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FROM THE
YOUTH IGF

Youth IGF
North America

The Youth IGF North America empowers young voices to tackle key issues like cybersecurity and digital inclusion while shaping the digital future. Sparked by ICANN79 Next-Gen and backed by the Global Youth IGF, it cultivates the next generation of leaders in global internet governance and digital cooperation.

North America

Mission

To empower and amplify the voices of North America’s youth in shaping the future of the internet by fostering inclusive dialogue, building digital cooperation leaders, and addressing critical issues such as digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and internet governance. The Youth IGF North America aims to create a platform where young people can collaborate, innovate, and influence policies for an equitable and sustainable digital future.

Vision

To be the leading platform for cultivating a new generation of internet governance leaders in North America, driving a globally inclusive, secure, and innovative internet ecosystem. The Youth IGF North America envisions a world where young voices are central to digital cooperation and policy-making, ensuring a fair and accessible internet for all.

Background

The Youth Internet Governance Forum (Youth IGF) North America is a vital initiative that empowers young voices to actively participate in shaping the future of the internet. It was inspired by the presentation of the Youth IGF at ICANN79 Next-Gen, where a small group of passionate individuals recognized the need for such a platform in North America. This group of enthusiasts approached the Global Youth IGF to collaborate and bring this vision to life, leading to a wide consultation period throughout 2024 to ensure the initiative addressed regional needs and priorities. The Youth IGF North America provides a space for young people to engage with critical issues such as digital inclusion, privacy, cybersecurity, and internet governance policies. By amplifying youth perspectives, it fosters a new generation of informed leaders and stakeholders, ensuring the region's innovative and diverse ideas are represented in global internet governance discussions.

The importance of hearing the voice of the younger generations on digital cooperation was underlined by different stakeholders during the annual UN Internet Governance Forum.

In efforts to fulfil the UN IGF’s mandate and build on the recommendations of the UN IGF’s Retreat in 2016, the UN IGF Secretariat is conducting systematic efforts to engage young people on internet governance.

To sustainably engage digital natives in the IGF processes, the Youth IGF North America is closely cooperating with all stakeholders involved in Internet Governance.

The Youth IGF North America secretariat is hosted by the Global Youth IGF, of which the Youth IGF North America is an affiliated member. The Youth IGF North America is an independent Youth IGF.

The Global Youth IGF is the global Youth IGF Movement, which is a capacity development initiative of an international scope. The Global Youth IGF is recognised by the UN IGF.

Learn more about the UN IGF!

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ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Alejandro Pisanty 1
Yuliya Morenets

Alejandro Pisanty

Yuliya Morenets

Alejandro Pisanty has been a driving force behind the development of the Internet in Mexico and Latin America through his leadership at UNAM, ICANN, and ISOC Mexico. At UNAM, he expanded networking services, introduced secure digital systems, and promoted digital content. He founded CUDI, creating a high-performance research and education network, and revitalized ISOC Mexico to influence national digital policies. Pisanty’s advocacy campaigns, like #InternetNecesario, blocked taxes on Internet access and devices, while his global work with ICANN and the UN advanced inclusive Internet governance. He continues to teach, write, and shape policy on e-learning, cybersecurity, and Internet regulation.

Yuliya is a Barrister with over 15 years of professional expertise, specializing in digital affairs and cybersecurity.

Yuliya is a dedicated advocate for youth engagement in digital policy discussions, evidenced by her founding of the Global Youth IGF Movement. Her legacy includes serving on the Advisory group to the UN Secretary-General on the Internet Governance Forum for three consecutive terms, highlighting her significant impact on shaping internet governance.

ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Daphne Ekpe-1
Theorose Elikplim Dzineku-1

Daphne Ekpe

Theorose Elikplim Dzineku

Daphne Ekpe is a seasoned expert in law, technology, and intellectual property, holding an LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Technology from American University Washington College of Law and pursuing an M.Sc. in Cybersecurity at Washington University of Science and Technology. 
As a NextGen Participant at ICANN79, Daphne presented on reforming the UDRP to support underrepresented entrepreneurs and low-income earners. Passionate about internet governance, she strives to influence policies fostering an open, inclusive, and equitable online ecosystem.

Theorose Elikplim Dzineku is a Ghanaian academic and media professional currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Kent State University in Ohio, USA. Her research focuses on the intersection of technology, new media platforms, journalism, and journalism education.
She has served as Secretary and Programs Chair for the Internet Society Ghana Chapter and tutors on Encryption with the Internet Society Foundation. A 2019 ECOWAS Internet Governance Fellow, 2022 ISOC Youth Ambassador, ICANN79 NextGen recipient, and founder of Digispace Africa, Theorose is dedicated to digital empowerment.