ITU Youth Forum

ITU Youth Forum is an initiative of ITU-D Youth Program. It brings together students from all over the world to discuss Information technology and society related topics.

About

ITU Youth Forum is an initiative of ITU-D Youth Program. The even is part of the regional and the global ITU Telecom events. It brings together students from all the states that are members of the ITU [ITU Youth Program - [http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/youth/itu__telecom_youth_forums.html ITU Telecom Youth Forums] .] . Since its establishment in 2001 over 1000 young men and women participated in the event.

Forum participants are selected on a competitive basis that includes proof of appropriate academic/professional background, an essay competition, and interviews by the local authorities. The aim is to create a group of highly motivated and talented young students who are recognized as future leaders.

The structure of the event itself creates a unique environment for intercultural dialogue, sharing of concerns and exchange of ideas. The atmosphere encourages networking amongst the youths, and between youths and high-ranking industry representatives, academics and policy-makers attending ITU Telecom events. An immediate result of the forum is a dramatically increased understanding and tolerance towards different cultures, economic realities, and towards the problems of the “other” concerning the access and utilization of new technologies. At a practical level the joint youth declaration expressed the youths’ vision of the world of tomorrow. The long-term benefits of the forum has been and continues to be manifested in mutual support provided amongst the youth fellows acting upon this shared vision, and lasting professional and personal relationships with today’s leaders [ [http://www.h-network.org/news.php?item=2004_01_11 Youth Forum Alumni Panel] at PTC'04 Conference.] .

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