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IGF 2023 WS #289 Enhancing Youth Participation in Decision-making in IG

    Organizer 1: João Pedro Damas Martins, EURid
    Organizer 2: Nicolas Fiumarelli, 🔒Youth IGF Uruguay
    Organizer 3: Umut Pajaro Velasquez, Internet Society
    Organizer 4: Veronica Piccolo, Internet Society Youth Standing Group

    Speaker 1: Veronica Piccolo, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 2: Anja Gengo, Intergovernmental Organization, Eastern European Group
    Speaker 3: Phyo Thiri Lwin, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 4: Marko Paloski, Technical Community, Eastern European Group
    Speaker 5: Rodrigo Alexandre, Technical Community, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

    Moderator

    João Pedro Damas Martins, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Online Moderator

    Nicolas Fiumarelli, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

    Rapporteur

    Umut Pajaro Velasquez, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

    Format

    Birds of a Feather - 90 Min

    Policy Question(s)

    How can stakeholders from various groups foster cooperation to ensure inclusive access, particularly for youth, in the development and implementation of internet governance policies?

    What strategies can effectively engage youth stakeholders from all countries, including developing and developed nations, to ensure their meaningful participation in the development of global standards and internet governance discussions?

    How can we design inclusive regional and global programs in internet governance that address the specific challenges and opportunities faced by youth, encouraging their active involvement and representation?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants attending the session "[WS] Enhancing Youth Participation in Decision-Making in IG" will gain valuable insights and practical strategies for actively contributing to internet governance processes. They will develop a comprehensive understanding of the importance of youth engagement and their unique perspectives in shaping the future of the internet ecosystem. The session will provide participants with practical approaches such as youth fellowships, social media dissemination, and networking to engage more young people in IGF discussions. Attendees will also learn about strategies to involve and encourage young individuals in leadership positions and the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG). Through networking opportunities and inspiring discussions, participants will leave empowered and inspired to make a meaningful impact in internet governance discussions and decision-making processes.

    Description:

    Engaging more young people in IGF discussions and processes is crucial for shaping the future of IG. This youth-led panel session, titled "[WS] Enhancing Youth Participation in Decision-Making in IG," will delve into strategies to involve and encourage young individuals in leadership positions and the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG).

    The session will be divided into three parts, all focused on empowering youth and their active involvement:

    Engaging more young people in IGF discussions and processes: Youth coordinators will explore effective approaches to attract young individuals to IGF discussions. They will discuss youth fellowships, social media dissemination, and networking as effective means to connect with young people interested in IG. Best practices and innovative methods for engaging youth in IG will be shared.

    The importance of youth in shaping the future of IG: The session will highlight the significant role that youth play in shaping the future of IG. Youth coordinators will emphasize the unique perspectives and ideas that young individuals bring to the table. The discussion will focus on empowering and supporting youth as they assume leadership roles, recognizing their potential impact on the development of the internet ecosystem.

    Strategies for involving and encouraging young people in leadership positions and in the MAG: The IGF Secretariat will present strategies for involving young people in leadership positions and the MAG. The session will also address the success of Youth IGF initiatives in various countries and the role of National and Regional Initiatives (NRIs).

    This session aims to gather a diverse group of passionate young individuals interested in youth engagement and IG. Through their insights and perspectives, the discussion will underscore the importance of youth participation in shaping the future of IG. Attendees will gain practical strategies and inspiration to actively contribute to internet governance processes and lead positive change.

    Expected Outcomes

    The expected outcomes of this workshop are:

    A collaborative document outlining strategies and initiatives to enhance youth engagement in IGF discussions, decision-making processes, and leadership roles, serving as a reference for policymakers and organizations involved in internet governance.

    Agreed recommendations for improving youth participation in the IGF, encompassing inclusive programs, enhanced fellowship initiatives, and expansion of the IGF Youth Mailing List.

    A shared commitment among participants to support and promote youth involvement in internet governance, acknowledging their valuable perspectives and contributions.

    Increased awareness of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young people in internet governance, fostering empathy and inspiring action among stakeholders.

    A roadmap for tracking the impact of youth participation in internet governance, evaluating their contributions to the internet ecosystem, leadership in policy, and support for relevant goals.

    Hybrid Format: We will facilitate interaction through round-robin Q&A, managed by onsite and online moderators, ensuring equal opportunity for engagement. The session is structured for interactive dialogue with diverse perspectives. We'll use Mentimeter's Word Cloud for audience input, enhancing participation and capturing collective insights.