From left to right: Mr. Amir Hamza Syed, Mr. Nikhil Seth, H.E. Amb. Isabelle Picco, H.E. Amb. Osamu Yamanaka, Mr. Kunihiko Shimada
19 September 2024, New York, USA – Global leaders gathered at the side event of the Summit for the Future, held in New York and online on 19 September 2024, to call for urgent, united action to harness digital technologies for building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The side event “Intergenerational Dialogue for a Sustainable Future: Shaping Inclusive Society through Digital Power”, co-organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in collaboration with Japan, Ecuador, Monaco, and key partners, featured a panel discussion that brought together youth advocates, policymakers and experts.
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE FOR PEACE
Mr. Nikhil Seth
The panel centred on the digital divide and its impact on global inclusion efforts. Panellists discussed the role of digital technologies in bridging societal gaps and promoting peace by amplifying marginalized voices. They stressed the need for inclusive policies that ensure everyone, regardless of age, gender or background, benefits from technological advancements.
Speakers also addressed the importance of tackling challenges such as algorithmic bias and online harassment while seizing opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural dialogue.
Digital technologies must be harnessed to bridge the divide and ensure peace. We must work together to amplify every voice and foster a truly inclusive society. —Mr. Kunihiko Shimada, Principal Director of Hiroshima Organization for Global Peace (HOPe).
The Future of Work: Looking Ahead to a Digital Future
The panel also explored how digital technologies could shape the future of work and global cooperation. The discussion emphasized preparing for workforce disruptions and using digital tools to foster cross-cultural understanding. Participants were invited to share concrete actions they could take within their own sectors to ensure technology serves as a force for inclusion and peace.
Youth Engagement
Youth played a central role in the discussions, emphasizing the need for their active involvement in shaping the digital future. Their perspectives underscored the importance of intergenerational dialogue and the inclusion of younger voices in policymaking processes, particularly in technology and innovation. Many youth advocates highlighted the potential of digital tools to empower marginalized communities, bridge societal gaps, and foster sustainable peace. Their participation also served as a reminder that the future of digital transformation must be inclusive, ensuring that young people both benefit from and lead in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Group photo
Strengthening Multilateral Diplomacy and Applied Research
A key takeaway from the discussion was the cross-cutting nature of UNITAR’s work in strengthening multilateral diplomacy, satellite analysis and applied research. These efforts, spearheaded by the UNITAR Division for Multilateral Diplomacy and the Division for Satellite Analysis and Applied Research (UNOSAT), play a crucial role in accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that digital cooperation leads to more inclusive global governance.
Fostering Inclusive Economic Development
UNITAR Division for Prosperity Director also emphasized the potential of digital technologies to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development. By supporting youth and women in particular, digital tools can help address growing inequalities and foster decent employment opportunities for all, contributing to a more prosperous and equitable future.
As the event concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive digital future.