Global perspective Human stories

Kenyan activist says UN must engage with youth through social media

Kenyan activist says UN must engage with youth through social media

Download

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon this week challenged youth at a UN forum on science, technology and innovation to help the organization bridge the so-called digital divide.

Philip Thigo, a technology and development strategist from Kenya, is already leading the charge. And he believes the UN is woefully absent on Facebook, Twitter and other social media used by young people.

Mr. Thigo heads Social Development Network (SODNET), an NGO which fights poverty and disempowerment, and is creator of a software platform that uses data to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

He tells UN Radio’s Joshua Mmali that if the world wants young people to bring about social change, then it must engage with them through “the social media space.”

Duration: 4'49"