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Summit organisers said youths from around the world had gathered at the summit “to shape the sustainable development agenda in the post-2015 era.”
In addition to the 700 participants present in Costa Rica, organizers said, there were “over 3000 young people around the world logging in virtually to contribute their ideas from 43 hubs or workshops in 25 different countries, using a unique crowd-sourcing platform and other social media channels.”
The summit was organized under the auspices of the UN-ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for issues that concern information and communication technologies.
Membership of this Geneva-based organization is comprised of 173 member states and 700 sector members and associates.
Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle from the Central American nation of Costa Rica, Younge said he participated in several high level discussions with officials from the United Nations (UN) International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and held discussions with the UN Secretary General’s Envoy for Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi.
“I was the only one from the Caribbean to address the full session…at the Summit,” he disclosed proudly, adding that he often spoke on behalf of the entire region “even though there were representatives from Antigua, Trinidad, Dominica (and) Grenada.”
Younge revealed that he was also elected team leader for two breakout group sessions. At the three-day event, discussions were held on how information and communications technology (ICT) can be used to address issues confronting young people. “In order to solve these issues, young people must first be connected,” a report from the Summit said, noting, however, “Although it cannot be denied that the Internet has brought about a wealth of new and largely positive opportunities, there are now online dangers that must be addressed, including child online protection and cybercrime. Young people must be educated and given the tools to stay safe, whilst also reaping the full benefits of the Internet.”
Interestingly enough, the summit also entailed physical activities related to the theme “Be Healthy”. According to official reports from the forum, the round of activities which were held at the National Stadium of Costa Rica was opened by Sylvia Poll, Costa Rica’s first Olympic medallist, who said that although the use and growth of ICTs have been largely positive, they have arguably had a negative impact on healthy lifestyles of young people.
It was opined at the summit that “ICTs could be used to overcome these and other health issues through initiatives such as m-health apps.”
Summit participants also made trips to EscuelaAgriculturaTropicoHumedo (Earth University) and Instituto National de Biodiversidad (InBIO), where they were edified on projects being undertaken by these institutions to encourage sustainable development that respects the environment.
Costa Rica is regarded as one of the most environmentally-friendly nations on Planet Earth, with nearly 100 percent of its energy requirements being generated from renewable energy sources.
