Youth are spearheading global digitalization towards sustainable development

20 September 2024, Ha Noi, Viet Nam - Today, the Green One United Nations House in Ha Noi welcomed over 50 young leaders and changemakers in alignment with the Summit of the Future 2024. In an event organized by the United Nations in Viet Nam with youth and for youth, this year’s celebration centered, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” and highlighted the central role of young people in digitalization and innovation for sustainable development in Viet Nam.

Digitalization is transforming our world, offering both unprecedented opportunities and challenges to accelerate sustainable development. Digital technologies such as mobile devices, services, and artificial intelligence are instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, the role of young people in digital innovation is essential for addressing global issues. By celebrating the digital contributions of youth, with youth and for youth, we can inspire further innovation and collaboration towards achieving sustainable development.

“As Viet Nam finds itself in the midst of a rapid digital transformation with substantial socio-economic impacts, it is crucial to engage youth in the discourse on digital policies and practices. At the same time, disparities and shortcomings when it comes to Internet access and digital skills need to be addressed, to ensure a truly inclusive digitalization will us all, regardless of their background or gender, towards sustainable development.” United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, Ms. Pauline Tamesis shared in her opening remarks.

The event on the Action Day of Summit of the Future 2024 featured insights from young experts engaged in areas related to digitalization, international organizations, and government, with the aim of showcasing Viet Nam’s inclusive approach to youth-led digital transformation on a global scale, as well as contributing to the Ditigtal Compact and Future Generation Compact. Through two roundtable sessions and interactive activities conducted both online and offline, young experts and relevant stakeholders were also able to discuss and exchange the knowledge and information needed to navigate digitalization for sustainable development.

“Young entrepreneurs and digital citizens nowadays have new opportunities and a solid technological foundation to address global challenges. With technology, youth movement in promoting and creating innovative interventions and digital products can be easily scaled and reach a larger community, especially the hardest-to-reach groups, with faster and more equitable, inclusive approaches than ever before” – said Ms. Haley Phan, CEO and founder at Raise, a youth guest speaker at the event.