As children increasingly navigate the digital landscape, ensuring their rights and well-being online has become a global priority. This session will explore the critical need for robust safeguards to protect children from online harms while empowering them to safely benefit from digital opportunities. Panelists will address key challenges, including exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, data privacy violations, and the exploitation of minors online. The discussion will highlight the role of policy frameworks, technological solutions, and educational initiatives in upholding children’s rights. Special emphasis will be placed on the responsibilities of digital platforms, governments, and civil society in creating a safe and inclusive digital environment for children. Participants will also examine best practices for involving young people in decision-making processes that affect their online experiences.
Main and Cross-cutting IGF 2024 Themes: Advancing human rights and inclusion in the digital age | Improving digital governance for the Internet We Want
Baroness Jones of Whitchurch was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Business and Trade, and Baroness in Waiting (Government Whip) on 9 July 2024.
Baroness Jones joined the House of Lords in 2006. She has previously served as Shadow Spokesperson for:
Deputy Minister, Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation
CEO of Great Belize Productions, Lead Anchor, New 5 Live
Eugene Kaspersky is a world-renowned cybersecurity expert. He is a co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Kaspersky, the world’s largest privately-held vendor of endpoint protection and cybersecurity solutions.
Mr. Kojo Boakye is an experienced ICT for Development Practitioner with over 15 years’ experience collaborating with governments, telecom operators, civil society organizations, etc. Earlier, he also served as Deputy Director of the Alliance for Affordable Internet and Head Research and Consultancy at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization.
Mr. Boakye has MSc in Development Studies and a BA in African History and Development Studies from SOAS, University of London.
Prof Muhammad Khurram Khan is the founder and CEO of the ‘Global Foundation for Cyber Studies and Research,’ USA. He is the Editor-in-Chief of ‘Telecommunication Systems' (Springer-Nature). He is the author of over 500 research papers and the inventor of 10 US patents in cybersecurity. He has been the TG chair of ‘Child Online Protection in the Metaverse’ for the ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations.
Mr. Syed Munir Khasru is a renowned thought leader who has founded and led globally recognized institutions, including IPAG and the international consulting firm, e.Gen Consultants. He also serves various key roles including member of the Network Strategy Council of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
Mr. Khasru is an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, US.
Ms. Hala Al-Tuwaijri is a distinguished leader in social development and human rights, with a proven track record of advocating for equality and addressing digital age challenges for children. Previously, she served as Secretary General, Ministry of Labor and Social Development, KSA and held various academic positions at King Saud University.
Ms. Al-Tuwaijri has a Ph.D. in American Literature and Drama from King Saud University.