Listen to the full discussion:
On August 12th, people around the world celebrated International Youth Day, marking the 17th year the United Nations designated a day to celebrate and reflect upon the enormous potential of youth to catalyze change in their communities and societies.
To mark this occasion, the OpenGov Hub and Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)co-hosted a panel discussion focused on how youth and technology contribute to governance reforms around the world.
Young people in any society are consistently the most adept at using and recognizing the potential impact of technology. And organizations worldwide are increasingly starting to engage young people as stakeholders with important feedback and innovative ideas to share to improve governance implementation – whether that be improving the quality of services that government delivers or policies that it makes. Youth engagement is also undoubtedly essential for achieving the possibilities of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
CIPE implements youth programs worldwide, from supporting youth have a voice in the policymaking process in Pakistan to providing leadership training for Syrian refugees. Souktel delivers custom mobile solutions that connect youth job seekers with employers in the Middle East and North Africa region. And OpenGov Hub member organization Accountability Lab supports innovative leaders and projects by innovative young people to bring more accountability to various issues in their societies.
Panelists:
- Blair Glencorse – Founder and Executive Director, Accountability Lab
- Maggie McDonough – Director of Programs & Strategy, North America of SoukTel (via Skype from Ramallah)
- Giannina (Gigi) Raffo – Venezualan Fellow, Atlas Corps and Program Director, CEDICE
- Maiko Nakagaki – Program Officer for Global Programs, CIPE (discussion moderator)