Engaging Communities and Shaping the Future of 6G at AIESEC Switzerland Conference
At the recent AIESEC Switzerland conference in Fiesch, young leaders from across the country gathered to engage in discussions on the future of technology and societal impact. Among the standout sessions was a workshop hosted by Digital for Planet, which introduced the EU-funded 6G4Society project.Â
Through engaging discussions, the workshop highlighted how 6G can drive transformative change if rooted in social and environmental responsibility, sparking thoughtful dialogue on the values that should underpin this next wave of connectivity.
The initiative highlighted Digital for Planet’s commitment to public engagement, showcasing the ways that 6G can connect communities and foster an inclusive digital future. The session gave participants a chance to consider 6G from multiple perspectives, emphasizing our dedication to aligning technology with community and environmental well-being.
Exploring 6G’s Multi-Faceted Impact
Organized within the framework of the 6G4Society project, the workshop introduced participants to a series of critical themes that underscored 6G’s potential as a force for positive change. Attendees were encouraged to discuss, collaborate, and debate ideas, working in groups that focused on various dimensions of 6G’s anticipated impact:Â
- The Swiss Ecosystem
Focusing on local and national perspectives, this group analyzed the specific impacts of 6G technology within Switzerland, including the potential for new jobs, economic shifts, and localized environmental monitoring solutions. - Connecting EuropeÂ
Taking a regional approach, the Europe group discussed how 6G could strengthen European digital sovereignty, support sustainable smart cities, and foster stronger regional integration.Â
- Media, Information and Misinformation
This group discussed the implications of 6G for media and information dissemination, recognizing the double-edged sword of faster communication. They explored ways to counter potential risks, such as misinformation and echo chambers, which could be amplified by 6G’s pervasive and instantaneous reach. - Societal impact and the Digital Divide Â
Examining the broader social impact, participants delved into how 6G might influence human connectivity, equality, safety, and societal norms, particularly as communication technology becomes even more embedded in daily life. With 5G already reshaping connectivity, the discussion turned to the future challenges and opportunities of 6G in bridging the digital divide. Participants considered how the technology could either improve global access to digital resources or risk leaving underserved communities further behind. The consensus emerged on the importance of accessible, equitable digital infrastructure for 6G to truly serve society at large.
Explore our deep dive into the Digital Divide. - Aligning 6G Development with Environmental ValuesÂ
A core topic of the session involved envisioning a 6G era where technology development is aligned with sustainability and social justice. Attendees discussed methods for ensuring that the 6G rollout prioritizes environmental responsibility, such as using energy-efficient hardware and promoting circular economy practices within the telecommunications sector. - Education and WorkforceÂ
This group addressed how 6G might transform access to education and the workforce. Ideas included enabling more immersive, accessible learning environments and anticipating workforce shifts, including job creation, automation, and skills training for new digital roles. In addition to the workshop, Digital for Planet also hosted an interactive booth where participants could engage directly with the 6G4Society project. Here, attendees had the chance to learn more about 6G in an engaging, hands-on way through activities like “Spin the 6G Wheel”, a game designed to make exploring 6G’s possibilities fun and informative. This booth offered an informal space for participants to ask questions, share ideas, and deepen their understanding of 6G’s role in shaping our future.Â
Fostering Community and Collaboration in the Swiss Innovation Ecosystem
Throughout the workshop, Digital for Planet underscored the critical role of community engagement in developing a 6G ecosystem grounded in social and environmental values. The event left attendees inspired by the vision of a digitally-enabled future in which technology empowers people, supports sustainable practices, and bridges—rather than deepens—social divides.Â
As 6G remains in its formative stages, initiatives like the 6G4Society project are essential for fostering a society-wide dialogue on its potential impacts. The AIESEC Switzerland conference provided Digital for Planet with an invaluable platform to connect with Swiss young leaders and organizations, strengthening partnerships within the Swiss ecosystem to collaboratively build a responsible, inclusive digital future.Â