On September 22, 2026, Senegal's First Lady, Marie Khone Faye, participated in a meeting on promoting a safe, ethical, and inclusive digital architecture for children, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting was hosted by Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of Turkey. Faye emphasized the need to ensure children have equitable access to digital technologies while ensuring their safety and responsible use of digital tools.
During her intervention, Faye stressed the importance of collective mobilization to better regulate digital usage, protect children's personal data, and strengthen their consideration in decisions concerning their digital future. She also highlighted the need to make technologies tools that promote learning, empowerment, and global openness, while limiting the risks children may be exposed to online.
Faye also discussed Senegal's digital agenda, citing the New Technological Deal inscribed in the Senegal 2050 Agenda and initiatives launched to promote responsible usage and strengthen online child protection. This participation comes as the issue of children's digital security gains increasing attention in international debates, particularly around data protection, equitable access to technologies, and digital education.
The meeting was an initiative of Emine Erdoğan, the UNICEF, and the United Nations, aiming to prioritize child protection in the digital age. Faye expressed her gratitude to Erdoğan, UNICEF, and the UN for this initiative. The event brought together various stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the digital environment for children.
Faye's participation in the meeting demonstrates Senegal's commitment to promoting a safer digital environment for children. The country's initiatives in this area align with global efforts to address the challenges of the digital age. The First Lady's advocacy for child protection in the digital environment is a significant step towards ensuring a safer online space for children.
The issue of child protection in the digital environment has become a pressing concern globally. The rapid evolution of digital technologies has created new risks and challenges for children, including online exploitation, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. Faye's call for collective action to address these challenges is a timely reminder of the need for governments, civil society, and the private sector to work together to protect children online.
Senegal's efforts to promote a safer digital environment for children are part of a broader global effort to ensure that digital technologies are harnessed for the benefit of all. The country's commitment to protecting children online is a significant step towards achieving this goal. Key initiatives, such as the New Technological Deal and online child protection programs, demonstrate Senegal's proactive approach to addressing the challenges of the digital age.
Key points
- Marie Khone Faye calls for collective action to protect children online.
- Senegal's First Lady participates in a UN meeting on promoting a safe digital environment for children.
- Senegal launches initiatives to promote responsible digital usage and protect children online.
