Introduction
The second edition of the Youth Social Event, organized by the Internet Society Youth Standing Group (Youth SG), took place on October 10, 2023, at the Maharaja Hotel in Kyoto, Japan. This event was part of the 18th Global Internet Governance Forum and aimed to foster global collaboration among young individuals in the field of Internet governance. It provided a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and networking.
Background
The Youth Social Event serves as a crucial networking opportunity for young people worldwide. Its primary goals include facilitating the exchange of knowledge and cultural experiences while ensuring an enjoyable environment for participants. The inaugural event occurred during the 17th Internet Governance Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Established in 2015, the Youth Standing Group represents young voices within the Internet Society, focusing on empowering youth to engage actively in both regional and international discussions about Internet governance.
Organizing Committee
The success of this year’s event can be attributed to a dedicated organizing committee composed of individuals from various regions, including Veronica Piccolo (Italy), Joao Falcao (Brazil), Wataru “Alt” Ohgai (Japan), and others from countries like Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Tanzania, and Portugal.
1.Attendance and Engagement
With a total of 155 registrations, the event exceeded its initial capacity of 100 participants, highlighting the strong interest among youth in Internet governance. Participants received personalized entrance passes and event goodies such as tote bags and pens.
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2. Highlights
The event featured a packed agenda that included:
- Ice-breaking and networking games
- Dinner buffet
- Welcome remarks
- Entertainment and Social Night
3. Sponsors
Special thanks were extended to sponsors like the Internet Society (ISOC), WIDE group, CTC, and NASK, whose support was vital for the event’s success. Their commitment to empowering youth is commendable and significantly enriched the experience for all attendees.
Final thoughts
The ISOC-WIDE Youth Social Event successfully brought together young minds from diverse backgrounds and economies fostering knowledge sharing and lasting connections. Such events are essential for shaping the future of Internet governance by empowering the next generation of leaders. Looking ahead, organizers are excited about planning the third edition in 2024 to engage even more young participants.
