"The world we live in today is not the same as the one our grandparents grew up in, so why should we rely on old systems to protect us?” stated Theresa, a 16-year-old teenage student from Zambia. Theresa is a Youth Ambassador for the 5Rights Foundation, a nonprofit working to ensure the rights of children are protected in digital spaces.

Another Youth Ambassador, Skye, age 13, from the United States said, “Older generations have seen that these systems often don’t work for children and young people.”

As our digital technology continues to improve and make the world more connected, one key question arises: how do we ensure the rights of children are protected in the digital space?

This question was answered on September 22nd, 2024, at the United Nations, where world leaders committed to a better digital future that respects the rights of children and young people around the world. 

The Global Digital Compact, an important element of the Pact for the Future, adopted by world leaders at the Summit of the Future on September 22 at the UN Headquarters, outlines a vision for a secure and equitable digital future for everyone. It lays out principles, goals, and steps to create a digital space that respects the rights and welfare of all people, especially children and young people.

As Theresa explained, “The Global Digital Compact is a promise to children and young people like me – a promise that as technology advances, so will efforts to keep us safe.”

Over the past two years, the 5Rights Foundation has been an advocate in global 

consultations on the Global Digital Compact, urging leaders not to overlook children’s rights in the digital space. According to 5Rights, governments, as well as private companies, have the responsibility to respect and uphold the rights of children in the digital space. On September 22nd, 5Rights celebrated that the message was heard.

“Now, world leaders want to give us something better—the gift of a safer and fairer digital future. By adopting the Global Digital Compact, countries are making a promise to children everywhere. This promise is about ensuring we can grow up in a digital world made for us”, states Skye.

Following the announcement of the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, 73 5Rights Youth Ambassadors, along with the cohort of more than 250, from over 25 countries across the world welcomed this commitment from governments and are looking forward to its implementation by 2030. 

As Leanda Barrington-Leach, 5Rights Executive Director, said, “The digital world offers incredible potential for children everywhere, but it cannot be realized without ensuring that the products and services children use are designed with their rights and needs in mind. It is encouraging to see this strong commitment from leaders everywhere at the highest level to deliver a better future for children. Now, we look forward to its swift and robust implementation.”

Following the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, youth around the world are looking forward to their rights being protected so that they can enjoy all the opportunities that the digital world has to offer!