The Danish think tank Tænketanken Digital Infrastruktur has inaugurated a new initiative, Youth CTRL – Youth Coalition for Tech Rights and Legitimacy, designed to bring young people into the heart of debate on democracy, infrastructure, and technological governance.
The initiative seeks to build what the organizers describe as a “democratic community for youth” – a space where young Danes can explore, analyze, and contribute to discussions about the infrastructures that shape digital life.
Signe Ravn-Højgaard, director and co-founder of the Digital Infrastructure Think Tank, emphasizes that the initiative aims to equip participants with knowledge about the digital infrastructure their lives and our society depend on, enabling them to participate in the debate about digital policymaking:
“As individuals and as a society, we are deeply dependent on digital infrastructure – social media, apps, subsea cables, and data centers. This infrastructure is often seen as purely technical, but it is, in fact, profoundly political. Who builds it? Who owns it? Who has access? And who controls the data? These questions are not receiving enough attention in today’s public debate, and that’s why engaging young people is essential. As decisions we make today will shape the future we all share.”
Youth CTRL is open to individuals aged 18 to 30. Applicants are not required to have prior expertise in technology or policy – selection is based on interest, motivation, and commitment. Participation is free of charge, with all travel, accommodation, and catering expenses covered for activities held outside Aarhus.
Members will meet monthly to engage with representatives from business, academia, and politics, contributing to public debate through policy briefs, opinion pieces, and analyses.
The community was officially inaugurated earlier this month and received strong interest. Andrea Taul, responsible for Youth CTRL, highlighted the enthusiasm surrounding the launch last week:
“Twenty-five participants attended, coming from diverse backgrounds and bringing a variety of perspectives whichcreated an engaging and dynamic atmosphere. It was really inspiring to see so many eager to learn and contribute to the discussion.”
For more information about the initiative and the Digital Infrastructure Think Tank click here.
Photo: Andrea Taul.