International Youth Day 2024 Global Webinar: Turning Clicks into Progress

Theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”
Date: August 12, 2024

On August 12, 2024, IMCS Pax Romana proudly hosted the International Youth Day 2024 global webinar, an inspiring gathering of young leaders, advocates, and changemakers from around the world. This year’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” focused on how we, as young people, can harness the power of technology to create meaningful change and promote environmental sustainability.

This wasn’t just another webinar—it was a vibrant celebration of youth energy and innovation. It gave us all a chance to reflect on our shared challenges, exchange ideas, and imagine a better, more inclusive digital future.

Event Highlights

1. Exploring Digital Inclusion:
   The webinar opened with powerful discussions about the importance of digital inclusion. We talked about the barriers many still face in accessing technology and brainstormed ways to ensure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from digital advancements.
2. Technology for Environmental Sustainability:
   A key part of our conversation focused on how technology can be used responsibly to address environmental challenges. From climate change solutions to promoting sustainable practices, the speakers shared inspiring examples of how innovation can drive positive environmental action.
3. A Truly Global Gathering:
   One of the most exciting aspects of this event was its global reach. Youth groups from all corners of the world came together to share their perspectives and learn from one another. It was a reminder of how interconnected we are and how much we can achieve when we collaborate across borders.

Voices That Inspired Us
We were incredibly fortunate to have an amazing lineup of speakers who brought unique insights to the table:

• Fasika Lachore Laba: Shared how youth-led initiatives are breaking down barriers to digital access and inclusion.
• Kofi Rony: Highlighted practical ways to empower marginalized communities through technology.
• Federica Dematte: Spoke passionately about how grassroots movements can use technology to promote sustainability.
• Rochelle Furtado: Focused on the transformative power of digital tools in education and youth empowerment.
• Isabelle Quezada: Provided valuable insights on global collaboration for sustainable digital pathways.
• Jesuina M. Fernando: Showed us innovative ways technology is being used to build climate resilience.

Their words sparked powerful conversations and left us all with a renewed sense of purpose.

Key Takeaways

1. Digital Access is Essential:
   Digital inclusion isn’t just about technology—it’s about creating equal opportunities. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for policies and initiatives that ensure everyone, regardless of their background, can access and benefit from technology.
2. Youth Are Leading the Way:
   Over and over again, we heard about how young people are stepping up as leaders in digital innovation and sustainability. This event reinforced what we’ve always known: youth aren’t just the future—they’re the present.
3. Sustainability Must Guide Innovation:
   Technology can be a powerful tool for change, but it must be used responsibly. From combating climate change to supporting sustainable practices, there’s so much we can do when we put sustainability at the heart of innovation.