European Parliament Delegation to the IGF & the Youth IGF | IGF 2023 Open Forum #141

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Three key arguments related to youth participation in digital technologies were presented. Firstly, it was emphasised that young people should be involved as stakeholders in any process related to digital technologies. This was supported by the fact that Ananya is a youth advisor to the USAID Digital Youth Council and is actively involved in the design and implementation of the Digital Strategy.

The significance of this argument is underscored by the statement that digital technologies influence young people’s aspirations, ideas, and lives right from birth. By involving young people as stakeholders, their unique perspectives and insights can be incorporated into the decision-making processes, ensuring that the digital technologies being developed and implemented meet the needs and aspirations of the youth.

The second argument put forward was that young people from diverse backgrounds must be provided with a platform to share their inputs on policies that influence their lives.

This argument was justified by Ananya’s suggestion to host consultations, youth summits, site events, networking sessions, conferences, exhibitions, and educational programmes. This inclusive approach recognises the importance of enabling participation from all segments of society and the value of diverse perspectives.

Ananya further emphasised the significance of local, national, and international level fora to make the policy-making process more accessible, inclusive, and globally relevant. By actively involving young people from diverse backgrounds, policies can be better informed, resulting in reduced inequalities and stronger institutions.

Finally, it was highlighted that leveraging digital platforms and social media can be effective in engaging young people.

Ananya emphasised the creation of interactive online spaces and the use of social media campaigns, hashtags, and online events like webinars to raise awareness and mobilise support from and with the youth. This approach recognises the increasing influence of digital platforms on young people’s lives and the ease with which they can connect and engage on these platforms.

Utilising digital platforms and social media provides a powerful tool to reach and involve young people in discussions and decision-making processes related to digital technologies.

In conclusion, the arguments presented highlight the importance of involving young people as stakeholders in the development and implementation of digital technologies, providing a platform for their inputs on policies, and leveraging digital platforms and social media for effective engagement.

By adopting these approaches, there is potential to create a more inclusive and impactful digital ecosystem that meets the needs and aspirations of young people from diverse backgrounds. It is vital to recognise the value of youth participation and ensure their voices are heard and incorporated into decision-making processes to build a digital future that is equitable and relevant for all.

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Brando emphasises the need for the involvement of young people in the design and governance of AI policies. He recognises that young people bring a unique perspective and understanding, which is essential in shaping policies that are relevant and effective.

Brando is actively working on the AI Act which includes a clear reference to the importance of stakeholder involvement, including young people.

In addition to his focus on youth involvement, Brando also recognises the crucial issue of understanding and handling the tension between democracy and new technologies.

He believes that this issue requires more engagement from young people, similar to the global mobilisation they have shown for climate issues. Brando commends the efforts of young people in advocating for climate action and sees a need for similar engagement in addressing the challenges posed by new technologies.

Brando’s work extends beyond mere recognition and advocacy.

He is actively involved in negotiating for the inclusion of stakeholder involvement in the parliament text of the law. By doing so, he aims to ensure that the perspectives of young people and other stakeholders are considered and integrated into the decision-making process.

Overall, Brando’s stance highlights the significance of youth involvement in shaping AI policies and addressing the tension between democracy and new technologies.

His recognition of the global dimension in legislative work and the need for stakeholder engagement reflects a comprehensive and inclusive approach. By actively working towards these goals, Brando aims to create policies that are democratic, equitable and responsive to the challenges of our rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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The European Parliament, led by Christian-Sylvie Bouchoy, is actively involved in internet governance forums and is committed to supporting the activities of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Bouchoy, a member of the European People’s Party and President of the Industry Research and Energy Committee, introduced the members of the European Parliament Delegation to the IGF.

The European Parliament is strongly committed to supporting IGF activities.

They have participated in most of the IGF forums and have initiated a letter to President Roberta Metzola to form a permanent working group on IGF in the European Parliament. Additionally, members of the European Parliament are involved in different legislative dossiers on various areas related to internet governance.

In the digital area, the European Parliament is actively developing legislation.

They have already adopted legislation on data governance, Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act, Cyber Security, and the Artificial Intelligence Act. The Parliament is currently engaged in inter-institutional negotiations with the Council and the European Commission to finalize the legislation.

These efforts demonstrate the Parliament’s commitment to addressing the challenges presented by AI and ensuring responsible use of technology.

