From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development
In commemoration of the 2024 IYD, the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) in collaboration with OXFAM in Ghana and the National Network of Youth Groups (NNYOG) organised a dialogue on the theme Harnessing Youth Digital Innovations for Peace, Democracy, and Security. The dialogue (Webinar) brought together a total of 47 participants across West Africa to deliberate on the interplay between Youth Digital Technological Innovations, Peace, Democracy and Security.
Speakers at the Webinar highlighted on the following key issues:
- Addressing the Scamming Mindset Among Youth
There is a growing mindset among the youth to engage in quick money-making schemes in the digital space through internet fraud and cybercrimes. These expectations of learning to scam, highlights the need to address this mindset from the foundation levels since it presents a serious challenge of losing quality manpower for the country. Government must begin Incorporating ethical technology-related education in the curriculum from primary school to instil the right mindset in the cyber space.
Action: Use Education to strategically shift the mindset of youth from scamming to leveraging technology for positive impact and entrepreneurship.
- Youth Engagement in Peace and Security
Opportunities for youth to enhance their digital skills and participate in peace and security initiatives through online learning platforms and youth networks. The District, Regional and National Network of Youth groups provide opportunity for young people to learning about promoting Peace and Security through weekly online trainings to become Peace Ambassadors in the upcoming elections.
Joining these groups also allow young people to engage in activities at the district level such as interacting with the District Security Committees (DISEC) on innovative ways of promoting peace at the local level
Action: Civil Society should continue highlighting the role of youth in leveraging digital innovations to contribute to peace, security, and democracy.
- Recognise the challenges in Digital Literacy and Content Moderation
There is a wide gap in the digital literacy space for the urban and rural localities. In addition, the use of digital technology has its downside which includes the generation of harmful content that targets genuine seekers of socioeconomic opportunities. The challenge of striking a balance between free speech and preventing harmful content online has become a necessity. Also, data privacy and cyber attacks are emerging security concerns.
Action: Addressing the gaps in digital literacy and the balance between free speech and harmful content moderation in the digital space must me a policy priority of government.
- Create more opportunities for Youth-Led Digital Innovations
There is abundance of opportunities in the digital space for Ghanaian youth to create innovative solutions but there is the need for policy support and acceptance of homegrown digital solutions to enable youth-led innovations to thrive. Government and stakeholders should continously support IT solutions created by the Youth and local solution to boost their confidence and grow the industry.
Action: Create enabling environment to explore the potential for Ghanaian youth to create innovative digital solutions and the need for policy support to nurture and scale these initiatives.
- Foster Youth Engagement and Retention in ICT
The Ghana ICT for Development 2003 policy is outdated. The policy must to revised to give expression to the emerging technologies in Data analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Mobilie applications, Cyber operations among others. This is key in addressing the high dropout rates in ICT programs in some institutions and retain students. Overall, the Government and stakeholders must be intentional about growing the ICT industry and develop modern policies that will encourage the interest of young people in the sector.
Action: Encourage more young people to pursue ICT education and careers, and to retain them in these programs. Also call for the revision and development of a coordinated ICT policy.
- Leveraging Technology for Positive Impact
Young people must move away from just clicking to making good use of technology considering the enormous opportunity for education and mentorship to ensure young people can leverage technology positively. Young people can learn about digital solution for peace, democracy and security online and replicate best practises in Ghana
Action: Disseminate opportunities in using technology for promoting peace, democracy and security, especially among the youth to foster guidance and education.
- Role of Security Agencies and Policy
Security agencies need to address unethical activities and protect youth from exploitation by providing alternative security tips and opportunities
Action: Adopt a zero tolerance against unethical activities targeting youth in the digital space.
- Ethical Online Behavior and Advocacy
Young people must be mindful of their online activities, as the internet never forgets.
Action: CSOs and Government must emphasize the importance of ethical online behavior