Press Release: Young people call for fairer, more transparent digital systems at NPC’s Open Youth Infrastructure launch

Young people, youth workers, funders, and digital experts came together yesterday at Paul Hamlyn Foundation for the launch of Open Youth Infrastructure (OYI), a year-long NPC project to plan how we can build an effective, equitable and open youth infrastructure. 

At the event, the OYI Stakeholder Group unveiled a youth-led set of eight statements, developed over 12 months of cross-sector collaboration. These statements set out what young people believe an effective, trustworthy, and inclusive digital infrastructure should look like, from transparent data use to long-term funding, to collaboration over competition. 

Three youth-shaped prototype ideas were also pitched, highlighting practical ways the sector could adopt open standards, reduce fragmentation, and improve the journey young people take when seeking help. 

Lauren Bennett, 20, a stakeholder group member who helped to organise and host the event said: 

“I have loved leading elements of Open Youth Infrastructure. This project has already had a huge impact; myself and the other young people we’ve worked with have experienced real life leadership opportunities and been challenged to address a complex need into a clear, concise solution. I’m excited to see the potential of this project as I know it will be life changing for many more young people.” 

One stakeholder group member, Sami Gichki, 22, shared his experience of growing up in Manchester while navigating the asylum system and relying on community organisations for mental health support. Sami now works across sectors embedding lived experience into research and governance. 

Reflecting on the project, he said: 

“Many of us, including myself, rely on Google and Artificial Intelligence to help us navigate daily challenges as much as we rely on our support systems. This project shines a light on what works, what can be improved, and most importantly, how our opinions differ from those of experts.” 

The launch highlighted growing concern from young people that the systems they use daily, from AI-enabled information tools to fragmented support pathways are not designed with their needs, rights, or realities in mind. Attendees emphasised that youth voice must lead every decision in future digital infrastructure and we must work collaboratively and openly to make real changes that will benefit young people. 

The OYI Stakeholder Group and NPC will now work with partners across the youth, tech, and funding sectors to turn these ideas into action- including the need for a neutral, cross-sector steward to guide long-term development of Open Youth Infrastructure.  

Stay connected:

• Notion with project information & research reports: https://zingfoundation.notion.site/oyi
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-youth-infrastructure/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openyouthinfrastructure?igsh=eWs0NDNzNTFvejVv&utm_source=qr