Good afternoon, distinguished guests, fellow youth, and champions of the digital world,
My name is Jacqueline Jijide from Malawi, and I am truly honoured to speak before you today at the closing ceremony of my first-ever Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
I am here because I believe in the power and promise of this forum a space meant to welcome diverse voices, especially youth. But my journey to this moment reminds us that access and inclusion remain far from equal.
Let me share my story. Because Malawi does not process Schengen visas, I had to travel over 1,800 Miles by bus to Pretoria, South Africa. My journey took four gruelling days, including a breakdown on the way. I arrived in Pretoria with swollen legs, exhausted, but determined. Determined to be here. Determined to be heard.
And I am not alone.
A young man from Côte d’Ivoire, Isaac, had to travel to Ghana to apply for his visa. It was only granted after the IGF had already begun. He boarded a flight, hoping to join us midweek but he has just arrived today.
Why do I share this??
Because the IGF is one of the few spaces where all stakeholders regardless of geography are meant to have a seat at the table. Yet, if participants from the Global South must overcome such barriers just to attend, how can we claim true inclusion?
Within the bureaucratic barriers, I wish to recognise the host country Norway and their Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the great support provided during the visa process.
I came here with fire in my heart to fight for digital equity. I stand for millions of young people in Malawi and across Africa who are still left behind, still disconnected, still waiting to be seen and heard in the digital world.
I met the internet for the first time at university. That late introduction changed my life. It gave me a purpose: to become a voice and a bridge for others.
Today, I proudly serve as a Digital Inclusion Practitioner and Trainer, having mentored over 10,000 young learners across Malawi and Africa. I am an active member of the Malawi Youth IGF and a Pan African Youth Ambassador on Internet Governance-The 2025 WSIS prize Champions, shaping youth-led internet governance advocacy across the continent.
My work focuses on ensuring that youth especially in rural communities gain the skills, access, and confidence to use the internet safely and meaningfully. I support 16 government primary schools, helping young learners develop digital literacy, explore online learning, and imagine futures where the internet becomes a tool for empowerment not exclusion.
Being here at IGF 2025, under the theme “Building Digital Governance Together,” is a powerful reminder that grassroots work matters. This platform has opened doors, strengthened our networks, and amplified voices like mine and the voices of many more youth who deserve to be supported and seen.
I am deeply grateful to the UN IGF Secretariat for the financial support that made it possible for me and other youth delegates to be here. My heartfelt thanks also go to Bram Fudzulani-Malawi, my mentor; to Sorene Assefa-PAYAIG, Kenneth Msiska, and Victor Otieno of Africa
Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA)— all of whom have helped shape me into the advocate I am today.
As Myles Munroe once said: “The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without purpose.”
I believe every young person deserves to discover their purpose and a safe, open, and inclusive internet can help them do just that.
So today, I speak not just for myself, but for every young person who dreams of being connected, included, and empowered.
Let us keep building digital governance together and let us make sure no one is left behind.
Thank you all for listening.
