Can Technology Unlock Youth Political Agency? | The Futures Summit

April 16, 2026 • 2:30 – 3:15 pm EDT

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Global Development

In global governance and development, what are the impacts of moving youth from beneficiaries of policy to agents of change? How can technology catalyze their agency? 

This session explored how development efforts can help youth leverage digital tools to enhance trust and address polarization. By moving beyond passive participation toward co-designed, anticipatory governance, the panel examined the role of civic technology-driven collective dialogue and digital peacebuilding in amplifying youth voices. This discussion aimed to identify the necessary investments and partnerships required to ensure that the next generation can make a measurable, transformative impact on global governance.

The Futures Summit: A New Era of Development Cooperation

This panel discussion is part of CSIS's flagship development conference taking place over several days of in-person and virtual convening. From April 10-17, 2026, the CSIS Futures Summit explored how best to navigate and advance this new era of cooperation, paying close attention to the shifts in global leadership, new models and partnerships, and what should come next.

For the full agenda, visit the CSIS Futures Summit.

The CSIS Futures Summit is made possible through generous support from Chevron Inc. (Founding sponsor), ADM, Cisco, and the Embassy of Denmark in Washington D.C. 

Tags

Africa, Technology, Gender and Youth, and International Development

Hosted By

Point of Contact

Hadeil Ali

Hadeil Ali

Chief of Staff, Global Development Department and Director, Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Program

Saji Prelis

Director Children & Youth Programs, Search for Common Ground

Pauline Deneufbourg

Global Lead, Youth Empowerment, U.N. Development Programme

Cynthia Mbamalu

Director of Programs, Yiaga Africa

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