Youth Digital Futures Summit 2026 — AI, Inclusion and Ethical Digital Transformation for a Sustainable Tomorrow
25 September 2026 · In Person · UNCC, Bangkok
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Organized by: Sustainable Development Council (SDC) Platform: ITU-UNDP Digital@UNGA 2026 Format: Global Youth Summit / Affiliate Event
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About the Summit

Shaping a digital future that is inclusive, trusted and people-centred

A global platform for young people

Digital technologies are transforming societies, economies, public services and the way people learn, work and connect. Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space technologies, digital public infrastructure and other frontier innovations are creating unprecedented opportunities to accelerate sustainable development.

Meeting the challenges

Rapid digital transformation also presents important challenges — unequal access to technology, gaps in digital skills, concerns around trust and governance, and the need to ensure emerging technologies are developed and deployed responsibly. Young people are among the most significant users, creators and future leaders of the digital ecosystem, and their participation is essential in shaping a digital future that is inclusive, trusted, ethical, innovative and people-centred.

Objectives

Summit objectives

The Summit aims to:

  • Provide a global platform for dialogue on AI and emerging digital technologies.
  • Highlight innovative technology solutions supporting sustainable development.
  • Promote digital inclusion, accessibility and skills development.
  • Strengthen youth participation and leadership in the digital transformation agenda.
  • Encourage responsible, ethical and trustworthy approaches to emerging technologies.
  • Facilitate partnerships among governments, international organizations, technology companies, academia, civil society and youth organizations.
  • Generate practical recommendations for advancing inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
Pillars

Core pillars

Three pillars guide the Summit's programme and discussions.

Pillar I

Digit'all Innovation

Exploring digital technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space technologies, digital public infrastructure, trust, governance and other frontier innovations.

Pillar II

Digit'all Inclusion

Showcasing solutions that expand access, opportunity, participation, skills, accessibility and digital inclusion — ensuring that no one is left behind.

Pillar III

Digit'all Future

Advancing leadership, youth engagement, partnerships, international cooperation and collective action to build a more inclusive, trusted and people-centred digital future.

Programme

Proposed programme

One day, five sessions and a closing declaration — from high-level plenaries to a youth innovation showcase.

  • 01
    Opening Plenary
    Building a People-Centred Digital Future

    High-level opening remarks from policymakers, international organizations, technology leaders and youth representatives.

  • 02
    Session I — Digit'all Innovation
    AI & Frontier Technologies: Transforming the Future

    A high-level dialogue examining AI, quantum computing, space technologies, digital infrastructure and other emerging innovations.

  • 03
    Session II — Digit'all Inclusion
    Bridging the Digital Divide

    Discussion on access, affordability, accessibility, digital literacy, skills and inclusive technology ecosystems.

  • 04
    Session III — Responsible Digital Transformation
    Trust, Ethics & Governance in the Age of AI

    Dialogue on responsible innovation, digital trust, governance, accountability and international cooperation.

  • 05
    Session IV — Youth Digital Innovation Showcase
    Youth Solutions for a Sustainable Tomorrow

    Selected young innovators and entrepreneurs showcase technology-driven solutions addressing global challenges.

  • 06
    Session V — Digit'all Future
    Youth Leadership & Global Digital Cooperation

    A forward-looking dialogue on youth leadership, partnerships, international cooperation and collective action.

  • 07
    Closing — Youth Digital Futures Declaration 2026
    Presentation of key recommendations and commitments

    A key outcome of the Summit, reflecting youth perspectives and recommendations on the future of digital transformation.

Areas

Key discussion areas

Five thematic areas anchor the Summit's sessions and the Youth Digital Futures Declaration 2026.

  • Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies

    AI for sustainable development Generative AI Quantum computing Space & satellite technologies Frontier technologies

  • Digital Public Infrastructure

    Digital identity Digital payments Digital public services Interoperability Inclusive ecosystems

  • Trust & Digital Governance

    Responsible AI Ethical technology development Data governance Digital trust International cooperation

  • Digital Inclusion & Skills

    Closing the digital divide Digital literacy Future-ready skills Accessibility Women & youth in technology

  • Youth & the Future of Work

    Youth entrepreneurship Future jobs & skills Digital careers Youth-led solutions Next-generation digital leaders
Declaration

Youth Digital Futures Declaration 2026

A key outcome of the Summit will be the development of the Youth Digital Futures Declaration 2026, reflecting youth perspectives and recommendations on:

  • Inclusive access to digital technologies
  • Responsible AI and emerging technologies
  • Digital skills and future employment
  • Youth participation in technology policymaking
  • Digital public infrastructure
  • Innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Global digital cooperation

Expected outcomes

The Summit will strengthen collaboration between youth, policymakers, innovators and technology stakeholders while showcasing practical solutions for inclusive digital transformation. It will generate youth-led recommendations, strategic partnerships, innovation opportunities and the Youth Digital Futures Declaration 2026 to advance a trusted, inclusive and sustainable digital future.

Strategic significance

The Summit seeks to move beyond discussion toward action, innovation and partnership. By placing young people at the centre of the digital transformation conversation, it will create opportunities for youth to contribute not only as beneficiaries of technology, but also as innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers and leaders shaping the digital future — connecting local and global digital innovations with the broader international sustainable development agenda.

“The digital future must be innovative by design, inclusive by purpose, ethical by principle and sustainable by impact.”

— Proposed Summit Statement

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Organizer

Organizing institution

Sustainable Development Council (SDC)

The Sustainable Development Council (SDC) is committed to advancing sustainable development, youth leadership, international cooperation and innovative solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the Youth Digital Futures Summit 2026, SDC seeks to bring together diverse stakeholders to accelerate meaningful youth participation in shaping the technologies, policies and partnerships that will define tomorrow.

Visit unsdc.org →

Target participants

Youth leaders and organizations, government representatives and policymakers, UN and international organizations, technology and AI experts, entrepreneurs and startups, academia and researchers, digital innovators, civil society, private-sector leaders, investors, students and young professionals, and media and digital creators.