UNGA 79 Third Committee discussion on social development
Statement delivered by Riin Suuster, Estonia’s UN Youth Delegate
3 October 2024, New York
Mr. Chair,
We live in an era of rapid technological change, where the internet has transformed our lives. Today, young people are at the heart of this digital revolution according to the UN 79% of young persons from the ages 15-24 were online in 2023 globally. We are the most connected, the most engaged, and the most innovative generation we have ever seen. With just a swipe of our fingers, most of us are able to connect with people across the globe, access vast amounts of knowledge, and explore endless opportunities.
But with these opportunities come significant challenges. The digital space that young people navigate every day is not always safe. Threats such as hate speech, online sexual and gender-based violence, disinformation, cybercrime and cyberbullying are becoming more prevalent. One of the serious threats in today’s digital world is online hate speech. Young persons, particularly those from marginalized communities, are often the targets of racism, sexism, and other forms of intolerance. Another alarming problem is the rise of online sexual and gender-based violence. Many young persons, especially women and girls face harassment, abuse, and exploitation in the digital space. We are often targeted with explicit threats, invasive content, and other forms of violence that can have devastating effects on our lives, mental health and well-being. In addition to these challenges, we cannot overlook the increasing threat of cybercrime. Young persons, who often live much of their lives online, are particularly at risk. Our personal data, financial information, and even our identities are often at risk of being stolen.
Another major concern for young persons is the growing wave of disinformation and information manipulation. In an age where facts are taken out of context, manipulated with and disinformation spreads rapidly, young persons are especially vulnerable to disinformation that can distort their views of the world. Whether it’s misleading health advice, politically charged disinformation, or harmful conspiracy theories, these false narratives are designed to exploit their trust. We need to prioritize teaching digital literacy, equipping young people with critical thinking skills, recognizing credible sources, and resisting manipulation.
Estonia supports human centric, open, transparent, inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach to cybersecurity that strengthens human rights and democracies. It’s important to us that children’s rights are respected globally, media freedom is secured, and every person’s digital rights are guaranteed, especially as Estonia is a candidate for the Human Rights Council for 2026 to 2028.
The fundamental rights of young people are being violated also in other ways. Tragic conflicts displace, harm, and kill young people all around the world. We can not improve digital literacy, access to the internet and education when schools and homes, places where children and young people should be the safest, are being bombed, and children and young persons are being killed, deported, and forcefully displaced. Russia’s illegal war of aggression has caused unlawful deportation of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children, and many have been killed. The growing amounts of violence in the Middle-East, the Sahel and so many other regions of the world are prematurely and unjustifiably ending the lives of young persons and children. As we discuss building a safer digital future, we must remember that in places like Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Sahel, young people are being denied even the most basic right to their life, security, and education
As long as young people are facing violence, displacement, and war, their potential, both online and offline, will remain unrealized. Let us work together to ensure that young people everywhere are protected, in the digital space as well as in every other aspect of their lives.
Mr. Chair,
Thank you.