To further develop the IGF youth strategy and sustainably engage Digital natives in the IGF processes, the Swiss Internet & Digital Governance association and the Swiss IGF support the Swiss Youth IGF as a capacity–building activity, conducted in parallel with the Swiss IGF throughout the year–round IGF process.
What is the Swiss Youth IGF?
The Swiss Youth IGF is a youth-led initiative held as a fully online event on the eve of the annual Swiss IGF. Young participants connect virtually to discuss digital transformation topics and co-develop “Youth Messages” to be presented at the main Swiss IGF in Bern. The 2025 edition will take place on 8 October, one day before the main Swiss IGF, and will be held as a 2–3 hour online event
Agenda (16:00-19:00)
16:00 – 16:10 Introduction & Mentimeter (Fabio Monnet) 16:10 – 16:20 Input Speech I: About the SIDG & Swiss IGF (Jacques Beglinger & Nicolas Zahn) 16:20 – 16:30 Input Speech II: Youth Voices on International Youth IGF Initiatives – Michiel Lüchinger, Youth Ambassador Internet Society
– Murillo Salvador, ITU AI for Good Youth Community / Swiss Youth IGF Coordinator
16:30 – 17:10 Panel Discussion I: Revision of Ordinance of the Swiss Surveillance Law (VÜPF, VD-ÜPF) • Introduction : Jean-Louis Biberstein, EJPD • Panel Discussion moderated by Murillo Salvador – Jörg Mäder, Former National Councillor (GLP)
– Jean-Louis Biberstein, EJPD
– Marc Løebekken, Proton
• Panel Q&A via mentimeter 17:10 – 17:50 Panel Discussion II: AI Regulation & Mental Health • Introduction: Alice Palmieri & Luka Bekavac, Flag & Save Project, UNIL • Panel Discussion moderated by Marianne Jade Buffat – Natalie Stanusch, AI Forensics
– Alice Palmieri, UNIL
– Luka Bekavac, Universität St. Gallen
• Panel Q&A via mentimeter 17:50 – 18:30 Breakout Sessions: • Mentimeter/Word Cloud: Topic Selection for Room 3 (Fabio) • R.1: Surveillance Law Message (Lead: Murillo Salvador) • R.2: AI & Mental Health Message (Lead: Marianne Jade Buffat) • R.3: Free Topic Message (Lead: Murillo Salvador) 18:30 – 19:00 Closing – Presentation & Adoption of the Youth IGF Messages – Invitation to the Swiss IGF & Invitation to participate at the Swiss IGF and present the Messages (online or in person)
Why Participate?
- Connect with peers passionate about digital issues
- Help shape national discussions on internet governance
- Contribute to meaningful and visible Youth Messages
- Build confidence and skills for policy engagement
- Gain visibility by participating in the Swiss IGF plenary
Register
Date: 8 October 2025 (online)
Format: 3-hour session preceding the Swiss IGF
Coordination: Fabio Monnet, Marianne Jade Buffat, Murillo Salvador
Advisory: Nadia Tjahja (European YouthDIG), Jacques Beglinger (SIDG/EuroDIG)
Website: https://igf.swiss/en/swiss-youth-igf/
Contact: youth@igf.swiss
ABOUT
In efforts to fulfil the IGF’s mandate and building on the recommendations of the IGF’s Retreat in 2016, the IGF Secretariat conducts systematic efforts on engaging youth in Internet governance, including in the IGF, its intersessional work and the annual meeting.
In order to achieve the long-term sustainable mechanisms for this capacity development effort and impact the youth worldwide, the IGF Secretariat will cooperate with the initiatives that also work, in their respective areas, on equipping youth with skills and knowledge on Internet governance.
For an efficient integration of youth into the IGF annual meetings, cooperative mechanisms are established with the past and future IGF’s host Governments, with an aim to bridge processes and outcomes on the matter, develop a continuous engagement strategy and foster culture of active youth participation.
SWISS IGF IS UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE FEDERAL OFFICE FOR COMMUNICATIONS OFCOM
SIDG
Nicolas Zahn