Good afternoon,
Esteemed participants and digital champions.
It is a pleasure to join you today for this intergenerational dialogue in a space where global leaders, youth advocates, and innovators can come together to chart a shared path for the future of Landlocked Developing Countries.
The theme of this Forum: “Youth Empowerment for Inclusive Development: Building Bridges for LLDC Futures”, could not be more timely or more urgent.
At the International Telecommunication Union, the UN’s specialized agency for digital technologies, we recognize that technology can be the bridge that connects landlocked countries to global opportunities and that youth must be the architects of that bridge.
Today, more than 58% of the population in LLDCs is under the age of 25, and this number will grow to over 140 million by 2034.
These figures represent a huge opportunity for energy, creativity, and innovation.
But we must also confront the hard truths.
Despite notable progress, only 39% of individuals in LLDCs use the Internet and in rural areas, that number drops to just 28%. Over 14% of the population still lives in areas with no broadband coverage at all. And the digital gender divide remains stark with young women significantly less connected than young men.
Yet amid these challenges, there is hope. Young people are leading the way. Over half of 15-to-24-year-olds in LLDCs are already online eager to engage, learn, and build, and find ways transform their societies.
And at ITU, we are committed to making universal and meaningful connectivity a reality for every young person in LLDCs and beyond. This means access not just to the Internet but to affordable, safe, and productive digital opportunities.
For more than two decades, the ITU has been at the forefront of championing young people’s inclusion in the digital world. Our initiatives, provide youth especially under-served groups with the tools to thrive.
From the AI Skills Accelerator for Girls to the Young Leadership Programme and projects like Boosting Decent Jobs for Youth in Africa our focus is on building digital skills, promoting leadership and opening doors to meaningful employment.
These efforts help bridge the digital divide and empower the youth to lead digital transformation in their communities and beyond.
But connectivity is only the starting point. Without the right policies in place, potential stalls. While most LLDCs have universal access goals, fewer than 40% have operational digital strategies.
Policy gaps are holding back investment and innovation. Youth in LLDCs are already building local tech solutions, but face real barriers in infrastructure, finance, and market access. Currently, LLDCs make up just 0.3% of global digital service exports, an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.
The Youth Declaration you are preparing is a direct message to the world. It proves that young people are ready to contribute to national and global goals.
In fact, this forum is part of the process of shaping how we move forward together.
Our mission is clear. To build a world where every young person, regardless of their background or location can harness the power of technology for their social and economic empowerment.
We must ensure that young people, particularly those in vulnerable situations, have access to equitable digital opportunities to shape their futures and contribute to a more inclusive, connected world.
Thank you.