The European Parliament strongly believes that artificial intelligence should not be used for mass surveillance. They are working on a position on artificial intelligence and are particularly concerned about the ethical issues surrounding biometric AI usage.

The Parliament advocates for responsible and regulated use of AI.

Youth involvement and consultation in decision-making processes are encouraged by the European Parliament. They recognize the need for stronger and clearer involvement of young people in decisions related to digital legislation and future artificial intelligence.

Some young people who are members of the European Parliament are actively connected to the youth and support their participation.

The European Parliament acknowledges the importance of dialogue and cooperation in internet governance. They have strong ties with Latin America and Africa and believe in working closely with them on issues related to internet governance and digital artificial intelligence.

They have also suggested the possibility of establishing a similar network in Latin America.

Youth participation, particularly through the European Youth IGF and the public consultation phase, is deemed critical in shaping legislation on internet governance. The European Parliament commends the consultation process with Director O’Donohue and encourages the youth to take part in it.

In conclusion, the European Parliament, under the leadership of Christian-Sylvie Bouchoy, is actively engaged in internet governance and is dedicated to supporting IGF activities.

They are actively developing legislation in the digital area and are advocating for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Youth involvement and consultation are encouraged, and strong partnerships are being established with Latin America and Africa. The Parliament believes in the importance of constructive dialogue and recognizes the vital role young people play in shaping the future of internet governance.

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The discussion centred around the Hiroshima process, which aims to enhance global cooperation among G7 countries in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This process complements the AI Act introduced by the European Union (EU), which seeks to ensure AI systems undergo a risk-based security analysis.

The EU places significant emphasis on developing AI that is human-centric and aligned with fundamental rights.

It actively works towards legislation addressing the ethical concerns of AI, aiming to establish regulations that guarantee responsible and accountable AI use.

The EU encourages a multidisciplinary approach to AI, recognizing its complexity and the need for input from various sectors and stakeholders.

Discussions have taken place on establishing a multi-stakeholder forum to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. These initiatives demonstrate the EU’s commitment to engaging the international community and avoiding isolation in developing and regulating AI technologies.

Overall, participants supported regulating AI while promoting innovation.

They advocated for a framework for AI regulation akin to the regulation of medicines, ensuring appropriate scrutiny and oversight while allowing room for advancement.

The analysis primarily focused on the positive sentiment surrounding AI regulation and innovation, indicating a widespread recognition of the need for responsible and ethical AI development.

The emphasis on risk-based security analysis, human-centric AI, and the multidisciplinary approach highlights a strong desire to align with international standards and respect fundamental rights.

In conclusion, the discussion underscores the importance of global cooperation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and ethical considerations in AI regulation and innovation.

The EU and participating countries are committed to creating a regulatory framework balancing innovation and safeguarding individual rights and well-being.

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Herman Lopez, a member of the standing group of the Internet Society, has expressed concern regarding Latin America’s limited participation in global Artificial Intelligence (AI) discussions. Lopez highlights the absence of Latin America in AI talks, while noting the active engagement of India and Africa.

He advocates for the inclusion of Latin America, emphasising the importance of reducing inequalities and promoting representation.

Lopez’s concern arises from the fact that Latin America has seemingly been excluded from AI discussions, despite the potential contributions the region could make and the need for diverse perspectives in shaping AI policies and implementation.

He argues that this exclusion prevents Latin America from influencing the development of AI systems that address its specific needs and challenges.

By highlighting the active involvement of India and Africa in shaping global AI discussions, Lopez provides evidence of other regions’ participation.

This highlights the importance of Latin America having a voice in these discussions, to ensure its interests and perspectives are considered in the development of AI technologies.

Lopez’s call for the inclusion of Latin America in global AI discussions is driven by the goal of reducing inequalities.

He believes that AI has the potential to exacerbate existing inequalities if it is driven solely by the interests of powerful countries or regions. By including Latin America, with its unique socio-economic context and challenges, in these discussions, Lopez argues for a more inclusive and equitable approach to AI.

Furthermore, Lopez emphasizes the importance of representation in AI discussions.

By including Latin America, a region with diverse cultural, social, economic, and political contexts, decision-making processes around AI can be enriched. This diverse representation can lead to a comprehensive understanding of the implications of AI on different communities and ensure that the development and deployment of AI technologies are fair and inclusive.

In conclusion, Herman Lopez expresses concern regarding Latin America’s limited involvement in global AI discussions, while noting the active participation of India and Africa.

