Be Connected 2025

ongoing

Connect International (CI) is a Brussels-based European non-governmental organization (ENGO) founded to bridge digital rights and agendas with youth across Europe. CI began as an informal network in 2012 and gained official status in 2017. Today, CI has grown to include 34 full members, 18 observer members from 33 European countries (25 countries among full members), all focused on enhancing digital rights, digital literacy, and youth empowerment. As part of strategy developed for a 3 years period, in 2025 CI will be focusing on 5 pillars of work: Digital Rights: Committed to safeguarding the rights of young people as individuals in the digital realm, advocating for youth rights, digital literacy, and equitable application of the Human Rights Convention in the virtual world (In the table below, we mark all members focusing on this pillar, such as: Akto: Human Rights and Democracy - Portugal; VSI Kauno Juanimo Slenis - Lithuania, Kosovo Young lawyers - Kosovo*, CPDIS - Romania etc). Digital Access: Dedicated to providing free, inclusive, and open access to the Internet, bridging the digital divide and enhancing digital literacy among youth (example of MOs focusing on this pillar: ZFSI - Germany, Generation Why Not - Belgium, Balkan Urban Movement - Serbia - full list in the table below). Digital Citizenship: Empowering citizens through meaningful participation, leveraging digital tools to strengthen democratic values and youth engagement in decision-making processes (example of MOs focusing on this pillar: Citizen ACT - Cyprus, Next Generation - Austria, Bridge of Future Union - Azerbaijan - full list in the table below). Digital Innovation: Actively supporting innovative practices, ideas, and ICT development, recognizing young people as key agents of progress Internal Development: Enhancing the organization's structure and networking capabilities to drive more effective advocacy and policy initiatives. All members of CI participate in this pillar.