IGF 2024: Harnessing Youth Voices to Transform the Data Economy

Advancing human rights and inclusion in the digital age.

 Incorporating youth voices into discussions and decision-making is crucial for establishing an equitable data economy and unlocking the full value of data. This panel, organized by the Datasphere Initiative and the WEF Global Shapers Bogotá Hub, will explore how youth perspectives can transform data policy and drive technological innovations, addressing pressing issues such as AI, climate change, education, mental health, and reskilling for the future.

Although youth are the most connected demographic to digital technologies, they often find themselves excluded from policy discussions, making them vulnerable to risks associated with social media and online abuse. Decisions impacting their futures are typically dominated by adults in corporations and governments, creating a significant representation gap in the data sphere. It is vital to develop innovative strategies for engaging young voices in policy formation.

Lorrayne Porciuncula, Executive Director, and Mariana Rozo-Paz, Research and Project Management Lead, both at the Datasphere Initiative, will speak during the session. The discussion aims to generate insights that will inform a report on the data economy’s impact on young people, providing key recommendations for policymakers to better include youth in data and digital policy discussions. Participants will have the chance to take part in youth Labs organized by the Datasphere Initiative in the US during 2024-2025. Furthermore, the insights gained will contribute to the Datasphere Initiative Dialogues and support the expansion of Youth Dialogues to additional regions.