The 2023 World Youth Development Forum (WYDF) highlighted its Digital Development Thematic Forum at Shougang Park in Beijing on Tuesday. The event gathered international representatives, digital scholars, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders to explore the evolving digital landscape, its challenges, and the opportunities it presents for the global youth community.

The Thematic Forum for Digital Development of the 2023 World Youth Development Forum is held at Beijing Shougang Park, Oct. 31, 2023. [Photo/China Youth Daily]

Shapkat Wushur, vice president of the All-China Youth Federation, spoke about the transformative role of recent technological advancements. "In the past few years, we've seen remarkable technological breakthroughs, including cloud computing, big data, blockchain, and artificial intelligence," he noted. "These innovations are not just altering human lifestyles but also opening up novel avenues for the youth to progress."

Amakobe Sande, UNICEF representative to China, highlighted the digital impact on young people. "Young people aged between 15 and 24 use the internet more than any other age," she said, adding, "Tens of millions of future jobs will require advanced digital skills from coding up to development, from machine learning to big data analysis and from cybersecurity to artificial intelligence."

However, she urged caution, stating, "Sadly, far too many young people cannot compete for these jobs." With 2.7 billion people still offline globally, Sande underscored our collective responsibility. "We must work together to bridge the digital divide and to create a safer online environment," she said. Further emphasizing the broader goal, she added, "Our aim must be to leave no one behind and to ensure that every young person is empowered to achieve their full potential and to contribute positively to the world, both online and offline."

During the lightning talks session, youth leaders of typical programs of the Action Plan for Global Youth Development from various countries share how digital technologies empower youth development.

Guests take the stage to launch the WYDF Young Digital Leaders Training Program at the Thematic Forum for Digital Development of the 2023 World Youth Development Forum at Beijing Shougang Park, Oct. 31, 2023. [Photo/China Youth Daily]

The forum also featured the unveiling of the WYDF Young Digital Leaders Training Program, initiated by the All-China Youth Federation and the International Labor Organization, and implemented by China Youth Daily, Guangzhou Youth Federation, and the KAB National Promotion Office. The program aims to provide resources, support, and opportunities for the growth of global youth in the digital field, helping them achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the digital age and jointly promote global development.

An additional highlight was the launch of the International Youth Research Partnership Program, which invites global young research teams to propose projects focusing on domains such as rural revitalization and digital empowerment.

A dialogue session at the Thematic Forum for Digital Development of the 2023 World Youth Development Forum at Beijing Shougang Park, Oct. 31, 2023. [Photo/China Youth Daily]

The Thematic Forum for Digital Development is one of four thematic forums at the 2023 World Youth Development Forum. It was hosted by the All-China Youth Federation and the Organizing Committee of the World Youth Development Forum, and organized by China Youth Daily, the China Foundation for Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment, and the KAB National Promotion Office.

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