Our project was proud to take part in the Global Multistakeholder High Level Conference on the Governance of Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds, held on 31 March–1 April 2025. The event brought together high-level policymakers, technologists, academics, and community leaders from around the world to discuss the future of internet governance in the age of Web 4.0.
The event focused on policy solutions for an ethical, value-driven shift to Web 4.0. and internet standardization and its technical management, as well as inclusive and equal participatory and a multi-stakeholder model of internet governance.
As part of our contribution, our project delivered a participant statement in one of the parallel sessions, focusing on social sustainability. In our statement, we emphasized that governance models for virtual worlds should not overlook the importance of sustainable development. Children and young people are our future stakeholders, and their protection must be a central consideration. We also highlighted that fostering a culture of well-being within organizations supports responsible and secure digital behavior.
The conference’s Outcome Paper offers principles for the next generation of the internet. Being part of this global conversation deepened our understanding of the governance landscape that will shape Web 4.0.
The conference outcome document and participant statements on European Commission´s website:
https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/event-web-4-governance#tab_5
Laura Palovuori, Centria University of Applied Sciences: Social wellbeing prevents youngster to become cyber criminals
Read also the Centria Bulletin article that takes a broader look at why engaging in high-level discussions like this is essential for shaping inclusive and value-driven digital futures (the article is in Finnish).