Vilnius, Lithuania, became a hub for innovation and dialogue as over 90 young people, youth workers, educators, and policymakers gathered for the DigitalWise Youth Forum. This event was more than a meeting of minds; it was a bold step toward addressing the inequalities and challenges that prevent many young Europeans from fully participating in the digital world.
The forum was part of the larger DigitalWise Project, an initiative dedicated to equipping young people with the skills and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly digitalized world. The project focuses on bridging gaps in digital literacy, fostering democratic engagement, and promoting inclusion for those often left on the sidelines—rural youth, ethnic minorities, and economically disadvantaged individuals.
A Day of Connection and Collaboration
The DigitalWise Youth Forum offered a dynamic and interactive environment where participants could exchange ideas, share experiences, and envision solutions. The day began with inspiring keynote addresses, setting the stage for what would be a collaborative and thought-provoking series of discussions.
Workshops served as the heartbeat of the event, inviting participants to delve deeply into critical issues. These smaller group settings fostered open dialogue about barriers to digital and political participation. Conversations ranged from the economic and geographical challenges of accessing technology to the broader societal issues of trust in democratic processes. Experienced moderators guided these discussions, ensuring every voice was heard, and participants left with a stronger sense of agency and purpose.
One highlight of the forum was the presentation of case studies that showcased real-world solutions to digital exclusion. These success stories, shared by participants and guest speakers, demonstrated how communities across Europe have creatively addressed these challenges. Whether it was establishing community tech hubs in rural areas or developing grassroots campaigns to promote youth engagement, these examples inspired optimism and action.
As the day unfolded, clear themes began to emerge. A recurring concern among participants was the widespread skepticism about electoral processes. Many young people shared experiences of feeling disconnected from campaigns that failed to resonate with their priorities, or worse, mistrustful of the systems themselves due to perceived corruption. This disconnect, they agreed, discouraged meaningful political engagement and hindered their ability to shape the democratic future.
Another significant challenge was the prevalence of misinformation in digital spaces. Participants highlighted the difficulty of navigating a world awash with biased information and fake news, often compounded by the lack of reliable materials in native languages. This issue, particularly pressing for ethnic minorities and migrants, underscored the urgent need for better digital literacy programs.
Economic barriers also dominated discussions. For youth from economically disadvantaged or rural areas, the cost of internet access and digital devices remained a significant obstacle. Coupled with limited educational opportunities, these challenges painted a stark picture of digital inequality. Yet, participants spoke not with despair but with determination, eager to turn obstacles into opportunities through collective action.
A Vision for Change
The forum concluded with a powerful plenary session where participants shared their recommendations for creating a more inclusive digital future. Ideas ranged from embedding digital literacy into school curricula to fostering partnerships between governments, NGOs, and private companies to provide affordable internet and devices.
One particularly compelling vision was the establishment of community tech hubs—accessible spaces where young people could not only access digital tools but also learn to use them effectively. Such hubs, participants argued, could transform rural and underserved areas by offering workshops, training, and resources tailored to the unique needs of their communities.
The energy in the room was electric as the day ended. Participants left not only with ideas but with a shared commitment to continue the work they had begun. For many, the forum was a reminder that young people are not just beneficiaries of policy but active contributors to its design and implementation.
The DigitalWise Youth Forum illuminated the challenges young people face in navigating a rapidly evolving digital world, but it also revealed the immense potential for change. By amplifying the voices of youth and fostering partnerships across sectors, the forum set the stage for impactful and sustainable initiatives.
As the participants dispersed, taking their ideas and energy back to their communities, one thing was clear: the journey toward digital equality is far from over. But with the passion, creativity, and determination displayed at the forum, the path forward looks brighter than ever.
The DigitalWise Youth Forum was not just a moment—it was a movement. A movement toward a future where every young person, regardless of their background, has the tools, opportunities, and confidence to thrive in the digital age.
