ITU's 160 anniversary

Committed to connecting the world

ITU Youth related ​events

​​​​Upcoming Events


 ​​​​ITU Global Youth Summit 

​​​​ITU Global Youth Summit

Date: 11-13 March 2025
Venue: Varadero, Cuba

Under the theme "Amplifying Youth Voices in ICT for a Connected Future" the 
Summit will include and amplify young voices in ICT dialogues and decision-making processes at the regional, national, and global levels.
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Explore the video of ITU-D youth events through the years

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Past Events


 ​​​UN Summit of the Future 

​​​UN Summit of the Future

22-23 September 2024​

The Summit of the Future is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.

This once-in-a-generation opportunity serves as a moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle current challenges as well as those that have emerged in recent years or may yet be over the horizon.​

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 ​​​International Youth Day 2024 

​​​International Youth Day 2024

12 August 2024​​

International Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12 August to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.​

Stay tuned for more announcements about International Youth Day 2024!


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​​Priorities for Youth in the Digital World: Jobs and Education  

​UN-OHRLLS High Level Political Forum side event

9 July 2024
 
Organized by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), in collaboration with the UN Youth Office, this side event aims to amplify the voices of youth from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in driving sustainable development agendas. In the lead-up to the Youth Declaration of the Summit of the Future, youth speakers from LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS will share their experiences and discuss global challenges, ensuring that their voices are integral to global conversations.

A young population brings numerous opportunities for economic growth and innovation. To realize these opportunities, it is imperative to engage youth, create spaces for their participation, and provide them with meaningful roles in decision-making processes. With the guidance and support of governments, young people can harness their collective power to drive positive change.

Watch the recording of the event.


​​Priorities for Youth in the Digital World: Jobs and Education 

​​Priorities for Youth in the Digital World: Jobs and Education

16-17 May 2024
 
ITU Americas, in collaboration with the International Labor Organization and support from Descubreme Foundation, UNESCO, UNDP and the World Bank, held the Subregional Seminar “Priorities for Youth in the Digital World: Jobs and Education” in Santiago, Chile from 16-17 of May 2024.

This seminar aimed to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on digital inclusion, digital jobs, and the development of digital skills for youth. Within the context of meaningful universal connectivity, the seminar explored challenges and opportunities for the educational and soc​io-economic integration of all young people and their empowerment through information and communication technologies (ICTs).

This event also created a space for intergenerational dialogue on closing digital gaps for vulnerable youth, with particular emphasis on young women, youth with disabilities, and youth from indigenous, rural, and remote communities, in efforts to leave no one behind in the digital world. The goal was to promote the exchange of experiences and best practices in innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development as tools for meaningful youth participation in the digital economy.

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 Generation Connect: Passing the Torch 

Generation Connect: Passing the Torch

16 May 2024

The Generation Connect global team hosted a virtual event to celebrate the transition of the outgoing cohort of Generation Connect Youth Envoys into Generation Connect Alumni and welcome the new cohort of Generation Connect Youth Envoys on 16 May 2024.

During this event, we heard reflections from one Generation Connect Alumni, one new Generation Connect Youth Envoy, and one ITU regional representative from every region. Key themes that emerged from their reflections include the importance of meaningful youth engagement, capacity building opportunities, and global collaboration in the creation o​f a sustainable digital future.

In his keynote address, BDT Director Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava emphasized many of these points as well as the importance of youth in digital inclusion for the future of the “three Ps,” which are the people, planet, and prosperity.

Congratulations to all of our Generation Connect Alumni and new Generation Connect Youth Envoys for their incredible work!

In addition to this global event, each ITU regional office also hosted a Passing the Torch event to strengthen connections between the regional groups of Generation Connect Youth Envoys. The dates of these regional events are as follows:

  • Africa: 27 June
  • Americas: 17 July
  • Arab States: 1 July
  • Asia and the Pacific: 11 July
  • CIS: 8 July
  • Europe: 28 June

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 ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024 

ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024

16-18 April 2024

On 18 April 2024, ITU co-led a session on the topic of Youth and Artificial Intelligence with UN Women and the UN Major Group on Children and Youth at the 2024 ECOSOC Youth Forum in UN Headquarters, New York.

Through a youth-led dialogue, the session explored AI's potential to bridge the gender digital divide and empower young people. Participants examined how AI can empower women and reduce poverty by providing access to education, skills, and opportunities. Panellists also discussed how AI's capabilities can create sustainable solutions for current and future generations, ensuring a better future for all youth.

Watch the recording of the session here