that are run by people at the rural-most level for the last-mile connectivity, but while we also try to empower youth community members to participate in high-level discussions and make meaningful contributions that bring our voices to the legislations, to the policymakers, to the formation of regulations and initiatives. So these digital legislations and digital actions that are being based to foster innovation, they have to be rights-based, inclusive, and sustainable overall. So one of the key initiatives and ideas that the youth community brings to the table and brings to every discussion is the overall sustainability and overall environmental care or issues relating to trust, issues relating to security, environmental sustainability, about accountability, about being a rights-based approach is extremely important. So participation of youth members is something that I highlight and I say that in addition to contributing at the local level, an international discussion and a platform such as IGF is very important to bring in to understand what the best practices are of these local levels and how they can be replicated further in all other regions. With that, I hand it over back to you, Denise. Thank you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you for your contributions on the topic. We are now going to listen to Anthony’s, right? Based on your experience as a youth ambassador for the Internet Society and your involvement with the Pan-African Youth Ambassadors on Internet Governance, how can policies better incorporate the perspectives and innovations of the youth in shaping the future of the Internet, especially in the African context? Thank you.

Atanas Pahizire:
As a facilitator of the Pan-African Youth Ambassadors on Internet Governance, youth empowerment and digital literacy is a key to this program. The youth need to have the capacity. The youth need to have enough capacity to be contributors, and for this, they need literacy. They need the knowledge. The Pan-African Youth Ambassadors on Internet Governance initiative have trained over 1,000 young people in Africa in five different languages. You understand that it’s not only in English. For this to be meaningful, they have to get capacity in their own languages where they are fluent so that they can be contributors. We trained over 1,000 people in five different languages, giving them enough capacity to make sure that they are global contributors. As we are speaking, we have good ambassadors who were speakers at the African IGF and here also who are contributors. What’s really emphasized is the need for that capacity. One other thing I should say is that now we are having many data protection regulations and AI regulation all over the world, and especially in Africa, many countries are tending to bring in data protection regulation and AI regulation. As all policy processes, we have consultations. The youth need to be at the table. When we are talking about consultations about the AI, we are the actual main major digital users. We are also the future leaders, so we need to be at the table when decisions are being taken about how AI will be regulated, how our data has to be regulated. We need to be at the table. Our voices need to be heard. One of the main recommendations is that we may have more young people at the table in regulations, in consultations of policies related to artificial intelligence, emerging technology, data protection, and so on.

Denise Leal:
Thank you. It was a very important perspective from African region. Now, we are going to listen to Asia perspective. Ethan, can you share one significant learning or experience that has shaped your perspective on sustainable development and innovation, on the topic of innovation, please?

Ethan Chern:
Yeah, of course. It’s actually related to one of my own experiences. There’s a story about this. Two or three years ago, when I was year seven, in my school libraries, there’s a corner that people do book crossing, traditional book crossing. When it’s the first day of school, there’s two to three books inside a corner there. I was like, okay, maybe someone will take it away, or there’s more books at the end of school day. Time flies. It’s the end of the school year of year seven. When I got back there, there’s like 400 to 500 books there. No one takes it to read, just only people that want to give away and want to donate it. What the school did is just to throw it away and recycle it, which actually produced many carbon emissions. When I got back home, I told my dad that, oh, I figured out this serious problem, so we should find a way to figure it out. The idea of Mon Pau Foundation is formed, and we actually did it. Now, today, we’re here. Yes, that’s my own experience.

Denise Leal:
Very nice to hear how initiatives burn and that things inspire us and can be small or big things that make us move and trying to find solutions for innovation and sustainability. Now, also on the topic and Asia perspective, Boris, what were some of the key takeaways that you believe are crucial for the young generation on innovation and sustainable development?

Boris:
I think the main takeaway is just to notice what’s around you, because I think in every aspect of your life, there’s somewhere that you can find something to be learned. I think my experience with books began when I was in year six in a school in Hong Kong, where I was reading a book called How Things Work. This book was detailing how someone used STEM to create… fabulous inventions that change the world, right. So for me, I feel like books were much closer to me than I could ever imagine. But as I grew older, I realized that I grew to have the toolkits of tools I needed to make change. I started understanding programming and just started creating change with one pile. I think it’s very important for youth to understand that if there’s a single set of skills, you’re actually able to deliver a lot more impact than you think. So I think another example of this is that at my school, we have a computer science society, which I’m responsible for, and what we’ve developed is a neural network, which is completely run on a cloud-based platform called Google Colab, and we’ve managed to use that to pair students to their preferred subject choices. So I think it’s just crucial for us to realize that resources that we want is everywhere around us, and we must value this. Thank you for sharing your views on the topic.

