ITU World Youth Summit: Goals, Subjects, and Challenges

Bringing young people together is always a great idea. No group is better suited to mix, collaborate, and build shared meanings and goals beyond differences. Simply fostering this generational connection is already an excellent initiative.

However, when such gatherings have well-thought-out goals, themes, and challenges, the results are bound to be both creative and valuable. This is precisely the case with the ITU World Youth Summit, scheduled to take place in Cuba from March 11 to 13.

According to Mr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, the primary goal is “to empower young people by providing them with the knowledge, tools, and networks they need to navigate and lead in an increasingly digital world.”

As the host country, Cuba aims, in the words of First Deputy Minister of Communications Ernesto Rodríguez Hernández, “to ensure that the summit’s impact extends beyond the event itself. We have the responsibility and commitment to turn the partnerships and projects that emerge there into sustainable realities. No one is better suited for this task than our young people, who are digital natives by nature.”

Themes and Subjects

“All the topics up for discussion at the summit are relevant,” stated the Cuban Deputy Minister. However, he emphasized that issues related to education and capacity-building are particularly vital, especially for developing countries. These aspects play a crucial role in reducing the digital divide. “People are at the heart of digital transformation processes. This is primarily a cultural challenge rather than just a technological one.”

Zavazava highlighted other key issues on the summit's agenda: “How can digital technologies drive environmental and social impact? The summit will also focus on online safety, equipping young people with the tools to navigate the digital world securely and responsibly.

“We aim to engage them in interactive sessions designed to develop essential skills and foster innovation. Additionally, they will have opportunities to network with industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders. This summit will not only be a gathering but also a platform for action, where young voices will help shape the future of digital development.

“The ideas, solutions, and partnerships we hope to forge here will play a crucial role in advancing a more inclusive, sustainable, and secure digital future for all. I look forward to sharing the outcomes of this summit and hearing from our young participants, who are leading the way toward a more connected and empowered future,” he concluded.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff