Peterking Quaye Advocates for Youth-Centric Internet Regulation at UN IGF 2024

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Peterking Quaye, Executive Director of the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) and a leading advocate for youth digital rights, delivered an impactful speech during the Open Forum: Youth IGF and EU Leaders in Dialogue: Regulating the Internet for the Next Generation at the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024. The session addressed the urgent need for youth inclusion in global Internet governance and policy-making to ensure a safer and more equitable digital future.

Speaking to a global audience of policymakers, industry leaders, and youth representatives, Quaye emphasized:

“The youth are not just users of the Internet; they are creators, entrepreneurs, and the architects of our digital tomorrow. As we look toward 2025 and beyond, it is critical that global leaders create policies that not only protect but also empower young people to innovate, thrive, and lead in the digital age.”

Key Points from the Forum

Quaye outlined several priorities for shaping the Internet for the next generation:

Protecting Digital Rights

The rapid expansion of digital spaces has brought increasing threats, including cyberbullying, misinformation, and privacy violations. Quaye stressed the importance of harmonized regulations, such as Africa’s draft Data Protection Laws and Europe’s GDPR, to safeguard the privacy and security of young people online.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Quaye called on leaders to prioritize equitable Internet access, particularly in underserved regions like rural Africa. He praised initiatives such as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and the EU’s Digital Decade Agenda, which aim to close connectivity gaps.

“The digital divide is not just a technological gap; it is a barrier to opportunity, education, and growth for millions of young people. Bridging this divide must remain a top global priority,” he said.

Fostering Digital Literacy and Innovation

Quaye emphasized the importance of youth empowerment through education and skill-building programs. He highlighted the success of youth hackathons and innovation labs in Kenya and Germany, urging the global community to expand such initiatives to equip the next generation with the tools needed to innovate responsibly.

“The future belongs to those who can navigate and shape the digital world. By investing in digital literacy, we are investing in a generation of leaders and problem-solvers,” Quaye noted.

Inclusive Policymaking

Quaye advocated for more institutionalized youth participation in Internet governance, recommending youth advisory boards and policy consultations at both national and international levels. He commended platforms like the Youth IGF Movement for amplifying young voices in decision-making processes.

Vision for 2025 and Beyond

As the world prepares to mark 20 years of the Internet Governance Forum in 2025, Quaye outlined critical actions for global leaders:

• Adopt Universal Digital Safety Standards to protect youth from harm, including cyber exploitation and misinformation.
• Expand Global Connectivity by committing to universal broadband access and affordable Internet.
• Support Youth-Led Solutions by funding and promoting innovation hubs, particularly in emerging economies.
• Encourage Ethical Use of Emerging Technologies like AI and blockchain to ensure they benefit all, especially marginalized communities.

Quaye concluded his remarks with a powerful call to action:

“The Internet has immense potential to drive equality, innovation, and growth. But it must be regulated with intention and inclusivity. The youth are ready to take up the mantle as stewards of this digital future, and global leaders must rise to meet them with policies that foster collaboration, trust, and opportunity.”