Denise Leal:
Now we are also going to listen to our own speaker, Teresinha, talking a little bit about the big techs and small business in Brazil, and also how the youth are leading a paper on the topic.

Celestine Alves:
Innovation is actually one of my passions. That was the reason that I started to do research about internet governance, and I think when we talk about big techs, we don’t talk enough about how big techs impact the innovation around the world. When I say that, I’m not talking about the big techs, the innovation around the world. When I say that, one of the first examples that I saw, like, I think you all know the Waze, right? The app for geolocalization, and we know that the Google Maps was the first, and Waze just, I’m not sure, but Waze is from a company, a tech company, a startup from Israel, and then Google Maps just some years ago, they bought the Waze, and today the Google Maps and the Waze, they both pretend to be the same company. Why is it a problem? I don’t think Google is a problem, because Google is doing what Google is supposed to do, be the best that they can, so we as a society need to do our best, and regulation is one of these issues, because we cannot allow big companies to control the innovation around the world, because there is a kind of bubble. Why I’m saying that? We have startups in Brazil, and the problem is that our engineers, they come from the university thinking about creating an app or creating an app set or creating a kind of tech solution that will be just sell for a big company, and this is a real problem, because at the end of the day, who is really controlling the innovation? Just the private sector, and we need to understand what is the needs of each country, what is the need of each groups, and here I can say the youth, we are part of the society, and we have our needs, and I think a big part of the solution is to foster the small and medium companies, the small and medium business, especially the ones created by young people, especially the ones that just graduated. This is really important, because they are innovating, and they don’t have enough money, and they need to be fostered by someone.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, Terezinha. Now we are going to speak about policies and recommendations our young panelists have to make on the topic. How can policies and regulations can be improved to empower the next generation of innovators with a focus on platform accountability and fostering innovative solutions, and what concrete recommendations do you have that can be made to erase the accessibility of sustainable tech solutions for all, particularly in developing countries? Let’s start with Adenis. Thank you, Denise. For us to foster innovation, one thing

Atanas Pahizire:
Terezinha just mentioned, the youth need financial resources. We always have the brain, we always have ideas, but for us to put this into action, we need financial resources, and the regulations we are now putting in place, I think they should look into that and think, how are we empowering the youth? Not only saying we are ticking a box, we are having the youth in this project, we are having young people in a project, ticking a box because they ask you to have young people, but we have to see how are we meaningfully empowering them, that they can foster innovation, make solutions, and for this, they need financial resources. So, that’s it for now. Thank you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you. Now, let’s listen to Shradha, answering and talking on her perspective on this question.

Shradha Pandey:
Thank you. Thank you so much, Denise, and it was a very valuable contribution. Initially, understanding that financial resources is the starting step is very important because, especially since the contributions of youth community members are based on our volunteering time, our volunteering energy, effort, and hours, they can only take you so far, but I would like to add on a little more with respect to additional human capital or the human resources that need to be strengthened to make sure that the financial resources and the policies that are being implemented to foster innovation are taken forward in the right manner. So, when I say human resources, I’m talking about building digital skills and capacity building of the youth community members and new members who are joining the internet governance forum and are using the internet on every single day. Building their digital skills, ensuring that digital literacy, adoption of new technologies, the usage of new technologies, and local development of digital content goes hand in hand. It goes far away in ensuring innovation that starts from the ground roots level or from the grassroots and the bottom up. What we’re also seeing is an inclusion of digital literacy in formal education on the perspective or the idea that it’s never too late to learn and lifelong learning. These are the ideas and concepts that need to be strengthened to ensure that there is a lot of engagement with digital learning. In addition to that, we’re also talking about allocation and investment in actual digital initiatives, projects, and infrastructures that deploy and scale up technologies and services for these communities. This can be in the form of public and private digital development services, which enable a digital environment for the young people to foster their innovation to create them further and take these further, such as incubation labs, such as any initiative that works towards mentorship, towards capacity building of these youth community members. So, when we’re talking about these, these are the sort of issues that I think are very important and they’re pertinent to be highlighted in terms of what our understanding and what our analysis has to be in these regards. So, for that, from my end, that’s it. Thank you, Denise. Over to you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, Shradha. We are now going to listen to Ethan on the topic. Yes. Boris first? Okay.

