Youth Internet Governance Forum held in Azerbaijan first time

Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF) was held in our country for the first time as part of the Innovation Festival.

The forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies, Azerbaijan Youth Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme.

Making opening remarks at the event, Deputy Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Elmir Velizade said that the internet penetration rate in Azerbaijan is 80%. Stressing the importance of increasing broadband services in the country, the Deputy Minister said that currently, the development of an innovative economy in Azerbaijan is a priority. Special attention is also paid to the widespread adoption of e-government solutions.

Speaking at the forum, Deputy Resident Representative a.i. for UNDP in Azerbaijan Ms. Yuliya Shcherbinina addressed young activists and said: “Today, our world is home to the largest youth population ever in history – and you are among this critical cohort! You are the indispensable agents of change – and we need you on board where the SDGs are at stake”.

The main purpose of the forum was to discuss and interpret the trends in the digital field by bringing together young people from Azerbaijan and the countries of the region.

The event was mainly attended by young people aged 17-25 from different countries.

Theoretical and practical training of the participants was held within the forum. At the end of the event, they took part in simulation games on various topics.

Workshops were held at the forum on “Basic Principles of Internet Governance”, “The Role of Social Media in Forming Young People’s Ideas” and “Business Opportunities of Internet for Youth – Implementation of Ideas”.

Debates were also organized on topics such as “How important is Internet governance for sustainable development of young people?”, “Global or specific Internet – the attitude of young people to different values”, “How to make the Internet safe for children and young people?”

The event, which started on June 1, ended today.