Let's meet the 2024 WIC Global Youth Leaders!

Since its inception in 2023, the World Internet Conference Global Youth Leadership Program has attracted an impressive array of applicants from a diverse range of countries and regions. 

Over the past two years, a significant number of these applicants – who come from 85 different countries and regions – have demonstrated a deep-seated desire to seize the opportunity to represent the voice of youth at global platforms such as the WIC.

The recruitment and selection process for the 2024 Global Youth Leaders has recently been completed. This year, young individuals from 61 countries and regions submitted applications. Following thorough evaluation, 18 outstanding young people from 17 countries and regions, including Brazil, China, Egypt, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, were selected.

2024 World Internet Conference Global Youth Leaders. [Photo provided to wicinternet.org]

These young leaders are emerging talents in the realm of global internet development and governance. With their diverse cultural backgrounds and areas of expertise, they are all engaged in innovation and dedicated to ensuring that more individuals reap the benefits of the digital dividend through involvement in policy-making, engagement in industry practices, organizing charitable initiatives and conducting scientific research. In the coming decade, many of them are poised to become pivotal figures in shaping the digital future and propelling regional and global transformations. 

Let us introduce our 2024 Global Youth Leaders (in no particular order):

Mariangel Calderón Martínez [Photo provided to wicinternet.org]

Mariangel Calderón Martínez, a senior law student and assistant in the Directorate of Authorizations at the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (INDOTEL), has played a pivotal role in legal reviews of resolutions and reports. Additionally, she has supported the organization of significant regional telecommunications events, notably the 42nd meeting of the Permanent Consultative Committee of the Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (CITEL). Through the OAS internship program, she gained invaluable experience at CITEL, contributing to crucial regional projects. In 2022, Calderón Martínez proudly represented the Dominican Republic at two prestigious international forums: The Generation Connect Global Youth Summit and the World Telecommunication Development Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda. As a Generation Connect Youth Envoy for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in the Americas, she has been instrumental in projects aimed at fostering digital inclusion and showcasing the transformative power of technology on young communities.

Chern Choong Thum [Photo provided to wicinternet.org]

Chern Choong Thum, a medical doctor by training, transitioned from clinical practice to policymaking and now serves as the special functions officer to Malaysia's deputy minister of communications. In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in shaping national policies within the ministry, while also continuing his advocacy for health and welfare reforms. He is a firm believer that lasting societal change towards a healthier future is achieved through robust policy frameworks. Chern Choong Thum also contributes thought-provoking columns to the Mandarin-language Sin Chew Daily and is proficient in Mandarin, English and Malay.

Rachida El Rhdioui [Photo provided to wicinternet.org]

Rachida El Rhdioui, a cosmopolitan individual and a visionary young Amazigh woman, derives joy from empowering individuals to assume an active role in society through the development of sustainable, long-term projects and strategies.Her passion is manifested in her work with citizens, governments, and organizations that have a proven history of engaging youth, promoting gender equality, enhancing governance, fostering digital inclusion, building peace and nurturing social entrepreneurship. With a multidisciplinary academic foundation, she has excelled in training, mentoring and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on over 2,000 individuals. In 2022, Rachida represented her country as a delegate at the Internet Governance Forum in Ethiopia. Over the last year, she has served as a member of the CECA Digital Youth Council, collaborating closely with USAID to advocate for the protection of youth from digital harm. She was recently honored with the Emerging Leader Award by the Female Founders Global Initiative and selected as a GCYLP fellow by ITU and Huawei to fund and launch DigiFortify, a program aimed at enhancing digital literacy and safety in North Africa by educating vulnerable communities with essential skills and promoting digital inclusion. The unwavering spirit and unyielding determination she witnessed in those striving for a better region deeply inspired Rachida, propelling her into activism within the digital realm and beyond.