Bridging the Digital Generational Divide: Insights from Today’s UN IGF Session at WSIS+20
- Olga Nesterova
- 17 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Session: "Bridging Generations for an Inclusive Digital Future" Organized by the Government of France and the IGF Secretariat under the WSIS+20 process
Today’s WSIS+20 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) session at UN Headquarters brought forward a rare, candid conversation about one of the most urgent but least acknowledged digital challenges of our time: the widening generational divide — and what it means for online safety, AI governance, and global inequality.
While many countries accelerate into next-generation technologies, others struggle to protect young people, educate older users, or ensure equal participation in the digital economy. The session underscored that bridging this divide is not optional: it is essential to a safe, inclusive digital future.
Children Are Not “Users” — They’re Children
Several panelists emphasized that children interact with digital platforms as if they’re building personal relationships — not realizing they’re engaging with engineered systems designed to extract engagement. Australia’s proposed ban on social media for users under 16 drew strong support, with some comparing social media addiction in minors to heavy drug dependency.
Germany highlighted the rise of scams targeting youth, arguing that societies must protect children with the same seriousness as any other vulnerable group.
AI Governance and Structural Inequality
A senior representative of the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation emphasized a structural dilemma: Only a small group of countries develop advanced AI technologies, creating global and generational inequalities that widen year after year.
AI is being adopted quickly by young people but unevenly across older populations, raising concerns that AI could deepen divides rather than bridge them.
The panel called for multistate cooperation, capacity building, and investment in digital literacy to ensure no country — or generation — is left behind.
Africa’s Perspective: Safety and Skills as Dual Priorities
Kenyan experts underscored that digital safety and digital opportunity must advance together.
Key themes included:
rising mobile money scams
multigenerational digital training
the urgency of preparing both youth and adults for AI-driven economies
addressing the employment and skills gap alongside safety concerns
Africa’s message was clear: digital inclusion is not just about access — it is about empowerment.
France’s Intervention: A Global Digital Leadership Agenda
France delivered one of the strongest interventions of the session through Ms. Clara Chappaz, France’s Ambassador for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, who was recently appointed to lead France’s international digital strategy.
Chappaz emphasized:
France’s rapidly expanding community of young AI developers and entrepreneurs
the growing digital literacy gap between students and teachers
the need for AI governance frameworks that represent all generations
France’s commitment to protecting young users online
President Macron’s prioritization of online safety as France prepares to assume the 2026 G7 Presidency
She also highlighted a new French-supported foundation launched at the Paris AI Summit to fund open-source, globally inclusive AI projects. France positioned itself as both a national leader and an international driver of youth protection and responsible AI governance.
Youth Engagement: Expertise Over Tokenism
A representative of the European Youth IGF spoke candidly about her early experiences of exclusion and intimidation within global digital governance spaces.
Her message was sharp: youth participation must be based on expertise, not symbolism.
She credited the IGF community for improving accessibility and fostering genuine space for new experts — a sentiment echoed across the room.
Beyond Technology: A Societal and Mental Health Crisis
One UN official raised a compelling point: Are we blaming technology for problems rooted in deeper social fractures?
Reflections included:
children being treated more like adults online
older adults increasingly expressing rage and isolation through digital spaces
mental health crises escalating across generations
echo chambers reinforcing pre-existing grievances rather than exposing users to new ideas
Technology may amplify these trends — but it did not create them.
Consensus: The Generational Divide Is Becoming Dangerous
Across continents and sectors, panelists converged on a single conclusion:
generational divides in digital skills are widening
trust gaps between age groups are growing
AI is amplifying inequalities
online safety is now a shared global priority
digital literacy must begin early and span all ages
Bridging these divides is no longer a policy aspiration — it is a global imperative.
What’s Next: ONEST Will Cover Tomorrow’s Session
“Business at the Digital Helm: Steering Multistakeholder Action for WSIS Goals”
This session will examine how governments, private sector, and international bodies can work together to steer the next phase of digital governance — from AI standards to global cooperation.
Stay tuned for ONEST’s continued WSIS+20 coverage.
