Zürich , Switzerland
A workshop about the opportunities and risks for children's rights in the age of digitalization as well as the possibilities for the implementation of corporate measures to respect and support these rights online.
Children and adolescents spend a lot of time online. During the COVID-19 lockdown and also in the subsequent weeks and months, digital tools and platforms for children and adolescents became increasingly important. In addition to entertainment and games, young people are now increasingly reliant on digital channels for education and learning as well as for social contact: they are active on social media, read the news online, are targeted by online marketing, and buy products and services on the internet. Companies provide access to the internet and develop tools and software for a wide range of virtual corporate activities that have points of contact with children and adolescents. This shift from the physical to the digital world involves both opportunities and a number of dangers and risks in terms of respecting and supporting children's rights.
Because companies play a major role in shaping the digital sphere – and because companies direct their virtual activities towards children, consciously or unconsciously – this raises questions about the opportunities and risks for children's rights online as well as the possibilities for implementing corporate measures aimed at respecting and supporting these rights. Particularly relevant corporate functions include corporate social responsibility, digitalization, digital marketing, online safety and security, social media, social networks, data protection and privacy.
Schedule:
From 2:30 pm Arrival and registration
3:00 pm Welcome and introduction by Bettina Junker, Executive Director UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Inputs from our keynote speakers with subsequent Q&A:
- Josianne Galea Baron, UNICEF, Children's Rights and Business Specialist – Digital
- Patrick Warnking, Country Director Google Switzerland
- Michael In Albon, Swisscom, media and youth protection specialist
4:15 pm World Café discussion sessions in small groups
5:30 pm Drinks reception and networking
The event is free to attend. Advance registration is mandatory (the number of participants is limited to 60).
Information on COVID-19 measures: The venue is large enough to ensure that participants can maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from one another. Disinfectant will be available. We ask that all participants keep a safe distance from other participants and wear a face mask as needed. It is possible to attend the workshop in person or digitally.