Greater youth participation in the discussions was the underlying theme of the 5th Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which took place in Vilnius on 14th – 17th September. Initiated by the UN in 2005, the IGF aims to foster a dialogue on current issues evoked by the internet. In a multi-stakeholder approach, representatives from governments, companies, academics, civil society and young people are invited to share their opinions through the forum.

In largely focusing on social networks, privacy control, participation, access to information and media literacy the IGF touched upon areas of the internet which young people play an extensive role within. While the negotiations of governments, academics and industries dominated the discussions on such issues, the, youth perspective remained an important factor in the dialogue. In general, possibilities to make young people’s voices heard were plentiful. During this IGF, young people were able to participate through youth workshops, closing statements and during a panel debate. Importantly however, young people were also invited to participate through remote participation from around the world.

In 2009, the European Youth Forum took an important step in promoting crucial youth opinions on the internet to policy makers, during the Ministerial Conference on New Media in Reykjavik. Consequently, the European Youth Forum’s partnership with the Council of Europe then allowed many young people to push these opinions further into the limelight at the annual European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG). The active involvement of young people in this process has just started. With the concept of Internet Governance still being in its infancy, Young people need to stand up now to voice their opinions in order to really shape the newly evolving policies.

Useful Links:

Global Internet Governance Forum – Official Website

Youth Coalition on Internet Governance - Official Website

European Internet Governance Forum – Official Website

Diplo Internet Governance Network – Official Website