Excellencies, esteemed guests and panelists, young entrepreneurs and fellow innovators, good morning!
We are here to discuss the transformative power of innovation in the digital ecosystem, particularly for young entrepreneurs like most of you. So, let me address myself in particular to the digital natives, the most connected generation in history.
You are uniquely positioned to leverage ICTs for the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals. You bring unique perspectives and the fresh energy to push for bold and forward-thinking policies, which will foster an enabling environment for all to thrive and prosper in the digital world. But there are obstacles to overcome.
79% of the world’s young people are online, compared with 65% of the rest of the population, but access is not uniform across countries and regions. While 98% of young Europeans are connected, the figure in Africa is just 53%, barely more than half.
I believe we can change that by harnessing innovation and creative thinking with digital technologies, and break down the barriers young entrepreneurs often face, whether they are digital, educational, or socio-economic. And when I say ‘we,’ I mean ‘all together’!
Young innovators like you have a vital role in designing and deploying digitally accessible products and services, so, you can not only thrive as entrepreneurs, but also contribute towards an inclusive digital society, creating a ripple effect that fosters socio-economic development.
Moreover, embracing innovation also fosters resilience. In the face of challenges, setbacks and failures, the ability to adapt is key to success. Each obstacle presents an opportunity to pivot and discover new pathways to drive your ventures forward, and we are here to help.
At ITU-D, we are deeply committed to fostering youth leadership and creativity in the digital transformation process. We empower youth through programmes such as the Generation Connect Youth Envoys, which is currently benefiting 184 youth from 64 countries, equipping these young leaders with the tools and knowledge to lead the ICT sector.
Additionally, we support grassroots innovation through programmes such as the Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme, developed in partnership with our sector member, Huawei, which provides seed funding, technical guidance, and mentorship to young innovators as they implement their digital development projects in their local communities.
These are just a couple of examples of initiatives through which ITU-D is investing in the creativity of young people that contribute to shaping the pathway of the digital innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
So, I wish you fruitful discussion today, and invite you to bring the ideas and solutions highlighted in this session to the forthcoming ITU Global Youth Summit, which will be held in Cuba next year.
This Summit will be an invaluable opportunity to bring your inputs and actionable ideas and reflect these into an outcome document that will inform global decision-makers attending the WTDC-25, about the priorities that matter most to youth. By working together, we will ensure the perspectives of young innovators are included in all national, regional, and global policies and the strategies that shape our collective digital future.
Thank you!
