Back to Youth Summit

Shaping a safe, inclusive digital future together – leaving no young people behind.

This was the theme of the first-ever Generation Connect Global Youth Summit, which took place online and in person in Kigali, Rwanda, from 2 to 4 June 2022. Designed by young people for young people, this fully interactive Summit recognised the role of digital natives as leaders of the rapidly changing technological environment – and of our future.

Open to 15 to 29 year olds from around the world, the Summit engaged global youth on the big issues of digital transformation, encouraged young people to participate as equal partners with today’s leaders of digital change and empowered youth with skills and opportunities to build their vision of a safe, inclusive connected future.

Our interactive sessions focused on three main areas of action:

Engaging in decision-taking and policy making processes: from digital inequality to sustainability, youth representation and digital accessibility

Empowering young people with resources and skills for the digital future: from bridging the gender divide to entrepreneurship, mentorship and the future of work

Protecting young people through responsible use of digital technologies: from the role of tech in mitigating climate change to online safety, cybersecurity and good mental health in the digital age

The Global Youth Summit was organized by the ITU as part of its World Telecommunication Development Conference.

A total of 9 events have been found

Show All Hybrid Physical Virtual

8:00 am - 10:00 am

Badging collection at KCC and transfer to Intare Arena

Physical

08:00-10:00 CAT, Kigali | 02:00-04:00 EDT, New York | 14:00-16:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

KCC

Pick up your badge at the Kigali Conference Centre and then transfer to Intare Arena via the shuttle buses available to Summit participants. Note that badges will NOT be provided at the Intare Conference Arena. Badges will be only given to participants who have registered online. Click "View Details" to see the badge collection timetable throughout the conference.

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Summit Networking Session #1: Who’s who at the Summit

Physical

11:30-13:00 CAT, Kigali | 05:30-07:00 EDT, New York | 17:30-19:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Auditorium (ground floor)

Meet your fellow Summit attendees - find out who’s here, introduce yourself, share your backgrounds, aims and ambitions.

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Lunch Break

Physical

13:00-14:30 CAT, Kigali | 07:00-08:30 EDT, New York | 19:00-20:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Pavilion

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Opening Ceremony

Hybrid

15:00-15:30 CAT, Kigali | 09:00-09:30 EDT, New York | 21:00-21:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Auditorium (ground floor)

Opening Ceremony. Interpretation available in: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Intergenerational Dialogue #1: Engage: Becoming a young change enabler

Hybrid

15:30-17:00 CAT, Kigali | 09:30-11:00 EDT, New York | 21:30-23:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Auditorium (ground floor)

This session was combined with the Opening ceremony.

From the critical perspective of a digital native, how can you best contribute and commit to creating the safe, inclusive and sustainable digital future we all want? Interpretation was available in: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish

5:00 pm - 6:15 pm

Mingle

Physical

17:00-18:15 CAT, Kigali | 11:00-12:15 EDT, New York | 23:00-00:15 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Intare Arena

Free time to relax, chat and connect.

6:15 pm - 7:00 pm

Spotlight Sessions

Physical

18:15-19:00 CAT, Kigali | 12:15-13:00 EDT, New York | 00:15-01:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Pavilion

Be inspired by our brilliant speakers in these short, impactful talks!

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Opening Dinner for Youth with High-Level Guests and Summit Networking Session #2

Physical

19:00-21:00 CAT, Kigali | 13:00-15:00 EDT, New York | 01:00-03:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Pavilion

Brainstorm a fun digital development challenge over dinner!

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Masterclass #1: Applying the power of digital technology for climate action

Virtual

20:00-22:00 CAT, Kigali | 14:00-16:00 EDT, New York | 02:00-04:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Ubumwe (second floor)

How can digital and geospatial technologies drive solutions for climate action – and how can young people become involved in digital projects to counter the impact of climate change?

