University of The Bahamas Welcomes the ITU Youth Digital Hubs
GYLDC and ITU bring global digital leaders to Nassau, connecting more than 100 students with new opportunities for learning, innovation and participation in the digital future.
Nassau, The Bahamas — 3 September 2026
The Global Youth Leadership Development Council (GYLDC), in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and with support from the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (GSLDC), brought the ITU Youth Digital Hubs outreach to the University of The Bahamas (UB) on 3 September 2026.
More than 100 UB students filled the auditorium for an interactive session focused on digital inclusion, emerging technologies, career pathways and opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in shaping the digital future.
Bringing Global Experience to UB
The delegation was led by Dr. Eng Han Tan, Co-Director of GSLDC and Executive Director of GYLDC, alongside four leaders working across digital inclusion, gender equality, youth engagement and global technology:
- Dunola Oladapo — Programme Officer, Digital Inclusion Team, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Maud Aba’a — Associate Gender Affairs Officer, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Raneem Zaitoun — Digital Youth Ambassador, Information and Communications Technology Council of Canada (ICTC-CTIC), and active member of the Internet Society (ISOC)
- Ahmed Rashad Riad — Vice President, Global Standardization, Huawei
Dunola opened the session by introducing ITU and its work as the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies. Dr. Tan then shared the vision behind GYLDC and GSLDC and highlighted how the ITU Youth Digital Hubs can connect university students with global learning, leadership and innovation opportunities.
At the heart of the discussion was a shared message: young people should not simply be recipients of digital transformation, but active participants in shaping it.
Particular emphasis was placed on expanding meaningful opportunities for young women, persons with disabilities and young people who may otherwise face barriers to participation in the digital economy.
From Presentations to Real Conversations
Rather than relying solely on a traditional presentation format, the session moved into smaller discussion groups led by the visiting speakers.
Students were able to ask questions directly about career development, international opportunities, digital inclusion, emerging technologies and the practical steps young people can take to become involved in the global digital ecosystem.
The discussions also gave students an opportunity to hear the personal journeys behind careers spanning international organizations, technology policy, digital inclusion and global ICT standardization.
A Visit from the President of the University of The Bahamas
The session was also joined by Dr. Robert J. Blaine, III, President of the University of The Bahamas, who welcomed the delegation and encouraged UB students to continue engaging with the opportunities presented through ITU and GYLDC.
On behalf of GSLDC, Dr. Eng Han Tan presented President Blaine with a GSLDC-labelled Chinese tea set as a token of appreciation and friendship, reflecting the growing relationship between the organizations and the University of The Bahamas.
Expanding Opportunities Through the ITU Youth Digital Hubs
The ITU Youth Digital Hubs are designed to create a global network of youth-led spaces connecting young people with digital resources, education, skills development, international networks and opportunities for meaningful participation.
Through the Hubs, GYLDC also aims to expand access to its youth-focused programmes and initiatives.
Dr. Eng Han Tan, Executive Director of GYLDC, said:
“We encourage young people around the world to participate in GYLDC programmes through the ITU Youth Digital Hubs, including the Global AI Competency Assessment (GAICA), the Odyssey Global Challenge, the MakerVerse Challenge, and AIGC for the Future, alongside opportunities connected to AI for Good. Through ITUYDH, we want to bring meaningful opportunities closer to students — helping them strengthen their digital and AI capabilities, collaborate across borders and transform their ideas into solutions with real-world impact.”
Although the formal programme lasted approximately one hour, many students remained afterwards to continue their conversations with members of the delegation.
Their questions, enthusiasm and willingness to engage reflected the strong appetite among Bahamian youth for greater access to international digital learning and leadership opportunities.
GYLDC, together with ITU and supporting organization GSLDC, looks forward to strengthening engagement with the University of The Bahamas and creating further opportunities for Bahamian youth through the ITU Youth Digital Hubs.