He advocates for the inclusion of Latin America, highlighting the need to reduce inequalities and promote representation. By giving Latin America a voice in shaping AI policies and technologies, Lopez believes that a more inclusive and equitable approach to AI can be achieved, mitigating the potential adverse effects of unchecked AI development.

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The speakers in the European Parliament discussed several important topics related to youth and digital literacy. Irena Joveva, the youngest elected delegate from Slovenia, emphasised the need for greater inclusion of the younger generation in the European Parliament, expressing appreciation for their involvement.

This aligns with SDG 16, which aims to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions.

One speaker highlighted the importance of media freedom and the fight against disinformation. They mentioned their role in the recently adopted Media Freedom Act and the initiation of inter-institutional negotiations, taking a positive step towards protecting media freedom and democratic principles.

This promotes transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making, all crucial for SDG 16.

The undervaluation of digital literacy, especially among young people exposed to the digital world, was also discussed. The speakers emphasized the need to give digital literacy the recognition it deserves, as it plays a significant role in achieving SDG 4, which focuses on quality education.

Furthermore, the speakers called for increased efforts from schools and politicians in promoting digital literacy.

This raises questions about the responsibility of educational institutions and policymakers in ensuring that young people have the necessary digital skills. This argument aligns with SDG 10’s goal of reducing inequalities, promoting digital inclusivity, and bridging the digital divide.

In summary, the analysis highlights the importance of youth involvement in the European Parliament, the need to protect media freedom and combat disinformation, and the undervaluation of digital literacy.

It also prompts further exploration of the responsibilities of schools and politicians in promoting digital literacy. By addressing these issues, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards building a more inclusive and digitally empowered society.

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João Pedro, a member of the youth advisory committee, is a strong advocate for the inclusion of youth voices in both private and public institutions. He believes that involving young people in decision-making processes has positive outcomes for all parties involved.

João Pedro has found the collaboration between the youth and businesses, such as EURID, to be mutually beneficial.

One area where João Pedro sees potential for improvement is in evaluating strategies such as promoting the .eu domain in different regions of Europe.

He suggests that EURID, the organization responsible for managing the .eu domain name, should assess the effectiveness of these strategies within their own structure. This comprehensive approach would provide a deeper understanding of how the .eu domain can be utilized across Europe.

The youth committee, including João Pedro, has been actively contributing valuable insights and feedback to EURID’s activities within the Internet governance ecosystem.

Their advisory role positions them to provide guidance and recommendations to EURID, enhancing its decision-making processes.

Overall, João Pedro’s experiences highlight the importance of involving young people in decision-making within institutions. By incorporating youth voices, institutions like EURID can benefit from fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a better understanding of the needs and preferences of younger stakeholders.

This case study also emphasizes the significance of youth participation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

By including young people in decision-making, we can work towards a more equitable and just society.

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The analysis of the provided information highlights several significant points raised by the speakers. Firstly, there are concerns about the impact of AI, misinformation, and disinformation, especially when perpetrated by certain government officials. This raises questions about the reliability and potential consequences of information in today’s digital age.

The speakers have a negative sentiment towards this issue and stress the need for vigilance and measures to combat the spread of false information.

Secondly, the role of youths in internet governance and decision-making is emphasized. As three-quarters of internet usage is by the youth, their involvement becomes crucial in shaping policies and decisions related to the internet.

The speakers acknowledge the innovative ideas and perspectives young individuals bring to the table. This underscores the importance of including young voices in discussions surrounding internet laws and regulations. The sentiment towards this point is positive, indicating the recognition of the valuable contributions young people can make.

Furthermore, the analysis reveals a questioning sentiment towards the European Union’s efforts to ensure the sustainability of youth engagement in policy and governance, particularly in the realm of technology and the internet.

Levi, one of the speakers, raises doubts about the deliberate actions taken by the European Union to promote youth participation and inclusion. This observation highlights the need for further examination of the European Union’s initiatives and their effectiveness in bridging gaps and fostering sustainable youth engagement.

Lastly, the analysis reiterates the importance of equality and inclusion of youths in decision-making processes to pave the way for a sustainable future.

There is a need for deliberate engagement of young individuals to create a sustainable future. This sentiment aligns with the principles of SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities), emphasizing the necessity of empowering and involving young people in shaping policies that directly affect them.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights concerns surrounding AI and misinformation, the significance of youth involvement in internet governance, questioning of the European Union’s efforts in promoting youth engagement, and the necessity of equality and inclusion in decision-making processes.

