UNICEF ‘Digital (Re:) Public Goods: Putting the Next Generation in Charge’ at re:publica 2024

How can we use digital public goods to improve the future of young people around the world? This was the topic of the panel “Digital (Re:) Public Goods: Putting the Next Generation in Charge” organised by UNICEF at this year’s re:publica.

In addition to physical infrastructure such as water pipes, power grids or roads, digital infrastructure is becoming increasingly important – for example, to be able to reach people quickly with financial aid in the event of a disaster or to give them access to medical care even in remote regions: “A strong digital public infrastructure allows us to empower and support millions of people, especially women, can reduce poverty, build resilience and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” emphasised the BMZ

Together with moderator Lea Gimpel (Digital Public Goods Alliance), Sunita Grote (UNICEF Ventures), Antonella Paola Perrone (Xcapit) and Katharina Mänz discussed, among other things, the crucial role of young people in shaping digital public goods (DPGs).

Sunita Grote (UNICEF Ventures) emphasised the importance of digital public goods in fostering inclusive digital ecosystems and Antonella Paola Perrone (Xcapit) explained why digital public infrastructure facilitates collaboration and promotes positive social outcomes.

The four participants agreed on one thing: international dialogue and cooperation are crucial in order to use the opportunities offered by digital technologies for the benefit of society.

To the Panel

About re:publica

re:publica Berlin is the most important conference for the digital society in Germany. It focuses on the exchange of knowledge and networking of people on digital policy issues. This promotes innovation and synergies between civil society, (net) politics, (traditional) companies, technology, science and (pop) culture. Participants include representatives from politics, NGOs, start-ups, media & marketing as well as well-known bloggers, activists, hackers, artists and social media experts. This year’s conference will take place under the motto ‘Who cares?’ from 27 – 29 May 2024 at STATION Berlin.

Session with UNICEF ‘Digital (Re:) Public Goods: Putting the Next Generation in Charge’

The UN estimates that 70% of the Sustainable Development Goals are based on digital solutions. It is therefore important that young people have a say in their digital future. Digital public goods (DPGs), including open source software, open AI systems, open data and open content repositories, are key to sustainable development and better digital inclusion of young people. DPGs promote transparency, local participation and collaboration. They help countries worldwide to develop a digital public infrastructure for health, education and other important areas.

Our experts from the UNICEF Venture Fund, Xcapit (a UNICEF-supported startup from Argentina) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) offer exciting insights into the international processes, the development of open ecosystems and the alignment of digital transformation with the SDGs. Learn how these efforts are paving the way for a sustainable, equitable digital future for all.

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