It's great to be with you today.
I am honoured to have been invited here to this conversation with young people.
We cannot have a full circle in digital without youth.
The prospect excites me, looking at the room filled with youth from various parts of the world. This is potential. It is you--the young people--that understand and resonate with technology, and what it can do.
As we deliberate on the digital challenges facing young people in LDCs today, the capacity-building efforts, and what the digital innovation ecosystems need, including your place in international digital development dialogues, I would like to offer some nuggets for reflection.
I believe we need to combine three big themes: Connectivity. Young people. Digital development.
First, connectivity.
- Why is connectivity important? Connectivity means opportunity in the digital space.
- The International Telecommunication Union, our Members and partners, are fully focused on achieving universal and meaningful connectivity for all.
- Globally, 2.7 billion people have no access to the Internet.
- ITU data shows that in 2022, only 36 per cent of the population in LDCs are using the Internet.
- 720 million people in LDCs are still offline. This accounts for 27 per cent of the 2.7 billion global offline population, even though the LDC population accounts for only 14 per cent of the world's population.
- With digital underpinning everything we do today, the need for connectivity is enormous.
Next, young people.
- Young people drive connectivity globally. 75 per cent of youth aged 15- to 24-year-olds are online, compared with 65 per cent in other demographics.
- However, this connectivity is geographically patchy. Big connectivity gaps remain. Some 98 per cent of youth have access in Europe compared to 55 per cent in Africa, where most LDCs are.
- Youth are the first true generation of digital natives. Your perspective, combined with your digital skills, offer the world a real chance to navigate a new and better path.
- Your voices are critical in driving the connectivity agenda.
Finally, digital development.
- Digital development is critical to LDC economic growth... and your growth.
- Going 'digital' is no longer optional. After the Covid-19 experience of global lockdown, digital inclusion and innovation are now urgently needed.
- Through the Generation Connect initiative, ITU wants to help empower young people with the skills and opportunities for a better digital future.
- This session—and the future--is about solutions.
- Here is my message. Young people: we need you to brainstorm with us and co-design solutions towards closing the digital divide.
- Together, let us hear your voice for a safer, more inclusive digital future – where no one will be left behind!
Thank you.