These insights shed light on the complex landscape of internet governance, youth empowerment, and policy-making, prompting further examination and consideration of these issues.

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The European Parliament’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI focuses on regulation rather than a complete ban. The regulation primarily targets high-risk applications and generative AI to ensure responsible and safe use of these technologies.

One of the driving forces behind this approach is the recognition of citizens’ unease regarding AI technology.

There is growing concern among the public about the potential risks and implications of AI, leading to a closer examination of the European Union’s regulation strategy. This scrutiny extends beyond European borders, with Africa also closely observing these developments.

The Parliament emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between protecting small and medium-sized enterprises and safeguarding fundamental rights and environmental standards.

While there is a need to avoid overregulation that could stifle innovation and burden businesses, it is equally crucial to establish regulations that prioritize human rights and environmental sustainability.

By taking a supportive stance towards the regulation of AI, the European Parliament acknowledges the need for a careful and measured approach.

It recognizes the concerns of small and medium-sized enterprises that prefer to avoid excessive regulation while understanding the value of protecting fundamental rights and environmental standards.

Overall, the European Parliament aims to establish regulations that create an environment where AI technology can thrive while ensuring its responsible use that promotes individual well-being and environmental preservation.

This approach aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions). It demonstrates a commitment to addressing the ethical and societal implications of AI technology and sets an example for other regions and countries grappling with similar challenges.

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The analysis discussed the importance of including youth in the digital governance sector and cooperation sector. It emphasized that youth are not only current stakeholders but also future leaders in digital transformation. Their active involvement in digital governance is crucial for shaping policies and strategies that will have a long-term impact on the digital world.

One noteworthy individual mentioned in the analysis is Muhammad, who serves as the Generation Connect Youth NY for the Asia-Pacific region with the International Delhi Communication Union.

His interest in digital governance further underscores the importance of youth engagement in this sector. His involvement brings valuable perspectives and insights that can contribute to the development of effective digital governance mechanisms.

The argument put forth is that youth, as the ones who embrace digital transformation most passionately, should be included in the digital governance infrastructure.

This inclusion is seen as essential for ensuring the continuity of digital knowledge and skills to future generations. By actively involving youth in decision-making processes, their unique experiences and perspectives can be leveraged to develop inclusive and sustainable digital policies.

Furthermore, the analysis highlighted that including youth in digital governance and cooperation aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These include SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. Involving youth in digital governance not only supports their educational development but also promotes innovation and fosters collaborations that drive positive change.

The sentiment towards the importance of including youth in digital governance is consistently positive throughout the analysis.

It is clear that all speakers recognize the value of youth contribution in the digital governance sector and believe in their potential as agents of change. By creating an inclusive and youth-centered digital governance ecosystem, societies can harness the immense talent and creativity of young individuals to shape a future that is technologically advanced and socially equitable.

In conclusion, the analysis and observations made strongly advocate for the inclusion of youth in the digital governance and cooperation sector.

Youth are not just passive consumers of digital technologies but active participants and drivers of digital transformation. Their perspectives and insights are vital for creating sustainable and inclusive digital policies that benefit present and future generations. By involving youth in decision-making processes and fostering collaborations, we can harness their potential to shape a technologically advanced and socially equitable digital future.

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During a discussion on youth participation in internet governance, two speakers shared their perspectives. The first speaker, who is responsible for coordinating the youth activities of the European Regional IGF, expressed doubts about how meaningful participation should be defined. They emphasized the need to reflect on this matter and to gain a better understanding of what meaningful participation truly entails.

The sentiment of their argument was neutral.

On the other hand, the second speaker strongly advocated for integrating more young people from across Europe into the system of internet governance. They believed that it was crucial to provide youth with leadership positions to enhance their involvement.

This approach aligned with the positive sentiment of the second speaker’s argument.

Both speakers highlighted their commitment to comprehending the concept of meaningful participation. They emphasized the importance of exploring this notion in depth and working towards implementing it.

The first speaker’s argument raised questions regarding the definition of meaningful participation, indicating a potentially critical analysis of the current understanding of the concept.

The second speaker, on the other hand, firmly believed in the necessity of promoting youth involvement in internet governance and assigning them leadership roles.

This discussion on youth participation in internet governance sheds light on the varying perspectives within the field.

