Berlin Youth Summit
JUNE 2023
About
The Berlin Youth Summit, organized by Digital Communication Network Global is a three-day workshop for 60-70 Gen Z digital communicators and influencers from Europe.
The summit will center on digital communication and youth new media by digital natives as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech. This speech provides a starting point for reflection on the importance of communication and the power of words and images. It is an important symbol of hope, unity, and democracy that continues to inspire people around the world. The workshop is a unique opportunity for GenZers to connect with their peers, learn from each other, and build skills to become effective communicators and advocates for the issues they care about.
Workshop Format
Day 1
The first day of the workshop starts with a tour of Berlin to help participants understand the context of Kennedy's speech as it relates to the history of the city. Based on the visit, participants will focus on how to convey important lessons of history in ways that speak the GenZ digital language. An ideathon* competition will take place at the end of the program.
*Participants collaborate intensively to generate and develop creative ideas into practical solutions over a short period of time.
Day 2
The second day will include interactive skill-building sessions on digital advocacy and communication techniques including Social Media and Social Change, The Power of Storytelling, Building an Inclusive Digital Community, New Media, Social Media Advocacy, Digital Wellness, Speaking the Language of the Platforms, Gaming for Social Good, Networking and Collaboration in the Digital Age, Understanding and Combating Disinformation, and Navigating the Metaverse.
Day 3
The third day will focus on applying those advocacy and communication tools, in relation to important topics for GenZ such as climate change and sustainability, digital privacy and security, mental health and well-being, and social and political engagement. Sessions will incorporate interactive elements such as gamification, role-playing, and group problem-solving to engage the participants.
SPEAKERS
Speakers will be selected from experts that have been recommended or identified by the DCN programming team. Individuals who register as participants may also be invited to speak at the event.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants will be selected through an open application process based on stated expertise and/or interest in digital communication and new media in connection to the listed topics. Special consideration will be given to those individuals who can contribute to and benefit from the discussions.
- Up to 70 participants age 18-26 (GenZ) from Europe (YouTubers, bloggers/vloggers, Instagramers, podcasters, TikTokers, newsroom digital specialists, social media influencers, gamers, digital storytellers, new media and other digital professionals)
- Up to 25 speakers and trainers from participating countries and the United States
- Proficient in conversational English
- Interested to engage with the Digital Communication Network for future projects
The deadline to apply is April 15, 2023.
The forum organizers will arrange and cover economy-class flights, hotel accommodations in shared rooms for participants and single rooms for speakers, a PCR COVID test if needed for home-country re-entry, meals, and social activities during the event. Obtaining visas and COVID testing to enter Germany is the responsibility of the participants.
The forum is organized by World Learning and Digital Communication Network Global with funding from the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.