The ITU has long been a pioneer in promoting regional and global dialogue to nurture the next generations in technology and digital skills. Engaging young people from around the world as leaders of today’s digital change is the purpose of the International Telecommunication Union’s World Summit (WSC-25), which began yesterday in Varadero, Matanzas.
This was confirmed by Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of this United Nations entity, at the opening press conference. He emphasized that the goal is to achieve an inclusive digital society, closing a variety of gaps.
“It makes sense, then, that we put special effort into supporting the digital changemakers of the future—you,” he added. He explained that, according to ITU figures, by 2024, in low-income countries in particular, 43% of young people aged 15 to 24 will be using the internet, compared to 23% of the rest of the population.
Therefore, “as an organization committed to promoting universal and meaningful connectivity for all, we support youth education and socioeconomic development.” He also thanked Cuba for so generously hosting this year’s edition and considered the country a valuable partner in his efforts to promote digital inclusion. “Cuba is a model in the integration of digital accessibility to ensure that everyone participates equitably, and has already collaborated twice with the ITU to host our flagship regional platform, Accessible America – ICT for All. So we know we are in very good hands!” he asserted.
Ernesto Rodríguez, the island’s First Deputy Minister of Communications, also expressed his gratitude to the International Telecommunication Union for granting the Caribbean nation the right to host this year’s Summit. The event will be held under the theme “Amplifying Youth Voices in ICTs for an Inclusive and Connected Future,” and its goals include harnessing the potential of young minds in the digital transformation of societies, economies, and environments.
“We hope that this Summit will address the needs and aspirations of young people associated with digital technologies, and that, through frank and inclusive dialogue and the exchange of experiences, best practices, and points of view, it will enable us to harness the potential of young minds in the digital transformation of societies, economies, and local environments,” explained Rodríguez.
He added that international collaboration is essential to “promote the use of these technologies for the benefit of humanity and the development of our peoples.” Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Ministry of Communications of the Republic of Cuba, the CMJ-25 summit will be held in person and will host ITU members, Generation Connect Youth Envoys, and invited youth from the United Nations and other related organizations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a final report will be produced that will capture the perspectives, innovative ideas, and challenges faced by different regions. This report will be a valuable resource for policymakers, ITU members, and stakeholders seeking to align their national, regional, and global digital agendas, including as input to the Regional Preparatory Meetings (RPMs) and the 2025 World Telecommunication Development Conference.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF WYD-25
• To harness the potential of young minds in the digital transformation of societies, economies, and environments.
• To provide a platform for intersectoral and intergenerational dialogue to exchange experiences, good practices, and perspectives through plenary sessions, practical workshops, and networking spaces.
• Identify specific ICT needs to foster the educational and socioeconomic development of young people, thus ensuring their active participation in the digital ecosystem.
• Empower all young people, regardless of gender, ability, socioeconomic background, or geographical location, by ensuring their equal and equitable access to, use of, and knowledge of ICTs.
CONFERENCES AND TOPICS AT THE SUMMIT
• Digital empowerment of young people.
• Bridging the digital skills gap for decent employment.
• Young people as agents of change for green digital transformation and climate action.
• Transformative technology: A deep dive into AI for connectivity.
• Cybersecurity: Are you safe online?
• Empowering young people: Economic aspects of ICTs and digital transformation: innovative business models.
• Equitable digital empowerment: Women’s leadership in ICTs.
• Regional youth priorities to foster equitable empowerment for a connected digital future.
• Innovation and entrepreneurship for the digital development of young people
Source: www.granma.cu
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