It portrays the complexities involved in defining and implementing meaningful participation and highlights the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes. Such efforts can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

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In order to address the emerging online threats and vulnerabilities affecting children, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive online risk assessment. This assessment can provide valuable insights that will inform policies and industry standards aimed at protecting children online.

By understanding the specific risks and vulnerabilities that children face in the digital world, stakeholders can develop targeted measures to safeguard their well-being.

It is crucial to recognize that the online landscape is constantly evolving, with new risks emerging all the time.

Therefore, a comprehensive assessment is necessary to ensure that policies and industry standards remain effective and up to date. By identifying and analyzing these risks, decision-makers can better understand the scope and severity of the challenges faced by children in cyberspace.

To successfully protect children’s rights online, it is essential for governments, companies, academia, educators, and civil society to collaborate.

Each stakeholder brings unique expertise and perspectives to the table, making multi-stakeholder collaboration studies vital in reducing online risks. By working together, these different entities can share knowledge, resources, and best practices, and develop comprehensive strategies to safeguard children and promote their digital well-being.

Moreover, this collaboration is not just limited to protecting children’s rights, but also contributes to the global partnership for sustainable development.

The need for a safe and secure digital environment is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal 17.16, which aims to enhance global partnerships for sustainable development. By engaging in multi-stakeholder collaboration, stakeholders can collectively work towards creating a safer online space for children, supporting the broader goal of sustainable development.

In conclusion, a comprehensive online risk assessment is crucial for addressing the evolving online threats and vulnerabilities faced by children.

It provides the necessary insights to shape effective policies and industry standards. Additionally, multi-stakeholder collaboration studies are of paramount importance in reducing online risks and protecting children’s rights. The involvement of governments, companies, academia, educators, and civil society is essential for enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development and ensuring a safer digital environment for children.

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The involvement and interests of the youth community have greatly enhanced the Declaration for the Future of the Internet (DFI) process. A successful half-day workshop, held on the first day of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), had youth IGF rapporteurs participating as animators and reporters.

This workshop emphasised the importance of the DFI and highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping the digital future and the governance system of the DFI.

The main objective of the DFI is to integrate governments that are already part of the multi-stakeholder process into various communities.

This approach aims to bridge the gap between the government and other stakeholders, including civil society, academia, the business sector, and most importantly, the youth. By involving diverse stakeholders, the DFI ensures that concerns from different communities, particularly the youth, are considered.

It is argued that the DFI provides an opportunity for governments to become more aware of concerns raised by various communities, including the youth.

By actively involving governments in the multi-stakeholder process of the IGF, the DFI aims to make them more engaged and informed decision-makers. This facilitates a democratic approach to internet governance by incorporating diverse perspectives.

Furthermore, governments that believe in democratic principles and a human-centric nature of the internet are encouraged to support and sign up for the DFI.

By participating in the DFI, governments can engage with like-minded countries and have meaningful interactions. Additionally, the DFI plays a significant role in the Global Digital Cooperation (GDC) process and the World Summit on the Information Society Plus 20 (WSIS+20) discussions.

In conclusion, the active involvement and interests of the youth community have positively influenced the success of the DFI process.

The DFI seeks to bring governments closer to the multi-stakeholder process of the IGF and raise awareness about the concerns of different communities, including the youth. Governments that value democratic principles and a human-centric internet should actively support and participate in the DFI.

By doing so, they can engage with like-minded countries and play a significant role in shaping the future of internet governance.

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Regina Fuxova, a member of EURID, recognizes the Youth Committee as an integral aspect of the company’s corporate governance. This committee serves as a platform for inspiration and the dissemination of information concerning EURID’s activities, providing members with new opportunities to enhance their future careers.

The involvement of young people in the committee is testament to EURID’s commitment to youth inclusion.

EURID goes beyond youth involvement solely within the Youth Committee and extends it to activities for smaller children, such as Code Week.eu.

This inclusion emphasizes the importance of involving young people in various aspects of EURID’s work. By engaging young individuals in activities such as Code Week.eu, EURID demonstrates its dedication to fostering a sense of inclusion and inspiring young minds.

EURID’s commitment to raising awareness about cybersecurity and Internet governance is demonstrated through initiatives like the ‘Safe Online’ art competition.

