On April 6, 2021, at the first Youth Russian Internet Governance Forum (Youth RIGF), Dmitry Gulyaev became the first Youth Digital Ombudsman both in Russia and globally. For four years now, the YDO team has been actively working to coordinate youth initiatives, engaging with government agencies, IT business, and non-profit organizations.
The mission of Youth Digital Ombudsman's team is to build "bridges" between young people and the state, society, and the IT sector so that young people are not only protected, but also heard — and can feel like “co-architects” of a shared future and full participants in an “equal dialogue” on digital security and the opportunities offered by the digital environment.
One of the key projects is the International Internet Security School for Youth, launched in 2022 with the support of the Presidential platform «Russia – the Country of Opportunities». The School is unique as it brings together young professionals from various fields (from legal to IT) and IT industry representatives for dialogue on digital security. Participants not only learn how to use digital technologies effectively to bring their ideas to life, but also work with experts to create interdisciplinary projects aimed at solving practical, socially significant challenges and contributing to a safer online environment.
As part of the Global Digital Forum, the International Internet Security School for Youth.GDF track will take place for the first time, bringing together young people from different countries to collaborate on building a safe and inclusive digital space. The youth track will become a foundation for forming an international youth IT community. In addition, the track will host the Youth Digital Ambassador Award, which aims to identify and support young leaders in the IT field. The winner will become the Youth Digital Ombudsman Team’s Ambassador in their country and will begin working with the YDO team to promote a safe and inclusive digital environment.
«We are starting to form an international youth IT community that will work toward shaping a space of opportunity on the Internet — the one that is accessible to young people regardless of their nationality, citizenship, geography, or social background. I believe youth is the driving force of development. Let’s create new opportunities for all of us, together!» — said Dmitry Gulyaev.
The International Internet Security School for Youth.GDF youth track is a new stage in the development of the YDO team. It will serve as a baseline for global growth of the YDO team by nominating a Youth Digital Ambassador and bringing together a community of young IT professionals.
The YDO team invites young people interested in jointly transforming the digital environment and becoming part of the international youth IT community to take part in the youth track.
YDO Social Media: Telegram: https://t.me/internetteamrussia VK: https://vk.com/internet.team
Social Media of the International Internet Security School for Youth: Telegram: https://t.me/InternetSecuritySchool VK: https://vk.com/internetsecurityschoo
