Youth IGF

We’ve been quiet since June — but for a good reason.
Behind the scenes, we’ve started a long-term transformation that will redefine who we are and what we offer.
This journey will unfold throughout the year, with the major announcement planned for the coming months.
Follow along here and subscribe to our newsletter for updates as we build toward this next chapter.
In the meantime visit: https://events.youthigf.com/igf

🧠 At our session — masterfully moderated by Prof. Tim Unwin — powerful brainstorming surfaced 5 urgent priorities to make digital tech truly inclusive.

We closed with a shared commitment:
👉 Do things differently — for the poorest and most marginalised.

For , that means building sustainable skills modules so young people can propose and lead real solutions — not just show up for visibility. WSIS Process

💥 It’s time to move from talk to action.
📖 Read the full article:
https://ict4d.org.uk/2025/07/08/digital-tech-and-the-most-marginalised-what-still-needs-to-be-done/

📣 We're co-organizing a powerful youth-led session at the WSIS+20 Forum! WSIS Process

Join Youth IGF, ICT4D Collective, and Microsoft (UNIO) for:
🧭 "Digital Tech & the Most Marginalised: What Still Needs to Be Done?"
📅 Tuesday, 8 July | 09:00–09:45 CEST
📍 Room L, Palexpo (Geneva) + Online
REGISTER: https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/forum/2025/Agenda/Session/306
This isn’t just a talk — it’s an interactive consultation where YOU can help shape global priorities on digital equity.

✊ Young people are leading the charge.

🗳️ Add your voice before the session:
🔗 https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/rhul/digital-equity-wsis2025
Let’s create a digital world that includes everyone.

Session 306— Digital tech and the most marginalised: what still needs to be done? | WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 The multistakeholder digital tech communities associated with the UN system seem unlikely to deliver on the SDGs by 2030, despite the efforts of those involved in developing and implementing the Global Digital Compact (2024). In particular, SDG10 on reducing inequalities remains insufficiently addre...

Astou Diouf a pu représenter la jeunesse francophone avec engagement et énergie. La semaine a été intense et pleine de moments forts : des interventions, des rencontres inspirantes et des contenus créés sur place. Merci à l’Afnic pour avoir soutenu la participation du Youth IGF au Forum sur la Gouvernance de l’Internet !
Bravo Astou, et merci à l’équipe de l’Afnic pour sa confiance !

IGF 2025 – Day 4 Highlights, 27 June 2025

1. Youth IGF and South Africa Highlight Inclusive Connectivity and Diverse Digital Voices Youth IGF and South Africa emphasized equitable access, civil society input, and disability inclusion as key for future internet governance.

2. Norway Demands Stronger Child Protection from Tech Giants
Norway’s Digitalisation Minister called on companies like Meta and TikTok to take greater responsibility in protecting children online.

3. Luvo Grey Warns Against Internet Fragmentation
South African digital advocate Luvo Grey raised concerns over digital borders and urged unified efforts for an open internet.

4. Sierra Leone and Norway Champion Inclusive, Trustworthy Digital Futures Minister Bah of Sierra Leone and Minister Tung of Norway underscored the global need for fairness, trust, and African participation in shaping the digital world.

5. The Hague Academy Promotes Citizen-Focused Digital Governance At IGF 2025, The Hague Academy engaged global peers on advancing inclusive digital policy through public-sector transformation.

6. Luis Adrian Salazar Calls for Cybersecurity in Developing Economies Costa Rica’s former Minister of Technology joined a panel on cyberdefense, highlighting AI risks, diplomacy, and digital protection.

7. UK Leads Global Discussion on Secure and Inclusive Digital Futures The UK’s FCDO presented a rights-based vision of the internet, blending cybersecurity, inclusion, and digital transformation.

8. India’s 5G Leadership and Low-Cost Connectivity Highlighted
India’s global ranking in 5G adoption and its affordable internet access were recognized as models for digital progress.

9. AI for Inclusion
UN DESA emphasized that AI must be inclusive, especially for women, youth, and informal workers.

10. Youth IGF Urges Greater Youth Involvement in Policy, Not Just Training Youth participants called for meaningful engagement in policy and infrastructure planning, stressing global youth expertise.

