Session
Round Table - 90 Min
The session will be divided into two segments. In the first segment, we will present the findings of a YCIG research study already in progress and to discuss key action points for fostering more youth engagement in IG spaces. The discussion will be based on categories identified in the research such as capacity building, inclusive and accessible spaces, and recognition of youth expertise. We will also discuss ways to overcome the challenges identified in the research, and share best practices and success stories from National and Regional Youth IGF Initiatives (NRI).
In the second segment, we will focus on the future of decision-making in IG and present some initial requirements for a Massive Multi Stakeholder Participative Process (MMPP). We will then collaboratively discuss this new approach and reach consensus for a possible open-source youth platform for nested comments, drafting, and categorization by stakeholder and topic. This platform will enable youth to participate in decision-making processes and have their voices heard in the IG ecosystem.
The session aims to establish a roadmap for future cooperation among the youth communities and expand outreach and participation of this segment of the population in IG spaces. As the future leaders of the IG ecosystem, youth have innovative ideas and different perspectives from traditional multistakeholder approaches. It is crucial to take their ideas seriously and promote a more inclusive and diverse IG ecosystem.
Mauricia Abdol Tshilunda, YCIG, Civil Society, African Group
Phyo Thiri L., YCIG, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Marko Paloski, YCIG, Civil Society, Eastern European Group
João Pedro Martins, YCIG, Civil Society, WEOG
Nicolas Fiumarelli, YCIG, Civil Society, GRULAC
Denise Leal, Former Fellow - Youth IGF Brazil, Civil Society, GRULAC
Mauricia Abdol Tshilunda, YCIG, Civil Society, African Group
Phyo Thiri L., YCIG, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Marko Paloski, YCIG, Civil Society, Eastern European Group
Nicolas Fiumarelli, YCIG, Civil Society, GRULAC
Anja Gengo, IGF Secretariat, Intergovernmental, WEOG
4.7, 9.b, 16.7, 17.16
Targets: SDG 4.7: This session seeks to promote education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, and a culture of peace and non-violence. Through the focus on capacity building and recognition of youth expertise, the session directly contributes to fostering knowledge and skills needed for promoting sustainable development.
SDG 9.b: By discussing the creation of an open-source youth platform for nested comments, drafting, and categorization by stakeholder and topic, the session aligns with this goal of supporting domestic technology development, research and innovation.
SDG 16.7: The session, with its aim to enhance youth participation in decision-making in IG, directly contributes to ensuring responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
SDG 17.16: By discussing the need for better partnerships between youth and the IG ecosystem, the session directly aligns with the goal of enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Report
Value of Inclusivity: The discussion also emphasized the importance of not just engaging youth who are already part of the community, but also newcomers and the benefits of involving a wider and more diverse youth population in shaping these sessions and discussions.
Collaborative Efforts: Collaboration and partnerships seem to be key themes. The discussion highlights collaborative efforts across various groups, such as the Internet Society Youth Standing Group and the Youth Coalition on Internet Governance.
The Role of Youth: While youth are at the decision table, there is a need to move beyond this and consider them as co-collaborators and co-creators in Internet governance discussions.
Growing Youth Engagement: The conversation underscored a growing trend where young people are becoming increasingly involved in these discussions. African governments, in particular, are beginning to engage more with the youth, but there is a call for deeper involvement beyond just Day 0 events.
The session captured a discussion related to Internet Governance Forums (IGFs) and youth participation, specifically in different regions like Africa and Latin America. Following are some insights and takeaways:
1. Diverse Regional Perspectives: The session presented various regional perspectives, from Latin America to Africa, on the state of youth engagement in Internet Governance.
2. Growing Youth Engagement: The conversation underscored a growing trend where young people are becoming increasingly involved in these discussions. African governments, in particular, are beginning to engage more with the youth, but there is a call for deeper involvement beyond just Day 0 events.
3. Collaborative Efforts: Collaboration and partnerships seem to be key themes. The discussion highlights collaborative efforts across various groups, such as the Internet Society Youth Standing Group and the Youth Coalition on Internet Governance.
4. Case Studies: Various case studies from different regions, such as Latin America and Africa, were discussed to illustrate the state of youth engagement in these areas. For example, how Youth IGF operates differently across various regions due to cultural, logistical, and governmental factors.
5. Challenges and Solutions: Challenges such as the need for a common reporting tool and the disparity between youth discussions and main session topics were brought up. Solutions like creating a common platform for reporting were suggested.
6. Youth-Led Initiatives: There are emerging youth-led IGF initiatives, such as the Youth IGF in Ethiopia. These initiatives highlight the growing momentum and importance of youth voices in Internet Governance discussions.
7. The Role of Youth: While youth are at the decision table, there is a need to move beyond this and consider them as co-collaborators and co-creators in Internet governance discussions.
8. Value of Inclusivity: The discussion also emphasized the importance of not just engaging youth who are already part of the community, but also newcomers and the benefits of involving a wider and more diverse youth population in shaping these sessions and discussions.
In summary, the session provided a glimpse into the dynamic and evolving role of youth in Internet Governance across different regions. There's a clear call for deeper youth involvement, collaborative efforts, and the creation of systems that ensure their voices are effectively incorporated into broader discussions and decisions.