In the United States, youth are actively engaged with government officials to discuss both challenges and ideas for change, and we are stronger for it. MEDIA IN THE DIGITAL AGE The United States is committed to protecting and upholding the human rights of young people around the globe and empowering youth voices to advocate for their rights. We recognize the global and open nature of the internet as a driving force in accelerating progress towards development in its various forms, and in particular its importance to minority youth’s advocacy and connectedness. The internet and other forms of media have contributed to empowering today’s youth, who are the most interconnected, well-educated, and healthiest generation in history, as noted by the Deputy High Commissioner in September 2016. The internet is a critical tool allowing greater involvement in public and political life for minority youth, particular as a platform for outreach and advocacy. The United States and its partners work to ensure that credible local voices opposed to violence and extremism have the tools and platforms to do their own outreach, to highlight the deceptions of violent extremist narratives, and to voice peaceful alternatives. The greatest investment a nation can make is enabling and equipping its young people to become the leaders of today and tomorrow. In recognition of the importance of this task, the United States affirms that quality education plays a decisive role in development, and encourages the promotion of digital literacy and the facilitation of access to information on the internet, which can be an important tool in facilitating the promotion of the right to education. As the rapid pace of technological development enables individuals all over the world to use new information and communication technologies, it remains important to continue to respect human rights. The same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, in particular freedom of expression, which is applicable regardless of frontiers and through any media of one’s choice, in accordance with articles 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. SUSTAINING PEACE AND STABILITY