The Youth-Led Digital Futures workshop at the upcoming Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh will bring together youth leaders and experts from diverse backgrounds to discuss the critical role of young people in shaping digital governance. As the world adapts to rapid technological advancements, this session will explore how youth can contribute to solving pressing digital issues such as data privacy, digital accessibility, and the digital divide, all within the framework of the Global Digital Compact (GDC).

Focus Areas:

• Youth-Driven Governance: The session will address how current digital governance frameworks can be adapted to prioritize youth leadership, ensuring that young voices are not only heard but are also central in decision-making processes.

• Regional Perspectives: With representation from various global regions, the discussion will emphasize the diverse challenges and opportunities youth face in the digital space and explore region-specific strategies for overcoming these hurdles.

• Collaborative Innovation: Participants will also learn how innovative approaches like data cooperatives, while not the sole focus, can play a role in democratizing data management and digital rights. The session will touch on how cooperative models and other novel governance structures can be integrated into broader digital inclusion strategies.

Policy Questions to Be Addressed:

1. What specific provisions of the GDC pose the greatest challenges for different regions, and how can young people contribute to overcoming these challenges through creative and innovative mechanisms?

2. What governance frameworks are needed to support youth-initiated digital or data cooperatives across various global contexts?

3. How can existing governance models be adapted to ensure that youth-led initiatives in digital governance have a lasting impact?

Speakers:

• Natalie Tercova, Technical Community, Eastern European Group

• Dana Cramer, Civil Society, Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG)

• James Nathan Adjartey Amattey, Private Sector, African Group

• Tabitha Wangechi Muthiru, Civil Society, African Group

• Denise Leal, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

Moderator:

• Dana Cramer, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Online Moderator:

• Turra Daniele, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Rapporteur:

• Aaron Promise Mbah, Private Sector, African Group

Expected Outcomes:
Participants will gain practical knowledge about the role of youth in advancing digital governance. The session will foster collaboration between young leaders and various stakeholders, facilitating meaningful discussions on key GDC provisions. Attendees will explore concepts such as youth-led governance initiatives and leave with the tools to initiate their own collaborative digital projects, including strategies to advocate for inclusive digital frameworks that reflect the needs of their communities.

This workshop is designed to empower youth to take a leading role in shaping the digital future, particularly in the context of global frameworks like the Global Digital Compact. Through interactive discussions, participants will explore solutions that promote digital rights and inclusion for all.