Last week I participated in the WeProtect Global Summit 2024 in Abu Dhabi. It brought together more than 800 leaders, policymakers and advocates from around the world to address the pressing issue of online child safety. This year’s summit was marked by insightful discussions, innovative solutions and a renewed commitment to protecting children in the digital space.
It was great to catch up with so many allies and partners of Child Helpline International. But it was also an opportunity to get to know new potential partners and donors, and to share insights and thoughts about online child safety.
The event had several important outcomes:
1. Strengthened Global Collaboration
One of the most frequent observations during the summit was the need for stronger global collaboration and partnerships between governments, tech companies and civil society organizations. The summit facilitated discussions on creating a unified approach to combat online child exploitation, with participants agreeing to share more best practices and more resources.
2. Innovative Technological Solutions
The summit showcased various technological innovations aimed at enhancing child safety online, including advanced AI tools designed to detect and prevent online abuse. The discussions emphasized the role of technology not just as a tool for detection, but as a means to empower children and educate them about online risks.
3. Policy Development and Advocacy
A significant focus of the summit was on policy development. Several countries are moving towards implementing stricter regulations to protect children online. The panellists noted the importance of advocacy in driving these changes, calling for stakeholders to engage with policymakers to ensure that child safety remains a priority.
4. Increased Awareness and Education
Raising awareness about online risks and educating children, parents and educators was a recurring theme at the summit. Several speakers emphasized the need for comprehensive educational programmes that equip children with the knowledge to navigate the internet safely. Many of the participants contributed to this discussion by advocating for community-based initiatives that promote digital literacy and resilience among young users.
5. Commitment to Accountability
Finally, the summit concluded with a strong commitment to accountability among tech companies and stakeholders. There was consensus on the need for transparency in how online platforms handle child safety issues. The importance of holding companies accountable for their role in protecting children was emphasized, urging participants to establish clear metrics for success and regular reporting on progress.
For me, the WeProtect Global Summit 2024 was a landmark event that set the stage for significant advances in the fight against online child exploitation. Child helplines have a hugely important role to play here: they represent a crucial component in national and regional child protection systems, not only in terms of response to children and young people, but also in relation to preventing them from harm and abuse in the digital environment.
The summit reinforced our joint mission to create a joyful, sociable and above all safe digital world for children and young people.
Patrick Krens
Executive Director
