Vietnamese youth pioneer in digitalization, towards sustainable development globally

On September 20, the Green One UN House in Hanoi welcomed 50 youth leaders and young influencers to an event to highlight the central role of youth in digitalization and innovation towards sustainable development in Vietnam.

Thanh niên Việt Nam tiên phong trong quá trình số hóa, hướng tới phát triển bền vững trên toàn cầu

The event highlighted the central role of youth in the digitalization and innovation process towards sustainable development in Vietnam. (Source: UN)

In response to the Future Summit 2024, the event was organized with and for youth with the theme: "From clicks to progress: Youth's digital path towards sustainable development".

In her opening remarks, UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam Pauline Tamesis shared: “As Viet Nam is in the midst of a rapid digital transformation with significant socio-economic impacts, it is crucial to engage young people in discussions on digital policies and practices. At the same time, inequalities and limitations in Internet access and digital skills need to be addressed to ensure inclusive digitalization for all, regardless of their background or gender, towards sustainable development.”

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis speaks at the event. (Source: UN)

The Future Summit 2024 “Day of Action” event, which brings together young experts in digital-related fields, state agencies, and international organizations, aims to showcase Vietnam’s comprehensive approach to youth-led digital transformation on a global scale, while highlighting Vietnam’s contributions to the Digital Compact and the Future Generations Compact.

Through two discussion sessions and interactive activities in person and online, young experts and stakeholders shared and exchanged knowledge and information necessary to move towards digitalization for sustainable development goals.

Ms. Haley Phan, CEO and founder of Raise Company, and one of the young speakers at the event, emphasized: “Today’s young entrepreneurs and digital citizens have many new opportunities and a solid technology foundation to solve global challenges. With the support of technology, youth movements promoting creativity and application of digital products can easily expand and reach more people, especially hard-to-reach communities, with faster, fairer, and more comprehensive approaches than ever before.”

Speakers discussed ways to promote the role of youth in digital innovation to solve global problems. (Source: UN)

Digitalization is transforming our world, creating unprecedented opportunities and challenges for promoting sustainable development. Digital technologies such as mobile devices and services, artificial intelligence, etc. play a key role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

As the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals approaches, it is vital that youth play a role in digital innovation to address global issues. By celebrating the digital contributions of, with and for youth, we can inspire greater innovation and collaboration towards the Sustainable Development Goals.