The UN World Data Forum, was a pivotal moment for the global data and AI communies, and DevelopMetrics was honored to be part of this transformave event. As we reflect on the discussions and innovaons shared over those four days, we’re excited to connue pushing forward our commitment to Data Governance Fit for Children (DG4C)—a vital iniave aimed at priorizing children’s rights in the digital age
A Growing Coalion for Children’s Rights in the Digital Era
The DG4C movement has grown exponenally, and it’s thrilling to see more youth organizaons joining the cause. The Forum underscored the urgency of this work, and we are more determined than ever to help make child-centered data governance a reality.
We’re proud to be part of a dynamic coalion of organizaons and youth leaders who are all dedicated to the same goal: to ensure that data and AI are used responsibly to safeguard children’s rights and futures.
Some of the key partners include:
- Generaon Unlimited’s Young People’s Acon Team, whose efforts are amplifying youth perspecves in decision-making around data governance.
- UNICEF Colombia’s youth groups, who are leading the charge in advocang for the protecon of children’s rights in the digital landscape.
- The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data’s Data Values Advocates, who are championing data systems that reflect the needs and priories of the younger generaon.
Leading with Ethical AI and Responsible Data Pracces
At DevelopMetrics, we are proud to integrate ethical AI and supervised machine learning to shape policies and technologies that respect and protect children’s rights. Our role in the DG4C iniave focuses on ensuring that AI is developed and deployed responsibly, with a specific emphasis on the ethical use of data that impacts children.
Working alongside youth leaders, we co-create soluons that priorize child welfare and ensure that the data children share is protected. Whether it’s through fine-tuned large language models or other AI technologies, we’re commied to using these tools in ways that amplify, rather than exploit, the voices of young people.
Collaborang for Impact
- We were also honored to work with a broad spectrum of organizaons who are helping shape the future of child-focused data governance:
- Highway Child, a key partner ensuring that children’s voices are genuinely represented in data discussions and that their data is protected.
- The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, advocang for AI systems that priorize children in government decision-making.
- The Governance Lab, empowering young people to ensure that data and technology are used for equitable decision-making and public impact.
- The Datasphere Iniave, providing the tools and knowledge for youth communies to have a voice in data governance and AI policy discussions.
- The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, strengthening youth engagement in data governance to foster impacul collaboraons across sectors.
The Urgency of Responsible Data Pracces for Children
As the Forum concluded, one thing was clear: the need for responsible data governance is urgent. Children are not only the future—they are also acve parcipants in our digital ecosystem. Their rights must be priorized, and data governance frameworks must be designed with their well-being in mind. We remain commied to advancing this cause by empowering youth, advocang for responsible AI pracces, and fostering collaboraons that lead to real-world impact.
For every child, responsible data is not just a priority—it’s a necessity. Together, we can make this vision a reality, ensuring a future where children’s rights are safeguarded in the digital world. Let’s connue to push for change, amplify youth voices, and build a data- driven future that works for all.
Moving Forward
As we look ahead, DevelopMetrics is more commied than ever to supporng Data Governance Fit for Children. The lessons and collaboraons from the UN World Data Forum only strengthen our resolve to ensure that children’s rights are not le behind in the digital transformaon.
Let’s keep the momentum going and build a world where every child’s data is protected, their rights are respected, and their voices are heard. Together, we can make it happen.