The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), and UN-Habitat conducted some quizzes ahead of this year’s International Youth Day on 12 August 2024.
The aim of those surveys – together with inputs from the ITU Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Board and other youth groups – was to gauge young people’s understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), space technology, and digital connectivity in sustainable development.
“…By contrast, according to the survey, many young people are unaware of how space technologies can contribute to combating hunger. For instance, satellite networks can support precise crop monitoring and provide data to optimize water usage.
Apparently, the full potential – and the possible benefits – of space data are not yet thoroughly understood by the younger generation. This lack of awareness amounts to a missed opportunity for innovation, for solving global challenges, and for bridging divides we didn’t even know existed.”
“…in Africa, only 53 per cent of youth aged 15-24 are online, compared to a staggering 98 per cent of youth in Europe.
This stark contrast is even more pronounced when looking at the overall population: just 37 per cent of Africans use the Internet, compared to 91 per cent in Europe.
The urban-rural divide within Africa itself is severe, with 57 per cent of urban dwellers using the Internet compared to a mere 23 per cent in rural areas.”
SOURCE MATERIAL : https://www.itu.int/hub/2024/10/youth-perspective-what-do-young-people-know-about-the-digital-divide/
ADDITIONAL SOURCE MATERIAL: Summit of the Future New York, 22 September 2024
Plenary Statement by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin at the Summit of the Future
“OUR FUTURE IS DIGITAL. WE CAN AND MUST WRITE IT TOGETHER.” https://www.itu.int/en/osg/Pages/Speeches.aspx?ItemID=59