IGF 2025 – Day 3 Highlights, 26 June 2025

1. UNGIS: Digital Cooperation Key to Sustainable Development
UNGIS (UN Group on the Information Society) urged stronger digital cooperation to achieve the SDGs and support the WSIS process.

2. Hon. Ayobangira: International Partnerships Key to Rural Connectivity
Hon. Ayobangira Safari (MP, DRC) stressed the need for global partnerships to improve rural internet connectivity using adapted solutions.

3. WACC Global Calls for Fiscal Justice to Bridge the Digital Divide
WACC Global (World Association for Christian Communication) stressed fiscal justice is vital for fair digital access.

4. UN DESA: Technology Needs Ethics for Real Impact
UN DESA (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs) stated innovation must be guided by ethics to be sustainable.

5. RAISE Workshop: AI in Security Needs Governance
UNIDIR’s RAISE (Roundtable for AI, Security, and Ethics) urged global governance of AI in security to prevent misuse.

6. SPIDER Showcases Inclusive Digital Regulation for Africa
SPIDER (Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions) promoted inclusive digital policy for Africa’s regulatory landscape.

7. Colombia's CRC Backs Net Neutrality for Innovation
CRC Colombia (Communications Regulation Commission) reaffirmed net neutrality as key to digital innovation and openness.

8. Colombia’s CRC Explores Regulatory Needs in the Digital Ecosystem
CRC Colombia launched a national review of digital infrastructure to assess if regulation is needed.

9. African-Led AI Governance Must Resist Digital Neocolonialism
African and international actors called for sovereign AI frameworks to protect Africa’s digital future.

10. Kenya IGF Shares Lessons from 18 Years of National Engagement
Grace Githaiga (KICTANet, Kenya) shared that multistakeholderism, capacity building, and adaptability have sustained Kenya’s IGF for 18 years.

IGF 2025 – Day 2 Highlights, 25 June 2025

1. WIC:Digital Future Must Serve All
The World Internet Conference (WIC) called for equal access to digital technologies for everyone.

2. Train Thinkers, Not Just Prompt Engineers
Author and medical artificial intelligence (AI) expert Ish*ta Barua said AI education must teach thinking, not just prompting.

3. Open AI and DPI for All
The Panamanian Institute for Access to Information and Technology (IPANDETEC) said open-source AI and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) must be safe and open to all.

4. Health Parliament Calls for Inclusive Digital Policy
Health Parliament urged fair digital rules and teamwork across sectors.

5. Rights: Regulate Tech for Child Safety
Leanda Barrington-Leach, Executive Director of the 5Rights Foundation, urged governments to enforce child-first design and safety in digital regulation.

6. EFN: Human Rights Must Guide AI in Government
Electronic Frontier Norway (EFN) found people want human rights first in AI use.

7. India’s 2026 AI Impact Summit to Advance Inclusive Development
India AI and MeitY plan a 2026 summit to share data and make AI fair for all.

8. Global Leaders Call for Inclusive, Standards-Based AI Governance
The ITU, UN, and Japan’s MIC called for shared rules to make AI safe and fair.

9. AI Inclusion is Essential: OECD and UNESCO Stress Diversity
OECD(The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ) and UNESCO said diverse voices make AI better and more useful.

10. IGF’s Role Grows Amid New Digital Challenges
María Fernanda Garza, Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce, highlighted IGF’s vital role in addressing AI, trust, and child online safety.

IGF 2025 – Day 1 Highlights, 24 June 2025

1. Opening Call for Inclusive AI & Data Governance
Global leaders urged action—not just talk—on ethical AI, rights-based data use, and
digital inclusion.

2. Joseph Gordon-Levitt on AI & Creative Rights
The actor called for AI policies that protect artists, promote empowerment, and ensure fair ownership.

3. Youth Push for Digital Health & Safety
Young voices from four continents demanded safer digital spaces, better access, and
rights-based training.

