Representatives of the 2024 global youth leaders unveil the "World Internet Conference Global Youth Leaders Initiative". [Photo/wicinternet.org]

The "World Internet Conference Global Youth Leaders Initiative" was unveiled at the Youth and Digital Future Forum on Nov 21, as a significant outcome of the 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit.

The initiative, released in multiple languages including Chinese, French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish and English, has sparked widespread attention and discussion among internet experts and global youth leaders of the 2024 WIC Global Youth Leadership Program.

Click here to learn more about the initiative

Nii Narku Quaynor, the "father of the internet in Africa" and chairman of Ghana Dot Com, endorsed the topics included in the initiative, saying: "Young people have good enthusiasm and they show good interest in a wide area of topics. They seem to be engaged, and that's good to see because much of the future will depend on them. The earlier they’re familiar with the issues, the better.”

Francis Gurry, vice-chair of the WIC and former director-general of the World Intellectual Property Organization, said the Youth and Digital Future Forum and this initiative are fascinating. Dialogue among young people, particularly on current and future topics, offers many fresh perspectives, he said, adding that intergenerational exchanges also foster mutual understanding and help build a more inclusive cyberspace.

"The Global Youth Leadership Program is highly organized, and the Youth and Digital Future Forum and the initiative's content are rich and inspiring," remarked Sofiene Hemissi, minister of Communication Technologies of Tunisia. It provides young people around the world a valuable platform to showcase their talents, he added.

The Youth and Digital Future Forum is held during the 2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit on Nov 21. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

"I wholeheartedly commend the WIC for launching this initiative," said Teo Nie Ching, Malaysia's deputy minister of communications and digital, adding that the initiative provides a vital platform for youth leaders worldwide, inspiring them to promote international cooperation in technology and digital innovation through action and wisdom. She called for joint efforts to harness youth creativity and energy to build a more inclusive and sustainable digital future.

Wang Wen, dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, highlighted the initiative's significance. He said that in the age of intelligent technology, youth innovation has become more crucial than ever. This initiative reflects China's commitment to involving global youth in shaping the future of artificial intelligence governance while emphasizing their shared responsibilities and opportunities, he added.

Himadrish Suwan, chairman of the Confederation of Young Leaders of India, said the Global Youth Leaders Initiative underscores the pivotal role of young people in shaping a digital future that is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. This initiative is integral to empowering the leaders of tomorrow with the knowledge, skills, and platforms they need to shape a future rooted in inclusivity and mutual respect, he said, adding that the Wuzhen Summit has once again showcased its stature as a global platform that bridges nations, fosters international cooperation, and brings together diverse stakeholders to build a harmonious and secure digital ecosystem.

"This initiative's mission to unite youth leaders worldwide in addressing shared challenges and building an inclusive digital future is both inspiring and indispensable," said Chern Choong Thum, the 2024 global youth leader and special functions officer to Malaysia's deputy minister of communications. By bringing together collaborations across nations and disciplines, it provides a vital platform for advancing a fair, secure, ethical, and innovative digital society, he noted.