African First Ladies have joined forces with policymakers to protect children across the continent from the dangers of the accelerating digital transformation.
Following the two-day Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, they organised an event with the theme "Building Safer Digital Spaces for Children in an AI-Driven World."
Rachel Ruto, the host country's First Lady, presided over the event at State House in Nairobi, the capital.
“As technology continues to shape the way children learn, communicate and understand the world around them, we must ensure that innovation never outpaces protection,” she said.
Ruto pointed out that “the same digital space that opens doors to opportunity can also expose children to harm if we do not act with urgency and responsibility.”
She noted that together with fellow First Ladies, partners, policymakers, children and young people, they could build digital systems that are safe, inclusive and grounded in shared values.
The Voice of Children programme is a flagship initiative under the campaign. It prioritises the importance of listening to children.
Ruto stated that they were working with partners across the continent to ensure that children and young people were safe in digital spaces and empowered to shape the future of technology.
“Together, we continue to advocate for stronger child protection frameworks, greater digital literacy and meaningful inclusion of children’s voices in decision-making,” the Kenyan First Lady said.
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