Priorities for Youth in the Digital World: Young Digital Talent for Emerging Technologies
12 August 2026
Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with the National Directorate of Telecommunications and Audiovisual Communication Services (DINATEL) of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining of Uruguay, this regional seminar will be held in Montevideo from 12-13 August 2026 to promote the development of young digital talent across the Americas. The event will mark the celebration of International Youth Day 2026 and aims to promote youth as a strategic group to drive digital innovation in the Americas, highlighting the importance of capacity building in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to close gaps in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
Global Youth Celebration
16 November 2025
Experience the energy of Global Youth Celebration 2025 that brought together over 400 participants from 45 countries in Baku, Azerbaijan, to honour youth leadership as co-architects of an innovative and inclusive digital future.
Passionate young leaders engaged in dynamic intergenerational dialogue with ICT policymakers, inspiring decision makers at WTDC25 through their visions. Young participants further participated in immersive visits to Azercosmos, STEAM Azerbaijan, and the National Aviation Academy, exploring cutting-edge space, aviation, and STEAM technologies. The closing session showcased the participants’ excitement and reflections, revealing how these extraordinary, first-hand encounters can shape their future paths and amplify their impact on global digital development agenda, showing that, for them, the sky is the limit.
ITU Global Youth Summit
11 March 2025 – 13 March 2025
Under the theme “Amplifying Youth Voices in ICT for a Connected Future” the Summit will include and amplify young voices in ICT dialogues and decision-making processes at the regional, national, and global levels.
UN Summit of the Future
22 September 2024 – 23 September 2024
The Summit of the Future is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.
This once-in-a-generation opportunity serves as a moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle current challenges as well as those that have emerged in recent years or may yet be over the horizon.
UN-OHRLLS High Level Political Forum side event
09 July 2024
Organized by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), in collaboration with the UN Youth Office, this side event aims to amplify the voices of youth from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in driving sustainable development agendas. In the lead-up to the Youth Declaration of the Summit of the Future, youth speakers from LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS will share their experiences and discuss global challenges, ensuring that their voices are integral to global conversations.
A young population brings numerous opportunities for economic growth and innovation. To realize these opportunities, it is imperative to engage youth, create spaces for their participation, and provide them with meaningful roles in decision-making processes. With the guidance and support of governments, young people can harness their collective power to drive positive change.
Generation Connect: Passing the Torch
16 May 2024
The Generation Connect global team hosted a virtual event to celebrate the transition of the outgoing cohort of Generation Connect Youth Envoys into Generation Connect Alumni and welcome the new cohort of Generation Connect Youth Envoys on 16 May 2024.
During this event, we heard reflections from one Generation Connect Alumni, one new Generation Connect Youth Envoy, and one ITU regional representative from every region. Key themes that emerged from their reflections include the importance of meaningful youth engagement, capacity building opportunities, and global collaboration in the creation of a sustainable digital future.
In his keynote address, BDT Director Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava emphasized many of these points as well as the importance of youth in digital inclusion for the future of the “three Ps,” which are the people, planet, and prosperity.
Congratulations to all of our Generation Connect Alumni and new Generation Connect Youth Envoys for their incredible work!
In addition to this global event, each ITU regional office also hosted a Passing the Torch event to strengthen connections between the regional groups of Generation Connect Youth Envoys.
