From WEF to Global Cyber Day for youth, we see the future is secure

One of the key aspects of the World Economic Forum that continue to amaze me is the fact that it is by no means an isolated, brief conference for a select group who travel to the European Alps. In reality, this annual gathering is an important catalyst for much needed in-depth dialogue on pertinent issues of the days and subsequent actions around the globe in the months that follow.

Not only do the world’s political, business and societal leaders return to their desks, energized with fresh perspectives on issues that impact our planet’s well-being, but the critical topics discussed – from geo-politics to cyber space security – are transmitted through media to audiences around the world, creating more informed, engaged global citizens.

This same philosophy was imbedded in KPMG’s inaugural Global Cyber Day, our path defining corporate citizenship program to promote cyber literacy in schools around the world. While over whelming enthusiasm marked the day, 27 October 2017, when we kicked off this global initiative with more than 30,000 students in 31 countries, the lasting impact of these in-class events will resonate for a very long time.

The risk is real for world youth

For myself and my colleagues across KPMG member firms, interacting with enthusiastic young students regarding digital world and cyber risk, an issue of critical importance in their present and future lives, proved to be an extremely gratifying opportunity.

As Greg Bell, my KPMG Co-Leader, points out, there is much discussion of technology and cyber security issues at WEF. Therefore, it is absolutely fitting that we have found a way to elevate these same issues among the world’s future leaders, by helping them learn to protect their own personal data in the digital world, use social media safely and prevent cyber bullying.

Cyber risk is already a dramatic force in the lives of young people. In fact, a global survey by DoSomething.org found that over 80 percent of teens use a cell phone regularly and nearly 43 percent of kids have been bullied online. That means that the 3R’s we learned in school have become the 4R’s, with Risk now being a critical addition to the curriculum. It’s paramount to arm vulnerable youth with the knowledge to make better online choices and help keep them cyber safe, and our youth cyber literacy program is an important first step.

Opportunity for two-way learning

As with the WEF, Global Cyber Day is a terrific opportunity for real, two-directional learning. As it is one thing to discuss complex cyber related risks with KPMG clients, but it’s quite another to make these issues interesting and understandable for kids.

For that reason, we had to find creative ways to engage the world’s youth, such as an interactive presentation to provide them with hands-on learning, and by coordinating a World Record challenge to hold the largest mass outreach program for school children about cyber safety.

At the same time, we were often surprised that many kids already know a lot on the topic. While many were taking online risks that must be addressed, their general level of technology sophistication was quite impressive. And that speaks strongly to the potential of this program to shape the behaviors of this new generation.

Another important lesson gleaned from our first Global Cyber Day is that creating cyber literacy among youth must be a multi-stakeholder responsibility, among business, government, schools and parents. It cannot be a one-time activity, rather must be a continuous effort to create practical tools and resources. As we plan to take Global Cyber Day to the next level, we’ll look at educating teachers on cyber issues and helping them incorporate these learnings in their curriculum. Parents also play a critical role, instilling basic value systems in their children, including lessons about behaving ethically, sharing and caring, which relate closely to our behaviors in the digital world.

This shared responsibility is important, as adults like ourselves return to our offices – after participating in Global Cyber Day or attending WEF – to continue the discussions we have begun on cyber security. How can we create ‘trust in technology’ and ensure that these advances fulfil their purpose to society? How do we achieve ‘cyber resiliency,’ so that technology is dependable and continues to meet user needs?

The kind of thoughtful conversations that begin at WEF – and are inspired by the real-world needs and dreams of the world’s young people – give me confidence that the future is secure.

@KPMG