A total of 24 events have been found

Show All Hybrid Physical Virtual

9:30 am - 10:30 am

Inter-Generational Dialogue #2: Empower: Providing opportunities for digital entrepreneurs

Hybrid

09:30-10:30 CAT, Kigali | 03:30-04:30 EDT, New York | 15:30-16:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Auditorium (ground floor)

How can we build innovative ecosystems to enable young digital entrepreneurs to make a real social impact? Interpretation was available in: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Coffee Break

Physical

10:30-11:00 CAT, Kigali | 04:30-05:00 EDT, New York | 16:30-17:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Coffee Lounges @ ground floor, 1st floor and 2nd floor

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Global Youth Index – A snapshot of Youth Development Today

Physical

11:00-12:30 CAT, Kigali | 05:00-06:30 EDT, New York | 17:00-18:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Gasabo (first floor)

Learn more on the Global Youth Index, a practical tool for policy makers and youth to identify priorities for change and to track progress over time, join the session! Organized by: MiSK Foundation

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Generation Connect Gender Champions Workshop

Physical

11:00-12:30 CAT, Kigali | 05:00-06:30 EDT, New York | 17:00-18:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Karisimbi (second floor)

Participants joined the Gender Champions, an international cohort of 12 young women, for an interactive workshop designed to leave participants uplifted and empowered to reach their potential in advancing equity within ICTs and STEM

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Masterclass #2: Under attack: how to deal with a cyberthreat

Hybrid

11:00-12:30 CAT, Kigali | 05:00-06:30 EDT, New York | 17:00-18:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Ubumwe (second floor)

Knowing how to protect yourself in cyberspace is critical to online safety – and more important than ever as we increasingly move our daily lives onto the internet.

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Masterclass #3: Your life online: be safe, be empowered

Hybrid

11:00-12:30 CAT, Kigali | 05:00-06:30 EDT, New York | 17:00-18:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Amahoro (second floor)

Being online is a richly beneficial and increasingly inherent part of our daily lives – but what risks do we run each day on the internet?

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

Lunch Break

Physical

12:30-13:15 CAT, Kigali | 06:30-07:15 EDT, New York | 18:30-19:15 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Pavilion

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Masterclass #4 - Another pandemic? The impact of screentime on our mental health

Virtual

12:30-14:00 CAT, Kigali | 06:30-08:00 EDT, New York | 18:30-20:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Gasabo (first floor)

Digital technologies have greatly improved our daily lives in so many ways – but at what cost to our mental health?

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

Summit Networking Session #3

Physical

13:15-14:00 CAT, Kigali | 07:15-08:00 EDT, New York | 19:15-20:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Pavilion

Connect, engage and be inspired: meet our experts, delegates and speakers, discuss ideas, explore potential partnerships and collaboration.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Inter-Generational Dialogue #3: Protect: building a safer online world

Hybrid

14:00-15:00 CAT, Kigali | 08:00-09:00 EDT, New York | 20:00-21:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Auditorium (ground floor)

More benefits, more risks: how can we better prepare, engage and protect young people online as digital transformation accelerates? Interpretation available in: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Youth For Youth Debating Session # 1: Exploring the future of work

Hybrid

15:00-16:00 CAT, Kigali | 09:00-10:00 EDT, New York | 21:00-22:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Karisimbi (second floor)

Creating new jobs, making others unnecessary: how are digital technologies shaping the future labour market for young people around the world?

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Youth For Youth Debating Session # 2: Bridging the gender digital divide

Hybrid

15:00-16:00 CAT, Kigali | 09:00-10:00 EDT, New York | 21:00-22:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Ubumwe (second floor)

Digital transformation offers new opportunities for the economic empowerment of women – but first we need to bridge the gender digital divide.

