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COP Industry Connect

​​​​Quarterly Cross-Sector Dialogues on Child Online Protection



ABOUT THE SERIES​


ITU Industry Connect is a quarterly online dialogue series bringing together key players from across sectors to tackle emerging challenges in Child Online Protection (COP). Each session is designed as a dynamic, solution-oriented exchange, fostering collaboration between policymakers, technology leaders, civil society, academia, and international organizations.
Through 2-hour virtual discussions, the series aims to build collective strategies, share insights and good practices, and promote a safer digital world for children.


OBJECTIVES​


·      Foster cross-sectoral dialogue on the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in COP.
·      Facilitate direct engagement between policymakers and industry leaders on current and emerging trends.
·      Encourage the sharing of innovative practices and approaches from across the digital ecosystem.
·      Identify actionable solutions to support global and local efforts in protecting children online.
·      Leverage ITU’s role as a neutral convener to promote inclusive, multi-stakeholder collaboration.


FORMAT


Frequency: Four sessions in 2025:
  • 5 June 
  • 17 July 
  • 30 October
  • 17 December

Duration: 2 hours per session

Structure
  • 15 minutes – Expert scene-setting
  • 45 minutes – Industry presentations
  • 60 minutes – Interactive multi-stakeholder dialogue

Location
Online (details shared upon registration)


2025 SERIES AGENDA

  • Session 1AI & Emerging Technologies: Prioritizing Children’s Rights and Safety (5 June)
  • Session 2Social Media & Child Protection: Addressing Risks, Responsibility, and Resilience (17 July). 
  • Session 3Gaming & Online Safety: Creating Safe and Inclusive Virtual Playgrounds (30 October)
  • Session 4 Streaming & EdTech Platforms: Ensuring Age-Appropriate Digital Learning and Entertainment (17 December)


UPCOMING SESSION

Gaming & Online Safety: Creating Safe and Inclusive Virtual Playgrounds 

Date: 30 October 2025
Time: 14:30–16:30 CET
Location: Hybrid (Online & On-site in Andorra la Vella, Principality of Andorra)


Session Overview
This session will explore how online gaming platforms can both pose risks and create opportunities for child online protection. It will bring together stakeholders from government, industry, civil society, and youth to examine the evolving gaming landscape and co-develop strategies for safer, more inclusive virtual play spaces.

Key Themes
  • Exposure to harmful content, harassment, and grooming
  • Opportunities for help-seeking and digital resilience
  • Child-centered design and platform accountability
  • Inclusive and empowering gaming environments
Agenda Highlights
  • Opening & Scene-Setting – UN and expert speakers frame the discussion
  • Industry Showcases – Tech companies present platform interventions
  • Youth Voices – Children and youth share their experiences
  • Interactive Dialogue – Collaborative exploration of risks and opportunities
Registration

Opens: 1 September 2025
Register here on the ITU-D events page.​