Boris:
So, I think for this question about, let’s talk about the first point first, about platform accountability. I think a main part of data is managing the data self-data governance. So, whenever we’re using a platform, I feel like all of our data is being collected, I think currently not our biometrics, but in the future our biometrics will also be collected, making a full profile of ourselves. So, I think a main question that has been discussed in previous sessions is the idea of the cookie button. So, every time we go on a platform, we click the accept all cookies button, which basically means that all our data is going to be collected by the platform. But what we’re not realizing is that we’re actually able to click manage these cookies, but the reason why tech companies are making this such a difficult process is because they want us to give them their data, give us their data. And secondly, I think for keeping, for keeping platforms more accountable, we need to stop their greenwashing. Many companies decide to use carbon offsetting, but it’s been proven that many of these carbon offsetting methods don’t work. So, you must hold them more accountable for a data center pollution. I think thirdly, there’s been a lot of talk about data tax in this idea. I think this idea of data tax is that everything on the internet is intellectual property, and you’re what, and you’re what being, and that is what’s being used to create a new convolutional neural networks and neural networks on the internet. So, I think we need to hold them accountable for this usage of data, because this is truly not their data. I think for sustainable solutions, what will really help you get more involved in such solutions will be more funding for youth. I think governments can do more funding targeted for youth below the ages of 18, where they have to exercise their creativity, because many avenues require like a computer, hardware, processing power, and it’s quite hard to achieve in this modern day and age. But I think sharing more resources such as online courses, I think Google gets free courses, and I think Google Colab is a great resource for online development. So, I think by doing so and giving more resources for students like us, I think we’ll be able to have a greater impact. Thank you. Thank you. So, now we are going

Ethan Chern:
I have nothing to add on, yeah.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, so now we are going to listen to our online speakers, and please, Jose, are you there to address the word?

Osei Kagyah:
So, yeah, I think a lot has been said. I’ll not maybe add a lot to it, and I’ll just exercise brevity that as youth, as young people, we are at the forefront of innovation, and we just need to more do effective collaboration, most importantly, and bring our energies together. So, I do believe the IGF provides a very, very, very, very big platform for all of us to collaborate from India to Hong Kong to Brazil to Comoros, to just bring our energies together and just solve the elephants in the room. So, I will move on to our next speaker to just speak on that too.

Denise Leal:
So, please, now we are going to listen to James on the topic. James, please present yourself and give us your views.

James Amattey:
Hi, thank you very much. My name is James from the University of Hong Kong, and I’m a student at the University of Hong Kong, and I’m from Ghana. And to touch a bit on the topic, I believe that some of our panelists have spoken at range on what the youth can do to develop sustainable initiatives. Now, I do believe that in as much as we are trying to get the youth, there is still some inexperience that we could learn from pre-existing solutions. So, in that sense, we want to be able to call on collaboration, whether with government, whether with big firms, to be able to help transition the youth into the capacity and the knowledge that is required to innovate and run some of these initiatives. Because very unique, these initiatives are very difficult to carry on without that collaboration, whether it’s in terms of capital, whether it’s in terms of resources, whether it’s in terms of training, whether it’s also in terms of getting the youth perspective on initiatives and policies to be able to ship guard the future. So, I think that collaboration will be key in helping us get to where we want to get to in terms of a collaboration in sustainable innovation. Thank you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, James. Now, we are going to listen to Nicholas speaking about his perspective about these questions. Please, Nicholas, go on.

Nicolas Fiumarelli:
Yes, I think that this, for example, when you mentioned about the collaboration between the different platforms, I think it’s very important to highlight that these technological advancements need to be shaping our every move on economic pursuits. But we need to know that there is an effort from the private sector to do this because of, obviously, a commercial interest. But what we are trying to, or at least from my perspective, what the youth want to have is more opportunities for creating, for example, taking advantage of these collaborations to create a lot of environments and different applications, new ideas that could shape the new innovative solutions and so on. So, I think that we need to recognize that we are in a new era, in a new century, and sustainability is not just on collaboration and innovative ideas, but also about the environment. That is very important. It’s a broader spectrum. And economic sustainability ensures that these communities are driven and created today and don’t lead to economic pitfalls. But social sustainability as well asks us to look beyond our immediate circles and consider global equity, ensuring that the progress is not only benefiting the privileges, but everyone. So, we are always changing topics because we cannot have, as we say in the beginning, innovation if we don’t have these privileges in the same loop. So, the environment remains at the core of the sustainability, I think, in these extreme weather conditions, the climate of our planet, the carbon footprint, as our panelists from Asia-Pacific mentioned at the beginning. So, to have a balance in our ecosystem is a priority, and the choices we make today will definitely be the legacy we leave behind. So, what can I do? I can pose this question to the panelists. From choosing to reduce waste to supporting sustainability businesses and advocating for policies that prioritize long-term ecological wealth over things, the corporate legacy is increasingly recognizing the profitability of sustainability, but often the synergies are failing, right? So, I put this as a common thing in the panel and maybe see if we can address these

