Namibian Youth Celebrate International Youth Day at #YouthQuakeNam23 on Digital Inclusion for Youth Democratic Participation
The Namibia Media Trust (NMT) hosted its fifth annual YouthQuake conference on 12 August 2023, along the sidelines of International Youth Day in Windhoek. The conference provided a dynamic platform for young Namibians to explore the intersection of digital inclusion and democratic engagement under the theme "Digital Inclusion for Youth Democratic Participation".
Attended by enthusiastic participants and esteemed speakers, the conference facilitated insightful discussions on the pivotal role of youth in community development and personal growth in the digital era. Notably, Professor Anicia Peters, Chief Executive Officer of Namibia's National Commission on Research, Science, and Technology (NCRST), kicked off the opening session with a discourse on "AI-Powered Democracy." She underscored the transformative potential of AI in effecting positive change and urged young attendees to embrace AI-driven proposals for democratic enhancement.
E-democracy emerged as a powerful tool for rapid information dissemination, fostering efficient debates, and engaging wider audiences in decision-making. Aligning with the United Nations' 2030 agenda, the conference emphasized the crucial role of youth in political activism and democratic processes.
While celebrating digital opportunities, the event also addressed challenges such as algorithmic gatekeeping and polarization that hinder equitable information access. Participants gained insights into digital literacy and data protection, particularly concerning the impending Data Protection Bill (DPB), which incorporates public input from diverse regions.
The scope extended to oil and gas exploration, featuring insights from the Women in Oil, Gas, and Energy Network Namibia (WOGEN), highlighting gender diversity and alignment with SDG 5 for gender equality.
The NMT expressed gratitude to partners, including The Namibian newspaper, Desert Radio, and the Heinrich Böll Foundation, for their invaluable contributions to the success of #YouthQuakeNam23. NMT's commitment to empowering youth, fostering digital inclusivity, and driving active participation in shaping Namibia's future was evident throughout the event.
For more details and updates, stay connected via NMT's communication channels or reach out to info@nmt.africa.
When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.