This competition, designed for high school students, aims to start conversations about these vital issues with teachers and, indirectly, with parents. By organizing such events, EURID actively spreads awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and Internet governance, contributing to the UN’s sustainable development goals of Decent Work and Economic Growth and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Regina Fuxova further showcases her support for EURID’s youth inclusion initiatives by suggesting that the organization shares its best practices with other peers in the field.

This proposal highlights her belief in the strength of EURID’s approach and suggests that other organizations could benefit from implementing similar strategies. Through sharing its best practices for youth inclusivity, EURID can inspire and guide other entities in their own efforts.

In conclusion, Regina Fuxova’s perspective on the Youth Committee as a vital component of EURID’s corporate governance, EURID’s commitment to youth inclusion through activities like Code Week.eu, its efforts to raise awareness about cybersecurity and Internet governance, and Regina’s suggestion to share best practices all reflect EURID’s dedication to youth involvement and inclusive practices.

These initiatives contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals of Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

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Stefanets actively advocates for the organization of special events at the European Parliament to promote cooperation and involve young people. These events provide a platform for individuals to exchange ideas and establish regular cooperation. By drawing inspiration from the perspectives of the younger generation, senior members of the Parliament can benefit from their insights.

One significant event Stefanets supports is the Youth Forum, where young individuals present their ideas and contribute to discussions on important issues.

Stefanets actively participates in the Forum, fostering an inclusive environment that values and encourages young voices. They recognize that many innovative concepts originate from the Youth Forum, highlighting the importance of engaging with young people and leveraging their fresh perspectives.

In addition to youth involvement, Stefanets prioritizes quality education and supports SDG 4.

By fostering idea development, Stefanets empowers young individuals to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Stefanets also focuses on the digital decade, addressing issues such as addictive design and online child protection. They actively engage with children to understand the dangers they face in the digital world, allowing them to shape policies that safeguard their well-being.

The arguments presented by Stefanets reflect a positive sentiment towards promoting youth involvement, idea development, and prioritizing the well-being of children in the digital realm.

By encouraging cooperation and engaging with young people, they aim to create a more inclusive and progressive future.

Overall, Stefanets’ commitment to organizing special events, supporting the Youth Forum, and addressing digital challenges showcases their dedication to cooperation, empowering youth, and safeguarding children’s well-being.

Their actions align with SDG 16 and SDG 17, focusing on peace, justice, strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals.

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The Youth Internet Governance Forum (Youth IGF) has actively contributed to shaping the future of internet policies, with a particular emphasis on involving young leaders in decision-making processes. Yulia Mournets, a key figure in the Youth IGF, stressed the importance of dialogue between the youth and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in influencing the policies that will shape the future of the online world.

The European Parliament delegation has shown potential support for a working group focused on the IGF.

This is a positive development, as it indicates that the youth’s perspective and participation in internet governance are being recognized and valued by influential stakeholders.

The Youth IGF has made significant recommendations for a digital compact, one of which is the establishment of youth advisory committees within private sector structures.

This recommendation aims to ensure that young people have a voice in decision-making processes related to internet policies. Notably, the Youth Advisory Committee created by EURID serves as a successful example of implementing such recommendations.

Under the presidency of the Czech Republic, the Youth IGF actively participated in several meetings, which demonstrates their dedication and commitment to advocating for youth involvement in internet governance.

This involvement extends beyond Europe, as the Youth IGF has established more than 10 safe internet committees in African countries, highlighting their global reach and impact.

The Youth IGF has also played a significant role in the child online protection initiative of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Their contribution to this initiative underscores their commitment to ensuring a safe and secure internet environment for young people.

Furthermore, the Youth IGF’s recommendations have led to the establishment of a special category for the .EU award, which focuses on recognizing the achievements of young entrepreneurs.

This acknowledgement of young entrepreneurs’ contributions aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and further solidifies the Youth IGF’s influence in shaping policies that support economic opportunities for the youth.

In conclusion, the Youth IGF has actively participated in shaping internet policies, with a particular focus on involving young leaders in decision-making processes.

Their efforts have been acknowledged and supported by entities such as the European Parliament delegation, and their recommendations have led to the successful implementation of initiatives such as youth advisory committees and the .EU award category for young entrepreneurs. The Youth IGF’s impact extends beyond Europe, with their involvement in meetings under the Czech Republic presidency and the establishment of safe internet committees in African countries.

Ultimately, their dedication to advocating for youth participation in internet governance has made a positive contribution to the future of the internet.