Young people need better access to technology and skills development to play an active role in defining the world's digital future, according to participants at the ITU Global Youth Summit, which concluded on March 13th in Varadero, Cuba.

The three-day event, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by the Ministry of Communications of the Government of Cuba, set out to amplify youth voices on the tech-driven future. Participants from around the world between 18 and 25 years of age identified their priorities to ensure that information and communication technologies are safe, affordable and accessible.

Key tech issues for young people discussed at the summit included connectivity, digital inclusion, online safety, ethical development and use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, preparing for the future of work, and enabling digital participation by all to foster economic and social empowerment of youth globally.

According to ITU's latest Facts and Figures report, an estimated 79 per cent of young people are online compared to 66 per cent of the global population.

While youth are more active online worldwide, meaningful connectivity for young people remains a challenge in low-income countries, where only 43 per cent of young people are online, and in the world's least developed countries, where only 52 per cent are connected.

The summit's networking opportunities and intergenerational dialogues allowed young people to learn from technology professionals, experts and policy makers. Discussions highlighted the need for youth to be digitally included and skilled to create opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation as key drivers of global social and economic development.

Summit outcomes underscore the importance of youth involvement in discussions on shaping the future of the digital world and the global technology landscape.

The key ideas presented at the summit include: Formulate and implement regulatory frameworks to boost connectivity and ensure confidence and trust in technologies; Forge public-private partnerships and multistakeholder approaches to collaborate on expanding affordable connectivity solutions and infrastructure projects, especially in underserved areas; Foster the use of technologies for digital education and seeking employment; Promote youth entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital world as drivers of youth employment; Use tech to protect the environment, including greening digital technologies for a sustainable future; and Strengthen digital skills for all youth to cope with the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Around 400 participants from 31 countries attended the event from all ITU regions. Governments, regional organizations, companies, and academia also took part, along with representatives of other UN agencies and Youth Envoys for ITU's Generation Connect programme.