Denise Leal:
challenges. Thank you, Nicolas. Before the speakers start to share their final thoughts, I would like to open the mics for the audience to propose questions if you wish to. So, we have any online or on-site questions? This is the moment for it. Yes, please go on.

Audience:
As a youth passionate about promoting sustainability through technological innovation, technological innovation, what specific resources and support would you like policymakers to provide to empower you and your peers in driving sustainable technological advancements other than funding? Because I heard Boris said funding would be a great help for you, but any other things other than funding would be a good help for your involvement?

Denise Leal:
Let’s listen to the other question and then we are going to answer both of them. Please go on.

Audience:
Thank you very much. I’m very impressed with this session. My name is Peter Bruch, I’m the chairman of the World Summit Award and we run also the Young Innovators Award around the world for people who are using digital for a positive social impact and for achieving the SDGs. I was very moved by the presentation and also by the words from our friend here from the Democratic Republic of Congo and I have a question following his presentation where he outlined and stressed also the need to learn and to have the capacity to be able to participate in something like the IGF. And I have a question to the panel here is what would be in terms of a ranking of priorities the most important things which you would need in order to feel that you are actually able to really present a meaningful impact and also have a clear enough understanding of how to make it in terms of this opportunity of youth participation in the IGF. Thank you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you for your questions. So before making more questions and answering I would like to ask everyone to talk a little slowly and also more clearly out loud because it reflects on the subtitles and since we were on the other panel it was about accessibility so we must have accessible subtitles, right? Thank you for telling us. Now we are going to we have some online questions but before the online questions we are going to answer our on-site participants so please go on who wants to start answering it. I can take the first question. Okay and then Boris want okay thank you. Please go on.

Atanas Pahizire:
Thank you brother. You just mentioned what do we need other than financial resources to make sure so that we can foster innovation and youth participation. Actually, young people are working around startups and innovative solutions, small and middle enterprises with the resources that we can have, that we have. But sometimes administrative burdens too much to handle for us. I’m talking from an entrepreneurship point of view as a co-founder of a startup in my country. The kind of administrative paperwork they will ask you as a young people, you are like, seriously, why are you trying to make the whole thing hard? You are trying to build an impact, you are trying to get your own financial resources while fostering innovation. But the administrative processes can always very tough for young people. I think that’s one other thing that policy makers can help us to ensure that we can build innovation. So if, other than the administrative paperwork when we are talking about small and middle enterprises, one other thing I would like to mention is also, sorry, a second. So other than that, it’s also collaboration. For a young guy to move from one region to another one, lastly, had troubles going to the Latin American region. I cannot access the visa issues is a big problem for young people. I don’t know what you think about, I’m just something about the immigration people. Maybe they think we are going, I don’t know if we are going to steal a vote, but there is more room for collaboration and inter-regional collaboration. But our immigration policies are not really helping this collaboration between regions. So I think that’s one other thing that policy makers can work on to make sure that young people can innovate. If I can go to Hong Kong and Denise can come to Congo and easily work on the same project, put resources together, put knowledge together, and there we can foster innovation. But with all these immigration problems and mostly affecting the young people, it’s very tough. So that’s another thing that we can work on. And yes, financial resources are also very important and the key solution to that as well. Thank you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, Adeniz, for your answer. We have Deborah online, but wait just a moment. Deborah Boris is going to answer the other question that we had on seat and then we can have you talking and making your question.

