Topic: 2025 – Protecting and Empowering Youth in Digital Spaces
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Eddie Wuerthele
The rapid expansion of the digital world has had international effects. Since the publication of the internet in 1993, countries all over the world have advanced technologies and communications. The internet provides people with a lifestyle, a way to explore communities and collect knowledge. According to the International Telecommunication Union, in 2023, 79% of young people aged from 15-24 used the internet. That number has only gone up since. Unfortunately, while the percentage of the population using the internet has increased, the knowledge about internet safety of that population has not. Young people are being affected by manipulation, misinformation, and without further education, remain vulnerable to malicious digital activity. While the ITU has been trying to provide educational materials, the Human Rights committee is looking to further protect and empower youth.
Bangladesh is no exception to the upward trend in internet use. Bangladesh first got public access to the internet in 1996. Despite being a country with high poverty rates, 32% of children aged 10-17 have online access. Children have been exposed to digital harassment, cyberbullying, religious provocation. This misinformation causes stress for socially active young people. As for main causes, according to a study from UNICEF, a third of all Bangladeshi people spend time online chatting with others and watching videos. Since the year 2000, the internet population has increased by over 800% and continues to grow at a staggering rate. Although we cannot stop the use of internet, we can find ways to make it a safer place for all.
The delegation of Bangladesh has attempted to put pieces of legislation into effect such as the Information and Communication Technology Act of 2006 and most recently the Cyber Security ordinance of 2025. However, due to its low GDP, Bangladesh does not have the money to implement further education about digital safety. Bangladesh, keeping national sovereignty in mind, recommends that with designated funding from richer countries, this problem can be addressed primarily through national efforts. However, the delegation of Bangladesh has an open mind and looks forward to collaborating with other delegations.
