Digital Communication Network Global Wraps Up Successful Berlin Youth Summit Empowering Gen Z Communicators and Advocates

July 19, 2023

This article was originally published as a news feature on DCN Global’s website on July 2.

The Berlin Youth Summit, organized by Digital Communication Network Global (DCN Global) in partnership with World Learning, concluded on a high note after three days of empowering workshops, skill-building sessions, and interactive experiences. The summit brought together almost 100 Gen Z digital communicators and influencers from 33 European countries, providing a platform for them to connect, learn, and create meaningful campaigns on pressing social issues.

Under the theme of digital communication and youth new media, the summit commemorated the 60th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s iconic “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech, emphasizing the power of words and images in driving change and promoting democracy. This historic speech served as a starting point for reflection and inspiration throughout the event.

The summit commenced with an engaging experiential tour, designed as a treasure hunt by Gen, știri team, which took participants on a journey through Berlin’s significant landmarks and historical sites. The tour allowed participants to understand the context of Kennedy’s speech and reflect on its significance in Berlin’s history. Stops at notable locations such as the Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears), the German Parliament, the Sinti and Roma Memorial, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe provided opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and critical thinking.

Keynote speaker Yusuf Omar, co-founder at Seen Stories, delivered an inspiring talk on the steps of creating a viral video.

The second day of the summit featured interactive skill-building sessions, covering a wide range of topics such as social media for social change, building inclusive digital communities, leveraging new media platforms, and navigating the metaverse.

On the final day, participants worked collaboratively in groups to develop digital campaigns on pressing social issues, including authoritarianism, climate change, mental health, human rights, and freedom of speech. Each group presented a 10-minute campaign, showcasing their creativity, passion, and dedication to educating and inspiring communities to take action. The campaigns will be published on DCN Global’s social platform to maximize their impact.

The Berlin Youth Summit provided Gen Z communicators and influencers with a unique opportunity to connect with their peers, learn from industry experts, and develop skills that will make them effective advocates for the causes they care about. The summit highlighted the importance of social issues, entrepreneurship, inclusivity, and the power of communities, reflecting the values and aspirations of this generation.

The Digital Communication Network is supported by the U.S. Department of State and coordinated by World Learning. It implements a variety of innovative, thematic exchanges and events, serving as a catalyst for communication, creativity, and connectivity.