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Technology and Gaming Hub

Physical

15:00-16:30 CAT, Kigali | 10:00-11:30 EDT, New York | 21:00-22:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Gaming hub (second floor)

A fun, interactive space to engage and learn with technology

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Coffee Break

Physical

16:00-16:30 CEST, Geneva | 08:00-09:00 EDT, New York | 20:00-21:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Coffee Lounges @ ground floor, 1st floor and 2nd floor

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

How can you harness the power of technology for a more equal future?

Hybrid

16:00-17:00 CAT, Kigali| 10:00-11:00 EDT, New York | 22:00-23:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Gasabo (first floor)

Join leaders from EY, ITU, GSMA, and W4 to celebrate the importance of gender equality in Tech!

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Being Relevant in the Future Jobs Economy

Hybrid

16:00-17:00 CAT, Kigali| 10:00-11:00 EDT, New York | 22:00-23:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Karisimbi (second floor)

Planning for a Career in the Metaverse Organized by: Exponential Destiny

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Youth Call to Action session #1: My digital future starts today

Hybrid

16:00-17:30 CAT, Kigali| 10:00-13:30 EDT, New York | 22:00-23:30 CST, Beijing

Auditorium (ground floor)

How will youth take the recommendations from the Call to Action forward?

4:45 pm - 6:00 pm

Youth and Artificial Intelligence: Designing our Possible Futures

Hybrid

16:45-18:00 CAT, Kigali| 10:45-12:00 EDT, New York | 22:45-24:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Ubumwe (second floor)

A Launch Session of the Youth and Next Gen Leaders AI Manifesto Organized by: Fondation Botnar, AI Future Lab / Global Shapers, The Lancet and Financial Times, Commission on Governing Health Futures 2030 and AI for Good

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Guided Reflection Session #1

Virtual

17:00-17:30 CAT, Kigali | 11:00-11:30 EDT, New York | 23:00-23:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

After a busy day meeting new people and taking part in different sessions, this was the youth's opportunity to pause and take a breath. Participants joined a reflection session to relax, listen, and to share learnings and experiences with others.

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

La Francophonie numérique au service de la jeunesse

Hybrid

17:00-18:00 CAT, Kigali | 11:00-12:00 EDT, New York | 23:00-24:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Gasabo (first floor)

This session was organized in French language.

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Mentoring Session #1 Interactive peer mentoring for students

Hybrid

17:00-18:00 CAT, Kigali | 11:00-12:00 EDT, New York | 23:00-24:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Amahoro (second floor)

What’s your goal once you finish your studies? How do you plan to achieve your dreams? Participants joined ITU experts and fellow students in a peer mentoring exercise

5:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Guided Reflection Session #2

Physical

17:30-18:00 CAT, Kigali | 11:30-12:00 EDT, New York | 23:30-24:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Karisimbi (second floor)

After a busy day meeting new people and taking part in different sessions, this was the youth's opportunity to pause and take a breath. Participants joined a reflection session to relax, listen, and to share learnings and experiences with others.

6:15 pm - 7:00 pm

Spotlight Sessions

Physical

18:15-19:00 CAT, Kigali | 12:15-13:00 EDT, New York | 00:15-1:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Pavilion

Be inspired by our brilliant speakers in these short, impactful talks!

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Youth Dinner

Physical

19:00-20:30 CEST, Geneva | 13:00-14:30 EDT, New York | 01:00-2:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Pavilion

A total of 16 events have been found

Show All Hybrid Physical Virtual

5:00 am - 7:00 am

Masterclass #5: In the shoes of a digital policymaker

Virtual

05:00-07:00 CAT, Kigali | 23:00-1:00 EDT, New York | 11:00-13:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Under 30 and online? Here’s why you need to know about internet governance

9:30 am - 10:30 am

Inter-generational Dialogue #4: Mind the gap: turning equality into reality

Hybrid

09:30-10:30 CAT, Kigali | 03:30-04:30 EDT, New York | 15:30-16:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Auditorium (ground floor)

How can we provide access to digital technologies and opportunities for everyone, reflecting the full diversity of humanity? Interpretation available in: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Coffee Break

