Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,


It is an enormous pleasure for me to be here with you and to see all these energetic and excited young faces: our children, our future.


I am so glad to see all of you here. Welcome!


And let me take a brief moment here to thank The Walt Disney Company and UNICEF for their contribution to the ‘Be Smart, Be Safe’ track here at the BYND 2015 Global Youth Summit.


It is great to know that we can count on you young people – on your creativity, and on your energy – to continue to connect the world.


I am sure that you can teach to all of us how to use smartphones, tablets, and PCs.


You do thousands of things on the Internet: chatting with your friends; playing games; listening to music; sending pictures; sharing information; downloading documents; watching football games; and so much more.


You also use the Internet for education: learning and studying curricula; researching news; and doing online training.


But let me ask you this: how do you do it? Do you do it in a smart and safe way?


Today you will learn a lot: you will learn through an interactive adventure how to be responsible, how to be safe, and how to act as good digital citizens.


As adults, we feel that we need to be here to help you – and it is true: we have a responsibility.


We need to know ourselves what is happening on the Internet, and we need to be aware of how to protect young people like you – just the same way we need to know when you are hungry or when you need to go to the doctor.


We need to understand when you have a problem, or when you are having a bad experience, or when you need help.


At the same, we really need you.


Yes, you heard that correctly!


We need you – to build a safer online world.


You are the ones who can create a better Internet. You are the ones who can create a safer world. You are the future actors and leaders of this world.


If you are responsible and smart, you will enjoy the Internet and all of the incredible benefits it has to offer.


After today’s session, you will have the knowledge about online safety to share with your peers, your friends, and your siblings.


You will learn how to share your knowledge with others – and you must give it a try! After this morning’s exercise, go home and practice. The exercise is fun and entertaining but it will also teach you how to be SMART and to be SAFE, online.


I wish all of you an entertaining and informative morning – and I look forward to seeing your videos and pictures from this important adventure.


Thank you.