Boris:
I’m going to try to answer the two questions together. I think they’re quite related. So I think the most important thing for youth to make an impact, I think my ranking would be knowledge, a suitable environment, and then mentors. I think knowledge is that knowledge has to be accessible. So people need to be able to access resources that teach them about new things. So let’s say we need to learn about the metaverse. It’s about knowing about it. You wouldn’t act on it and you wouldn’t learn skills like blockchain programming, which are required in the field like cryptocurrency and other like metaverse-related things. I think secondly is the environment because without the right environment, like brought by government policies, you wouldn’t be able to practice your skills and also learn the most updated skills. So I think a policy that I would support is increasing the intersection between public, private, and civil society in Hong Kong, which will allow more collaboration between companies and individuals, as well as the government, to provide resources and maybe training programs for individuals to learn more skills in order to slowly build themselves up for impact. I think lastly is mentors because through the power of mentors, I believe that young people are able to truly exert themselves. And then using their skills they have learned, they’re able to find the right places to exert themselves. So I think a mentor at a company will be able to help individuals such as me learn like greater skills and deliver an impact. I think for policies, I think policies would mainly be increasing the amount of interaction that youth and older people have because I think the age gap is what helps people learn. I think people being at the forefront of the industry, teaching their skills to youth, it will really help them gain the most up-to-date, best information. Thank you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you. So now let’s go in to listen to Deborah. You have a question?

Deborah:
Well, I do. And that was perfect. The speaker who just spoke, I don’t know your name, but I know you guys are still talking. The networking. I wanna talk about the networking concept. Okay, so I just gotta give you a little background of who I am and then I’m gonna make an offer for you all because I believe very much in networking. I believe in the Zoom coffee. I have a nonprofit in The Hague called findoutwhy.info. Oh, sorry. Too loud or go quicker?

Denise Leal:
Oh, yes, please. If you could slow down your speech.

Deborah:
Sorry.

Denise Leal:
Yes, thank you.

Deborah:
I’ll speak a little bit further away from the mic.

Denise Leal:
Thank you.

Deborah:
Okay. Okay. And this is just proof. I have online, offline, how I can see what you’re doing and I saw that you needed something to change. Okay, so back to the story. findoutwhy.info, based in The Hague, Digital Fluency Lab. All of you are talking about the need for digital literacy, et cetera, okay? So please do reach out. You can find me on LinkedIn using my name and tell me how you met me if you’re interested in what I’m gonna offer. So one-to-one mentoring is one of the things that we do. And as I said, we’re based in The Hague. You know, I work across all sectors. You know, I work across all sectors. I work with, based in Utrecht is, for example, Team Liquid. And for those of you who do video gaming and understand the importance of that in the future, you’re the digital architects of the future. And the one thing I wanna be really sure to say to you is you have the seniority. You don’t have to wait for the hierarchy to invite you to the table. Take your seat at the table. And you talk often about collaborations. It’s also about, which you just said, about mentoring and allies, and we’re allies, okay? Find out why we’re allies for getting a seat at the table and getting you in the door. So please make use of it. I’m offering that to you just now. Reach out and you’ll find out that we’re here for you. And I think being in the place of the digital realm with the Digital Fluency Lab and the idea of peace in the city of peace and justice, we have aligned values and our core ideals on fairness, human rights, trustworthiness, and privacy. And I think it’s important, as many of the speakers have said, about how we have to build our own network in a way. I’m a non-traditional at this. I was a clothing designer in New York City in the 1980s and 1990s. So I know the value chain. I know the supply chain and the manufacturing chain on a global level. I’ve been through a pandemic. I’ve been through the AIDS pandemic in the 80s. I’ve gone through the financial crash. I’ve raised two sons at the foot of 9-11. So I come to you with that sort of gravitas in terms of navigating through different industries, through reinvention and so on. And so I offer Find Out Why to you as a mentor. Thank you very much for opening my mic. And I wish you guys all the very best. Believe in yourself, trust yourself. Last point I want to make. Find out why we talk about trustworthiness. And we don’t believe that the youth have a problem with trust. We believe that the youth understand betrayal better than any other generation has in the recent history. And you have the gravitas flex on it. And so I say that, and I just really want to applaud all of you. So thank you very much.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, Deborah, for your considerations and also for your questions. We are now going to listen to our speakers making their final thoughts and also answering your question. Let’s start with Nicolas, please. We only have seven minutes more and we are going out without subtitles. So let’s go fast with it. Everyone, go on, Nicolas.

