The ITU Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Board is a dynamic and forward-thinking initiative that empowers young individuals to shape the future of global connectivity. This advisory board is all about action and results, offering practical advice to the ITU Secretary-General. The board will provide diverse youth perspectives, and concrete recommendations to enhance worldwide cooperation in bridging the digital divide, “connecting the unconnected” and aligning ITU’s programs with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The purpose of this board is:
- To provide youth perspectives on the future vision of ITU and the role that ITU can play in promoting equitable, affordable, universal, innovative, and safe connectivity.
- To contribute ideas and recommendations on how to narrow the digital divide and harness technology for the greater good of society; responsibilities may encompass researching innovative solutions, providing analysis, collaborating with youth networks and communities, and formulating recommendations to ensure technology is accessible.
- To provide youth feedback on ITU’s work programmes, management approaches, and human resources development.
- To support ITU initiatives and promote ITU’s work among youth audience worldwide.
- To share insights on the potential of information and communication technologies, emerging technologies and ITU’s role in closing existing gaps. To consult with youth networks to get feedback on ideas for connectivity, emerging technologies including AI, the space economy, e-waste and the circular economy, leveraging digital technologies for climate change monitoring, mitigation and adaptation, amongst other priority areas priorities for ITU.
This Youth Advisory Board will consist of 12 young, exceptional individuals from 6 ITU Regions (Africa, Americas, Arab states, Asia and the Pacific, Commonwealth of Independent States and Europe) (2 per region) who dive into a wide array of telecommunications-related topics, from artificial intelligence and quantum technology to the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, space sustainability, the future of network technology and much more. They will bring a wealth of knowledge about technology, regulatory issues, and policy matters in the ICT sector.
Before submitting an expression of interest, please read the Terms of Reference: 
ToR_ITU_Youth Advisory Board.pdf (English version)
ToR in Arabic.pdf, Chinese.pdf, French.pdf, Russian.pdf and Spanish.pdf
Phase 1. Open call for expression of interest. The deadline is 12 January 2024. Please submit your expression of interest here.
Phase 2. 18 February 2024- Members will be selected to join the ITU SG’s Youth Advisory Board.CRITERIA:
12 exceptional individuals from 6 ITU regions (2 per region) will be selected and appointed by the ITU Secretary-General. The candidates will need to submit an expression of interest form and meet the criteria outlined below:
- Candidates must be between the ages of 18 to 30;
- Demonstrated achievements showing impact and results in promoting equitable, affordable, universal, innovative, and safe connectivity;
- Led and/or contributed to STEM related research, publication, journal;
- Member, founder or leader of related STEM youth led movement, network, organization or programme;
- Knowledge about technology, existing international ICT policies and regulations;
- Expertise in STEM fields with focus on emerging technologies including AI, the space economy, infrastructure and connectivity, cybersecurity, e-waste and the circular economy, leveraging digital technologies for climate change monitoring, mitigation and adaptation, amongst other priority areas for ITU;
- Proven record of advocating for youth and technology and Sustainable Development Goals;
- Demonstrated success in STEM related projects/ research/paper/publication/ or received recognition / or presented work at a conference;
- Ability to leave organizational and country affiliations aside and serve in an individual capacity;
ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages all interested candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to complete and submit an expression of interest form.
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