4. Africa Champions Human Rights in Tech
CIPESA and MPs emphasized inclusive, regionally tailored digital governance across the
continent.

5. Tackling AI Inequality & Environmental Impact
Sessions warned of centralization risks and called for responsible, sustainable AI
development.

6. Trust & Openness in Governance
Norway’s PM and global leaders called for rebuilding digital trust through inclusive, open
frameworks.

7. UN Backs Equitable Digital Future
Guterres urged global cooperation for a trusted, inclusive digital space, with IGF as a key platform.

8. Closing the Global Digital Divide
With 2.6 billion still offline, Norway emphasized global action to expand access and secure the web.

9. Combatting Fragmentation with Fairness
Speakers proposed fairer governance, including digital tax reform and stronger Global
South representation.

𝟏𝟎. 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 & 𝐀𝐈 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬
Poland’s Deputy PM called for collective efforts on cybersecurity, AI regulation, and digital
trust.

We are thrilled to invite you to Open Forum #72
The European Parliament Delegation to the IGF & The Youth IGF
at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025!

Digital Governance Reimagined:
Bridging Youth Ambitions with Policy Vision

This interactive session brings together Youth IGF change-makers and European Parliament leaders for a critical dialogue on creating a safer, fairer, and more inclusive digital environment for future generations.

Discussion Topics:

1️⃣ Strengthening digital trust and infrastructure resilience

2️⃣ Advancing digital sovereignty through next-gen technologies

3️⃣ Aligning youth ambition with inclusive digital governance

Key Participants Include:

Members of the European Parliament
Tsvetelina PENKOVA (S&D), Head of the Delegation

Thibaut KLEINER, Director, Future Networks Directorate,
DG CONNECT, European Commission

Afnic, RIPE NCC, Verisign

Yuliya Morenets, Youth IGF Founder & Youth IGF Leaders

Why Attend?
This Open Forum is a unique opportunity to:

✅ Engage in direct dialogue with EU decision-makers and youth leaders.
✅ Share your vision for an inclusive and ethical digital future.
✅ Be part of shaping Internet governance policies that impact millions.

Let’s build the Internet We Want together!

IGF 2025 – Day 0 Highlights, 23 June 2025


1. Norway Champions Inclusive Governance
IGF2025 opened in Lillestrøm with Norway calling for collaborative, multistakeholder digital governance under the theme “Building Governance Together.”

2. Norwegian Ministers Showcase Digital Success
Ministers Tung and Eide highlighted Norway’s digital transformation, urging global adoption of ethical, accessible, and sustainable digital strategies.

3. Global Exchange of Ideas and Innovation
Delegates from India, the EU, Africa, and Estonia tackled AI, infrastructure, and interoperability, reinforcing IGF’s role as a global policy-tech nexus.

4. Africa’s Digital Vision on Display
At the Africa IGF, Tanzania unveiled digital initiatives like Jamii Namba, emphasizing infrastructure, inclusion, and progress toward WSIS and SDGs.

5. Youth Drive Digital Inclusion
Tanzania’s youth leaders advocated for affordable access, local language content, and investment in digital education and innovation.

6. Defending Information Integrity & Rights
Sessions spotlighted press freedom, surveillance accountability, and cybercrime threats, calling for legal reform and collective digital trust.

7. Parliamentary Track Tackles Digital Rights
African lawmakers addressed cyber laws, civic space, and human rights, with calls for reform of repressive digital regulations.

8. Balancing Child Safety and Privacy Online
Experts explored global age verification policies, urging rights-respecting solutions for protecting minors in digital spaces.

9. Enabling Trusted Cross-Border Data Flows
Flexible governance and interoperable frameworks were proposed to support innovation while protecting user data and rights.

10. Inclusive Participation Through Hybrid & AI Tools
New formats like AI matchmaking and hybrid sessions aimed to broaden access and co-create inclusive engagement models.

🚀 The kicks off today! We’re ready — are you?
📍 Visit us onsite to:
🎤 Share your views
📹 Be filmed
💬 Join the conversation
📄 Discover our full program
Let’s shape the future of the internet — together.