Empowering Youth and Women in the Digital Era: My Euro-Mediterranean Journey
As a passionate advocate for digital transformation and youth participation, my recent experience at the Euro-Mediterranean Youth Forum, held on the sidelines of the 4th Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) high-level conference in Lisbon, Portugal, was nothing short of inspiring.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital technologies, the Youth Forum 2018 offered a unique platform for young voices from across Europe and the Mediterranean region to discuss, debate, and share ideas on the digital future. Co-organized by the Regional Program South Mediterranean of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and UfM, this forum allowed us, the young change-makers, to influence the course of the digital transformation in our societies.
With "Women Build Inclusive Societies" as the overarching theme of the UfM Conference, the synergies between women empowerment, youth participation, and digital transformation became an intriguing subject of conversation at the Youth Forum. As a participant, it was enriching to exchange thoughts with peers from different backgrounds and perspectives, all of whom share an enthusiastic commitment towards shaping the digital future.
Discussions were robust, and the experiences shared were diverse. However, the common thread throughout was a belief in the power of digital transformation as a catalyst for socio-economic progress, gender equality, and youth empowerment in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
One of the most empowering moments of the forum was the opportunity to present our recommendations to the UfM Women Conference. After brainstorming and debating, we provided actionable insights on engaging youth in shaping the digital future and how this active participation could foster more inclusive societies. It was a humbling experience and a call to action for all of us, reminding us of the significant role we play as youth in society's digital progression.
Reflecting on the overall experience, I am left with a sense of optimism and determination. The forum reaffirmed my belief in the importance of involving youth and women in shaping the digital future. We are not just passive recipients of technological change but active contributors and leaders driving it.
Beyond the forum, the 4th UfM high-level conference offered an even broader platform to address gender equality and women's participation in political, economic, and civil life. Engaging with thought leaders from around the region was an enriching learning experience, providing me with invaluable insights into the current landscape and the initiatives being undertaken to build more inclusive societies.
As I return from Lisbon, I carry inspiring memories, newfound friends, and a renewed commitment to actively participate in shaping our digital future, both at home and in the wider Euro-Mediterranean region. The forum's final recommendations, due to be published in the conference report, will serve as a compass, guiding my efforts and the efforts of countless other young change-makers.
The Euro-Mediterranean Youth Forum 2018 was a testament to the region's powerful voices of youth and women. It reminded us all that with unity, innovation, and a shared vision, we have the power to shape the digital future and build more inclusive societies. The journey may be challenging, but with perseverance, collaboration, and a spirit of innovation, we will build the future we envision.