How can we build a future where data serves youth, and youth guide the use of data?

The NextGenData 2024 Summit sought to address this very question.?

It’s no secret that young people today face a number of increasingly complex challenges: mental health issues, access to employment, and migration services for young refugees are only a few examples of many. We are also increasingly aware of the power of data to address these challenges, and to improve access to services that can help young people tackle them.??

But what do we know about how young people feel about how their data is used and re-used? Currently – very little. To ensure that their data is re-used responsibly and effectively, it is crucial to first consider the attitudes, perspectives and opinions of young people: this is the core mission of the NextGenData project, and the key point of discussion at the NextGenData Summit in June 2024.?

How can we know the preferences, attitudes and opinions of young people on data re-use?

The NextGenData project brings together a diverse and dynamic group of partners committed to engaging youth to understand their perspectives, concerns and preferences for data re-use for service provision. Throughout the project, each partner will implement a youth assembly – a form of citizen engagement, wherein youth are asked directly about their thoughts and opinions on data re-use.?

During the NextGenData Project Summit, held in early June 2024, representatives from Tanzania Data Lab, Dasra India, the National Youth Council of Moldova (CNTM), and SOS Children's Villages Kyrgyzstan participated in person to exchange ideas and plan for the youth assemblies, embodying the global spirit of the initiative.?

The NextGenData Project is structured in several key phases to ensure comprehensive understanding, deliberation, testing, and implementation of data re-use practices, all with the active involvement of youth:

Key Objectives of the Summit

The summit aimed to achieve four critical objectives:

1. Review Progress: Evaluate the current progress and milestones of the NextGenData project.
2. Planning and Practice Run: Plan and conduct practice runs for the youth assemblies in respective countries.
3. Future Planning: Outline the next steps and strategies for the project.
4. Networking: Facilitate connections and collaborations among like-minded individuals and organizations.

Collaborative Sessions and Peer Feedback

The event began with an engaging welcome session, followed by comprehensive updates on the project’s progress and milestones. Participants shared insights and experiences, providing a transparent overview of the achievements and challenges faced so far.

A significant highlight of the summit was the dedicated sessions for partner project updates and discussions. Each partner organization presented their progress and received constructive feedback from their peers. This peer feedback mechanism was pivotal in refining strategies and ensuring all partners were aligned with the project’s objectives.

Representatives from each of our partner organizations showcased their plans for the upcoming youth assemblies, pilot studies, youth boot camps, and workshops with decision-makers. The interactive feedback sessions allowed for real-time input and collaborative problem-solving across distinct cross-cultural contexts.?

Field Visits and Networking

One of the standout moments of the summit was the field visit to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Global Migration Data Analysis Centre (GMDAC). The visit was followed by a social mixer that facilitated informal networking and socializing opportunities. Participants had the chance for deeper conversations not only with their peers from the NextGenData Project but also with attendees from the Data Stewards Learning Program, an initiative of The Data Tank. This sharing of ideas and experiences enriched the overall learning and networking experience, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among the diverse group of participants.

Partner Focus Areas:

All partners will engage youth to understand their perspectives, concerns, and preferences for data re-use for the target service. Each partner has focused on a specific target service, demonstrating the diverse applications of data-driven solutions:

1. Tanzania Data Lab: Data re-use for mental health and youth employability services for youth in Dar Es Salam;
2. Dasra India: Data re-use for entitlements to government schemes and education;
3. National Youth Council of Moldova: Data re-use for integration services for refugees from Ukraine in Moldova;
4. SOS Children's Villages Kyrgyzstan: Data re-use to improve access to mental health services through a chatbot solution.

Future Planning and Next Steps

The summit concluded with each partner organization delivering a comprehensive presentation on their strategies for the youth assemblies, pilot studies, and workshops. These presentations were followed by an in-depth feedback session, ensuring all plans were ready for implementation.

With each partner ready to dive into the crucial next stage of youth engagement, we look forward to posting further updates about this innovative methodology that will guide the future of data use and re-use for young people, to address the challenges of tomorrow.