Let's meet the 2024 WIC Global Youth Leaders!

Gabriel Karsan [Photo provided to wicinternet.org]

Gabriel Karsan acts as the secretariat lead for the African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance (APNIG), where he spearheads the development of digital strategies aimed at bolstering policy dialogue and the network's influence throughout the continent. With over seven years of expertise in the field, Karsan has been instrumental in shaping discussions on internet governance, having co-organized and facilitated high-level forums such as the Africa Youth Internet Governance Forum and the Internet Governance Forum. An advocate for the convergence of technology and policy, Karsan concentrates on the impact of emerging technologies in promoting equity, accessibility, and democratic processes. As the founding director of the Emerging Youth Initiative, he spearheads initiatives to encourage the adoption of new technologies across various platforms, including the Dream Internet Voices podcast. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, is a certified Young and Emerging Leader, and is actively engaged in policy thought leadership across multiple languages, including English, German and Swahili. His work also encompasses publishing on the future of democracies in a digital world.

Xu Yuan [Photo provided to wicinternet.org]

Xu Yuan, a Senior Engineer at CNCERT, boasts a wealth of experience in international cybersecurity cooperation. Currently, she holds a prominent position as a member of the steering committee for the Asia-Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT) and leads the APCERT information sharing group. Additionally, she has previously served as the vice-chair of APCERT and convener of the Security and Prosperity Steering Group within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Telecommunications Working Group (APEC-TEL). Xu Yuan has successfully formulated and implemented the "CNCERT International Partner" program, facilitating cross-border incident handling and information sharing. Her efforts were recognized in 2022 when the "CNCERT Cybersecurity Incident Handling Cooperation" was selected as a prestigious case for jointly constructing a community with a shared future in cyberspace. She remains an active participant in the cybersecurity endeavors of various international organizations, including the United Nations, APEC, ITU, SCO, ASEAN and BRICS. Notably, she spearheaded and completed the APEC project titled "Guide on Policy and Technical Approaches against Botnet", which was subsequently published on the APEC website. Furthermore, she drafted the "China-ASEAN National Computer Emergency Response Organization Cooperation Mechanism", garnering the endorsement of the China-ASEAN Telecommunications Ministers' Meeting.

Diana Alvarez [Photo provided to wicinternet.org]

Diana Alvarez is a leader in the field of international development, with expertise as a program and policy manager. She leverages technology and partnerships to address global challenges. Her extensive experience includes working at the European Parliament, the United Nations, global health NGOs, in management consulting, and with the World Economic Forum. Diana has spearheaded initiatives related to migration, food security, global health, philanthropy and business sustainability. At the UN, Diana focused on migration policy and governance, collaborating with national governments and improving global healthcare access through digital health projects. At the World Economic Forum, she led the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Community of Latin America, promoting sustainable practices among business leaders and advocating for the inclusion of youth in policymaking. Diana holds a master’s degree in international and European Studies from SciencesPo, with additional studies in migration, communication, and sustainability from Oxford, Harvard, and Cambridge. Her goal is to utilize information and communication technologies to advance the UN SDGs, with a particular focus on financial inclusion, smart agriculture, telemedicine and education.