Internet Governance Forum 2023 (IGF2023), hosted by the United Nations, will be held on October 8-12, 2023 at Kyoto International Conference Center (IIC Kyoto). *Register for IGF Kyoto 2023 here
Digital advancements are significantly impacting children’s lives and rights. Globally, one-third of children and youth are online. Children’s distinct developmental stage, their often-limited political voice, and the lasting or even transgenerational effects of negative experiences during childhood make their situation unique. The overarching theme of IGF 2023, ‘The Internet We Want’, underscores the importance of creating digital environments that protect, empower and support children.
Digital environments that work for adults may create risks for children. As we shape the Global Digital Compact and other pivotal normative frameworks to govern the digital space, UNICEF welcomes the opportunity to engage with stakeholders to build an equitable digital future that maximizes children’s well-being while mitigating the risks of harm.
UNICEF calls on all stakeholders to:
- Prioritize children’s rights in the provision, regulation, design, management and use of digital technologies
- Incorporate children’s own views and perspectives across these efforts
- Strive to deliver a digital world that serves children’s best interests, supports their well-being, and helps them to reach their full potential.
UNICEF’s presence at IGF 2023
UNICEF is hosting or contributing to numerous sessions at this year’s IGF – you are warmly invited to participate and connect with our teams.
| Session | Schedule (as of Sep 26th) | link |
| Open Forum #58 Child online safety: Industry engagement and regulation |
Oct 10, 2023 18:00-19:00 |
details |
| Open Forum #15 Protecting children online with emerging technologies |
Oct 10, 2023 16:45-17:45 |
details |
| WS #469 AI & Child Rights: Implementing UNICEF Policy Guidance |
Oct 10, 2023 13:30 - 15:00 |
details |
| Open Forum #52 RITEC: Prioritizing Child Well-Being in Digital Design |
Oct 11, 2023 8:30-9:30(Visit booth #66 to learn more about the RITEC project) |
details |
| Launch / Award Event#39 Launches of the report of Children's Cybersecurity Needs |
Oct 12, 2023
15:15 - 16:00 |
details |
How does UNICEF work to promote children’s rights in the digital world?
UNICEF is mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. We have a presence in over 190 countries and territories. Digital technology is increasingly integral to children’s lives, and consequently, it is central to our work.
UNICEF leverages the digital environment to support children’s rights, while also assisting governments in addressing emerging risks. This includes efforts in legal and policy reform, education, capacity development, and systems strengthening.
UNICEF designs and supports multi-country research on how children interact with digital technologies and engages with businesses and other stakeholders to better understand challenges and opportunities in relation to children’s rights. We analyze the impact of emerging trends in technology and frontier technologies on children. UNICEF also works for and with children to include their voices and opinions in discussions that shape the internet they want and need.
Based on these insights, we offer guidance and future-oriented policy recommendations for both governments and industry; convene stakeholders to facilitate dialogue; and raise awareness on emerging child rights issues in relation to the digital environment.
Selected UNICEF publications
The following is a list of selected UNICEF publications of particular relevance for IGF 2023 attendees.
- UNICEF global guide on strengthening legislative frameworks to address online child sexual exploitation and abuse
- UNICEF policy brief and technical note on child protection in digital education
- UNICEF documentation of lessons learned and promising practices in low- and middle-income countries to address online child sexual exploitation and abuse
- Child Rights Impact Self-Assessment Tool for Mobile Operators
- Children and Digital Marketing: Rights, risks and opportunities
- Responsible Innovation in Technology for Children
- Disrupting Harm research project
- AI and children
- The metaverse, extended reality and children
- Good governance of children’s data
- A child-centred digital equality framework
| For more information, Connect with us at IGF
UNICEF Japan Committee for UNICEF |
updated on Sep 26, 2023