Nicolas Fiumarelli:
Yes, just a few reflection points also about the question on the youth, the role of the youth in the internet governance. You know that the young individuals suffer like this fresh perspective on the challenges and it’s essential to have youth participation in forums like the ICF because we can express our concerns, aspirations and challenges. And also as we have seen in the panelists, the younger generation in developing countries is often at the forefront of this digital innovation or grassroots campaigns sometimes. So participating in the internet governance is an opportunity to highlight our ground realities or share our successful models, right? So as digital natives, the youth have like a keen interest in the technological backbone of the internet. So these sustainable practices are not just an afterthought but are integrated from the get-go. So by forming more alliances or partnerships as other were mentioning between the regions as well, we can share our experiences and make the collective voices more and more stronger at these international forums. Finally, just to mention a few more things is like often more environmentally conscious can be catalysts for driving sustainable practices in the tech industry. And the ICF can focus on mentorship programs as were mentioned, targeting maybe young individuals or ensuring that they have the appropriate skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to the discussions. That is like the active participation of the youth in internet governance is super related with advancing in sustainability because ensuring that the digital future is not only sustainable and inclusive, we have seen it, but also resonating with the aspirations and concerns our generation will be most impacted by it. Thank you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, Nicolas. Now let’s go for the final considerations of James. James.

James Amattey:
Yes. Thank you very much. I believe I am at a slower pace now. So first of all, I would like to say that the youth are currently the forefront of the digital economy and we are closer to most of the problems. So I think that I’m actually grateful for platforms like these, where we can be able to share our knowledge, share our experiences and our points of view to be able to communicate that across. Now, it is very imperative for us to also take the initiatives to come to the forefront to share our views. Now, sometimes it can be very intimidating because we may think we lack experience, but I do believe that keeping quiet is not the way to go as our thoughts and our voices are very necessary to be able to progress current conversations. And I also like the fact that the older generation is now more open to offering mentorship to the younger ones so that we could learn and be able to bridge that knowledge gap. So I do believe that we can catalyze or take off from this platform to be able to develop various initiatives in our economy. But thank you very much for having me. Another question.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, James and Osei. Let’s go for your final considerations. I don’t see Osei. Maybe he’s gone already. Okay, and I think that Shraddha also has an internet issue and will not be able to speak now. And we are going to our own seat, speakers’ considerations now.

Atanas Pahizire:
Please, let’s begin with Adenis. Thank you, Denise. The youth is ready to participate. The youth is ready to foster innovation. With the low resource we have, with the zeal we have, we are ready to build sustainable innovation. So whatever we need, we are going to go for it. Whether it’s a seat at the table when it’s not given, whether it’s the resource, we are trying in our own way to find this, we’re talking about the environment, to make the environment good enough for us to build that innovation. And so what I would say as a parting remarks to encourage everybody, whether you are a legal practitioner, whether you are a software engineer like me, to continue to build that sustainability. Even if you don’t have all the requirements, even if the environment is not ready enough, just start small, continue in the small way, and fight for what you want. That will be it for me, thank you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, Teresinha.

Celestine Alves:
Well, I think I will just follow what he just said, because I think sometimes we behave as more participation, more diversity would be just cool and beautiful, but it’s not about that. We need more people, we need different kind of people, because we have problems, complex problems, and we need to think critically and more profound about these problems, and we cannot solve these problems without bringing to the table people who have been affected by these problems. And we need, I think he is not here anymore, but in this question he asked something about our priorities, and a kind of ranking of what are the youth priorities. And I think one of the priorities would be really be able and invited to participate into the decisions, because we have been invited to participate into the discussions, but this is not enough. We need to be part of the decision as well, and our ideas and our thoughts, what we have been finding, because we have been researching, we have been seeing and facing experiences that really could help it, but if you are not even really listening, if people don’t take our ideas, this is bad for everyone. So this is my final, I thank you to be here, and that’s it.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, now we are going to end the session with Boris and Ethan, please go on.

Ethan Chern:
So before I say anything, I gotta thanks Denise and Nicholas to invite me and Boris to this discussion, which is my pleasure. And in my opinion, not only youth, but everyone here, no matter how old are you, or no matter how young are you, we can make impact to this world. We can let the world to become more sustainable. This is, and our goal, our goal is basically the sustainable development goals, this is our common goals that we wanna achieve. And I believe that if everyone of us cooperate together, no matter your age, no matter your sex or whatever, we can cooperate together and let this world to become more and more better, and that’s all, thanks.

Boris:
I think just to end this in a positive light, I think I’ve learned a lot from this IGF experience. I think it was really successful. I hope everyone here stays connected and collaborative in the future, and that everyone, unrestricted by their age, can make a change in their own communities. Thank you.

Denise Leal:
Thank you, and for finalizing it, we had a comment on the chat. It’s Andrea Palomino talking about a project that they have to include youth on the police process and bridge gaps between youth and decision makers. It’s youth for our data future, so please follow them on their website and let’s keep this beautiful work. We count on you for a better future on the IG community. Thanks, everyone, for being here.

Audience:
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.