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SEEDIG Youth School 2024

Transforming SEE Region Through Youth Empowerment

What Is Youth School?

SEEDIG Youth School is a dynamic capacity-building initiative designed specifically for university students and young professionals from South Eastern Europe (SEE) who are eager to dive into Internet governance and digital policies.

Participants will engage in a one-day event filled with interactive sessions, expert-led workshops, and collaborative activities. By joining the Youth School, you’re not just attending a program – you’re stepping into a community that offers continuous opportunities for growth, networking, and leadership in the Internet governance space.

Partners
Date & Venue

24 November 2024

OSCE Mission to Serbia
Španskih boraca 1
Belgrade, Serbia

Sponsors
Who Can Apply?
  • Age: 18-30 years old
  • Background: university students and young professionals
  • Language: Fluency in English
  • Place of Origin or Residence: Must be from within South Eastern Europe (SEE) region
  • Motivation: Demonstrated interest in Internet governance, digital policies, and related fields
  • Commitment: Available to travel to Belgrade and actively participate in Youth School on November 24 and SEEDIG 9 Annual Meeting on November 25-26
  • Participation Costs

    Meals, travel, and accommodation costs will be covered for selected participants for both the Youth School and the SEEDIG 9 Annual Meeting.

    Process & Deadlines
  • Application: Submit your application by September 30.
  • Selection: SEEDIG Youth School organizing team will review all applications and announce selected participants on October 7.
  • Attendance: Up to 20 applicants from SEE region and 10 from host country will be invited to the in-person Youth School event on November 24 and SEEDIG 9 Annual Meeting on November 25-26.
  • Pre-Meeting: Before arriving in Belgrade, selected participants will be invited to an obligatory introductory call in early November and will receive their first networking task.
  • Certificates: Participants who attend the full program and actively engage in the discussions will receive a certificate of participation.
  • What Extra Benefits To Expect?

  • SEEDIG Community Membership: Become a member of the largest Internet governance community in the SEE region.
  • SEEDIG 9 Annual Meeting: Get the chance to attend the SEEDIG 9 Annual Meeting and engage with key stakeholders and policymakers.
  • Engagement Tips: Learn about regional and global opportunities for active involvement in Internet governance, and prepare to become an influential voice.
  • Selfie with Umka: SEEDIG mascot Umka will make selfies with the most active participants, boosting your Instagram profiles with new followers.
  • Programme

    9:00 – 9:15 | Welcome & Official Kickoff 

    SEEDIG Executive Committee

    • Official start of the SEEDIG Youth School & Icebreaker.

    9:15 – 10:15 | Interactive workshop

    AI, Society & Content Policy: From Deep Fakes and Data Centres to Media Ethics and Electoral Impacts

    Michael J. Oghia, Founder, Oghia Advising 

    • Artificial intelligence seems to be everywhere, but how is it really impacting Internet policy? In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how technology, society, and policy intersect through the lens of AI. They will also gain insight into what policy and technology developments are guiding the future of the Internet.

    10:15 – 11:00 | Internet Governance – What Is It & Why Does It Matter?

    Anja Gengo, Associate Programme Expert and Focal Point for National, Regional, and Youth IGF Initiatives, United Nations Secretariat for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF)

    • Understanding basic concepts and frameworks
    • Key stakeholders and multistakeholder model

    11:00 – 11:15 | Coffee Break

    11:15 – 12:00 | How to Engage with the Technical Community: Insights from RIPE NCC

    Alena Muravska, Programme Management Officer at Community & Engagement Team, RIPE NCC

    • Introduction to RIPE NCC
    • How youth can engage and contribute to Internet governance initiatives
    • Opportunities for training, fellowships, and networking

    12:00 – 12:45 | Why Cybersecurity Matters Beyond IT Professionals: Insights for Media and End Users

    Dijana Milutinović, Communications Manager, Serbian National Internet Domain Registry Foundation – RNIDS

    • Basic cybersecurity principles for everyone
    • The role of non-IT professionals in enhancing cybersecurity
    • Practical tips for online safety

    12:45 – 13:45 | Lunch Break 

    13:45 – 14:30 | Enhancing Your Digital Footprint with Internationalized Domain Names (IDN)

    Regina Filipová Fuchsová, Industry Relations Manager, EURid

    14:30 – 14:55 | Council of Europe Digital Agenda: Opportunities for Youth

    Octavian Șofransky, Digital Governance Advisor, Council of Europe

    14:55 – 15:15 | Navigating Internet Governance: Where to Engage and How to Succeed

    SEEDIG Executive Committee

    • Understanding key Internet governance spaces
    • Effective engagement strategies
    • Maximizing your impact at SEEDIG 9

    15:15 – 15:30 | Coffee Break

    15:30 – 16:15 | Youth, Peace, and Security: Exploring the Intersection with Internet Governance

    Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO)

    • Exploring the connection between Internet governance and global peace/security
    • Role of youth in advocating for safe and inclusive digital spaces
    • Initiatives and programs promoting youth engagement in peacebuilding through Internet governance

    16:15 – 17:00 | Digital Privacy 101: What You Need to Know

    Arben Gudachi, ,

    • Understanding data collection
    • Protecting your online identity
    • Navigating privacy laws

    19:00 | Social Networking Event

    Previous editions

    Class of 2020

    17 graduating students

    Class of 2019

    17 graduating students

    Class of 2018

    12 graduating students

    Class of 2017

    19 graduating students

    Alumni testimonials