Application Deadline: July 23rd, 2021
Young people under the age of 30 are the largest demographic group on the Internet, yet they are still underrepresented at the Internet Governance Forum, and in decision-making on digital agendas. We believe that young people have a high knowledge of the digital world they interact with daily and therefore deserve to play a stronger role in decision making, and policy processes regarding the Internet.
In preparation for the UN Internet Governance Forum taking place 6-10 December 2021, we want to bring together young people and policy makers as equals, sharing and learning from one another. In the course of thematic roundtables taking place online in October and November 2021, participants will get the opportunity to meet policy makers such as parliamentarians and governments officials, asking them questions and advocating for their stances on pressing issues such as sustainability, equality and inclusion online, or digital security.
Application procedure and requirements
This Call for Participation is addressed to young people aged 16-30 worldwide interested in or already active within the field of digital policy. The participation in the program is free of charge. You can apply by filling out the below form by 23 July 2021. Selected participants will be notified before 10 August. Previous involvement in Youth IGF or other internet governance or youth initiatives is welcome, but not a prerequisite. We are looking for motivated individuals who feel that their voice has something to contribute to the debate on internet governance!
Youth meets policy makers
Ahead of the roundtables, preparatory workshops will be held August-September 2021. These collaborative meetings will address specific topics within Internet governance, and also contain methodic segments on advocacy work and effective youth participation. Besides getting the opportunity to learn from experts, participants will benefit from each other’s expertise and work together to formulate policy recommendations or advocacy strategies.
The thematic discussions will revolve mainly around the IGF 2021 focus areas:
- Economic and social inclusion and human rights;
- Universal access and meaningful connectivity;
- Emerging regulation: market structure, content, data and consumer/users rights regulation;
- Environmental sustainability and climate change;
- Inclusive Internet governance ecosystems and digital cooperation;
- Trust, security, stability.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the YouthxPolicyMakers Program 2021