Um die IGF–Jugendstrategie weiterzuentwickeln und die Digital natives nachhaltig in die IGF–Prozesse einzubinden, unterstützen der Verein Swiss Internet & Digital Governance und das Swiss IGF das Swiss Youth IGF als eine Aktivität zum Kapazitätsaufbau, das während des ganzjährigen IGF–Prozesses parallel zum Swiss IGF durchgeführt wird.
_________
Pour renforcer l’initiative stratégique du programme de jeunesse de l’IGF (Forum sur la Gouvernance de l’Internet) et pour intégrer durablement les Digital Natives dans ses processus, l’association Swiss Internet & Digital Governance et le Swiss IGF soutient le Swiss Youth IGF dans sa mission de développement des compétences, menée parallèlement au Swiss IGF tout au long de son déroulement annuel.
_________
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
Event Structure
- Part 1: Experts introduce the Swiss and Youth IGF, facilitating discussions on platform regulation and youth-submitted topics via the Call for Issues.
- Part 2: Capacity-building to help participants speak up, network, and engage in governance discussions.
- Part 3: Co-development of Youth Messages, which will be presented at Swiss IGF in Bern.
Participation in the main Swiss IGF is highly encouraged, allowing direct youth contributions at the national level.
IGF Principles
The Swiss Youth IGF is an open, inclusive online dialogue platform for young people in Switzerland. It complements the national Swiss IGF and follows UN IGF principles of openness, bottom-up participation, multistakeholder dialogue, and inclusiveness. All voices are heard equally, the agenda is shaped by youth through a Call for Issues, and the event remains free and accessible across Switzerland.
Save the Date
Swiss Youth IGF Forum: 8 October 2025 (Online)
Participate online. Contribute your voice. Shape the future of Internet governance.
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
How to Participate?
Submit a topic through the ongoing Call for Issues 2025 (closes 30 June 2025). To flag it for the Youth IGF, clearly indicate this. Alternatively, email topic ideas directly (youth@igf.swiss).
Register
Registration will open soon—stay tuned for programme highlights and signup details.
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.
https://intgovforum.org/en/content/youth-initiatives
SWISS IGF IS UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE FEDERAL OFFICE FOR COMMUNICATIONS OFCOM
SIDG
Nicolas Zahn