Physical

10:30-11:00 CAT, Kigali | 04:30-05:00 EDT, New York | 16:30-17:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Coffee Lounges @ ground floor, 1st floor and 2nd floor

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Daring to Shift: Rooted in Digital

Hybrid

10:30-11:30 CAT, Kigali | 04:30-05:30 EDT, New York | 16:30-17:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Karisimbi (second floor)

Powered by Youth Organized by: Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT)

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Masterclass #6: Digital skills for digital jobs: preparing for the future workspace

Hybrid

11:00-12:30 CAT, Kigali | 5:00-6:30 EDT, New York | 17:00-18:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Gasabo (first floor)

As digitalization creates new opportunities and new professions worldwide, what new skills do young people need to move forward in the workplace of the future?

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Mentoring session #2 : Interactive peer mentoring for young professionals

Hybrid

11:00-12:30 CAT, Kigali | 05:00-06:30 EDT, New York | 17:00-18:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Amahoro (second floor)

Interactive peer mentoring for young professionals

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Youth Call to Action session #2: My digital future starts today

Hybrid

11:30-12:30 CAT, Kigali| 05:30-06:30 EDT, New York | 17:30-18:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Karisimbi (second floor)

How will youth take the recommendations from the Call to Action forward?

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Hackathon: Pitching to win - HackingDigitalSkills4Jobs

Hybrid

11:00-12:30 CAT, Kigali | 05:00-06:30 EDT, New York | 17:00-18:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Auditorium (ground floor)

Hackathon finalists pitch shortlisted solutions head-to-head

10:30 am - 11:30 pm

Decent Jobs in Africa’s Digital Economy

Hybrid

10:30-11:30 CAT, Kigali | 04:30-05:30 EDT, New York | 16:30-17:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Ubumwe (second floor)

What youth-led solutions, innovations and projects are empowering youth through access to digital skills and jobs? Join the session to share your ideas! Organized by: ILO, ITU, and the Nigerian SDG Youth Network

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Lunch Break

Physical

12:30-13:30 CAT, Kigali | 06:30-07:30 EDT, New York | 18:30-19:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Pavilion

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Technology and Gaming Hub

Physical

13:30-14:30 CAT, Kigali | 07:30-08:30 EDT, New York | 19:30-20:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Gaming hub (second floor)

A fun, interactive space to engage and learn with technology.

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Innov4Youth –The Missing Links

Hybrid

13:30-14:30 CAT, Kigali | 07:30-08:30 EDT, New York | 19:30-20:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Gasabo (first floor)

Young Africans face several obstacles in their innovation journey to take their ideas to the market and create economic inclusion. This session shared insights on how to unleash the Youth's innovation potential and enhance their resilience through concrete mechanisms to connect the missing links inhibiting their innovation journey.

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Connectivity starts with you! - Young minds for an inclusive digital transformation

Hybrid

13:30-14:30 CAT, Kigali| 07:30-08:30 EDT, New York | 19:30-20:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Ubumwe (second floor)

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Green thinking around ICTs

Hybrid

13:30-14:30 CAT, Kigali | 07:30-08:30 EDT, New York | 19:30-20:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Room Karisimbi (second floor)

How can green technologies unlock an inclusive and just technological future? Join the session! Organized by: EU Business School

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Closing Ceremony

Hybrid

14:30-15:30 CAT, Kigali | 08:30-09:30 EDT, New York | 20:30-21:30 CST, Beijing

On schedule

Auditorium (ground floor)

Closing remarks. Art performance. Presentation of the Youth Call to Action Document. Testimonials from participants. Iconathon winner announcement. Interpretation available in: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish

3:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Kigali Tour followed by Closing Dinner

Physical

15:30-21:00 CAT, Kigali | 09:30-15:00 EDT, New York | 21:30-03:00 CST, Beijing

On schedule