Intergenerational dialogue: Youth Vision for a Green Digital Future

November 12, 2024, 9:00-9:45
Special Events Room 1 (Buta)

Young people play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable digital transformation. This intergenerational dialogue elevated young voices in discussions on the Green Digital Action Declaration.

A few takeaways from discussions:

– As the most digitally connected generation, youth offer invaluable perspectives, innovation, and commitment to shaping sustainable tech policy. Ensuring their involvement in decision-making is key to achieving lasting and inclusive outcomes. Participants discussed existing channels for youth engagement at ITU, such as through academia involvement in working groups, the ITU Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Board, Generation Connect and more.

– Youth are leading digital transformation efforts within their workplaces and communities, from capacity building to fostering digital literacy. Their active role in harnessing technology—including AI—responsibly to drive climate solutions is crucial to achieving change while ensuring ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI practices.

– Sustainability isn’t just about setting ambitious global goals. It’s about engaging all stakeholders—including youth—to incorporate green practices into everyday life, such as through responsible digital behaviors.

Today’s dialogue was a powerful reminder that youth voices must be central in shaping policies that impact both our digital future and the health of our planet.

Speakers
Moderator
Mr. Ndugwa Hassan, Kofi Annan Foundation

Panelists
Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas, ITU Deputy Secretary-General
Ms. Leyla Hasanova, Youth Climate Champion for COP29
Mr. Felipe Paullier, UN ASG for Youth Affairs