GENERATION CONNECT AFRICA SKILL UP WEBINAR
Digital Safety, Trust & Cyber Resilience — Empowering African Youth for a Secure Digital Future
Organised on the margins of the Regional Development Forum for Africa (RDF-AFR) 2026
21 May 2026, 14h00 – 16h00 EAT (11h00 – 13h00 CET)
Virtual Event— Zoom Webinar
About the Programme
As Africa accelerates its digital transformation, young people are increasingly active as users, creators, innovators, and leaders in the digital ecosystem. However, this growth has also brought heightened risks related to cybersecurity, online safety, misinformation, disinformation, data privacy, and digital trust.
The Generation Connect Africa Skill Up Webinar provides a platform where African youth can engage with global experts, strengthen practical digital safety skills, and contribute informed perspectives on cyber resilience and digital trust.
Rooted in the Generation Connect Youth Strategy — Engage, Empower, Participate — the programme positions young people not only as beneficiaries of digital protection, but as active contributors and future policy partners in shaping safer digital environments.
The webinar is organised on the margins of the Regional Development Forum for Africa (RDF-AFR) 2026 and aligns with ITU-BDT priorities on building trust, safety, and security in ICTs across Africa.
Programme Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Facilitate inclusive dialogue between African youth, experts, and stakeholders on digital safety and cybersecurity.
- Strengthen youth capacity in cybersecurity awareness, online safety, and cyber resilience.
- Promote responsible digital citizenship and ethical behaviour in digital spaces.
- Amplify youth perspectives in discussions related to digital trust, policy, and governance.
- Support the development of a connected network of young digital leaders advancing safe and inclusive digital spaces.
Programme Overview
The webinar runs for two hours across four structured segments, balancing expert-led knowledge exchange with interactive dialogue and applied learning.
| Time (EAT) | Session | Format |
| 14h00 – 14h10 | Virtual Registration & Pre-Webinar Welcome | Platform orientation and community welcome |
| 14h10 – 14h20 | Official Opening Remarks | Introduction to Generation Connect Africa and RDF-AFR 2026 |
| 14h20 – 14h40 | Scene-Setting Keynote: Digital Safety, Trust & Cyber Resilience | Keynote presentation and Q&A |
| 14h40 – 15h20 | Panel Discussion: Navigating Digital Risks — Youth Perspectives and Expert Insights | Moderated panel and audience engagement |
| 15h20 – 15h50 | Practical Skills Session: “What Would You Do?" Cyber Scenario Challenge | Interactive learning and breakout activities |
| 15h50 – 16h00 | Youth Reflections & Commitments to Action | Participant reflections and live polling |
| 16h00 – 16h05 | Closing Remarks & Adjournment | Key takeaways and next steps |
Key Focus Areas
The programme addresses the following priority themes:
- Cybersecurity fundamentals and cyber hygiene
- Online safety and digital resilience
- Data protection and digital trust
- Online gender-based violence (OGBV)
- Youth participation in cyber resilience and digital governance
Expected Outcomes
Participants are expected to gain:
- Enhanced understanding of digital safety and cybersecurity concepts.
- Improved practical skills for safer online engagement.
- Increased confidence to participate in digital trust discussions.
- Stronger regional youth networks focused on digital safety and resilience.
Post-Event ResourcesRegistered participants will receive:
- Event recording
- Presentation slides
- ITU cybersecurity resources and toolkits
- Summary of youth recommendations and commitments to action
- Resources will be shared through Generation Connect Africa communication channels.
Participation
Who Should Attend?
The webinar is designed for young people across Africa who are actively engaged in digital technologies or interested in contributing to safer and more trusted digital environments.
Target Participants
Generation Connect Youth Envoys and youth digital advocates
Representatives of youth-led organisations and digital communities
Event Format
- The webinar will be held virtually on Zoom. The format includes:
- Expert keynote presentations providing strategic context on digital safety and cybersecurity
- Moderated panel discussions with youth leaders, experts, policy representatives, and gender & digital rights specialists
- Interactive practical skills sessions using real-world cyber scenarios in Zoom Breakout Rooms
- Live Q&A