To discuss and share experiences, ideas, dreams... young people from every corner of the planet will meet in Cuba, for three days in March, convened by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) between March 11-13 in Varadero.

And according to Ernesto Rodríguez Hernández, First Deputy Minister of Mincom, they have arrived at the best time: “Recently, the Policy for Digital Transformation was approved, which includes a strategy for the development and use of artificial intelligence. In both issues, the role of youth is critical, since no one better than our young people to push forward both processes. We have great confidence in the positive result the exchanges, debates, and presentations that will arise during the summit will have for the processes of digital transformation in our country.

“We are also convinced that young Cubans and the projects and initiatives that they will present there will trigger the interest of those who visit us and will consent to a frank, open, and fruitful dialogue that will place youth empowerment and its role in contributing to a more digital management of processes in all areas of human life at the center of the debate,” he said.

Why Cuba?

Mr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Development Office, commented on the main reasons: “We chose Cuba because it shares our mission and our vision on how the world should be increasingly connected. For us it was very good news to know that they would agree to organize this event and also to know that people in Cuba were excited, as well as young people in other parts of the world excited to go to this event.

“I’d like to congratulate the Cuban Government, especially for its progress in terms of access to digital technologies. In several cases, Cuba has already collaborated with the ITU, for example, to organize the regional platform Accessible America, ICTs for All, which brings together policy and decision-makers to raise awareness and share experiences on the importance of implementing policies, strategies and standards for ICT accessibility to build an inclusive digital system,” the director recognized.

Zavazava said that “many registration requests for this event are being received, not only from the Americas, but also from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific region. It’s possible that we will have the participation of many young people, even of a young age, because once we mention that the event is in Cuba, interest in the country's cultural heritage, Cuban music, immediately begins. So it’s something that has also contributed to the promotion being quite extensive.”

And this island that bets like no one else on young people and their potential, that seems crazy how in the midst of so many battles to cover basic needs, in the midst of the longest economic war in universal history, it finds strength and resources (especially human) and does not give up on technological development, it welcomes them, as the Cuban vice-minister expressed:

“Cuba awaits you, opens its doors with the love and warmth that characterize us. We hope you can also enjoy our culture, a mix of traditions that makes it rich and authentic. For three days we will be the epicenter of a great challenge, to design an increasingly digital, inclusive and sustainable future for all, led by digital, creative, intelligent young people committed to a more fair and equitable society.”

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff