AI for Good blog

Bringing diverse youth voices to the AI table

Young AI Leaders Community | Youth

by Alexandra Bustos Iliescu

The digital future cannot be built without the voices of those who will live in it the longest: youth. 

It is becoming increasingly evident that the digital skills gap is widening as AI advances at an unprecedented pace (AI for Good, 2024). In this context, young people, particularly those under 30, recognized as the most digitally connected generation, are actively shaping the digital landscape through social media, entrepreneurship, activism, and innovation (Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, 2024). Unlocking their potential requires not only equipping them with the skills and tools needed to guide future technologies but also amplifying their voices on a global stage. 

Recognizing this imperative, AI for Good launched the Young AI Leaders Community last month within the Impact Initiative with Ebtesam Almazourei as the Chair. This initiative aims to empower youth globally to lead the AI revolution with fair access, impactful change, and ethical integrity. At AI for Good, we believe that the future of AI lies not just in its technology but in the people shaping it. 

That is why we are calling for young people to join the Young AI Leaders Community – a new global platform to develop and showcase innovative AI solutions addressing real-world challenges. 

Promoting diverse perspectives and striving for gender equality are central priorities for our community. The question, “Where are all the women?” drives our commitment to ensuring that this space actively champions gender equality and amplifies every youth voice at the AI table. 

Concerns about gender bias in technology have gained attention with the rise of tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT (Media, 2024). A 2024 article by Media highlighted that while 29% of entry-level AI workers are women, this represents a significant gender imbalance, given that women make up half of the global population (Interface, 2024). Euronews further reports a “significant underrepresentation” of women in STEM fields, including AI, underscoring the importance of addressing these disparities. 

Diversity is not just a value, it is an imperative in the rapidly advancing field of AI. Encouraging gender equality is at the heart of our mission. While a 2021 World Economic Forum report noted that over a quarter of AI professionals globally were women , we recognize the need to push beyond these figures. Our Young AI Leaders Community is dedicated to bringing every voice to the table, ensuring an inclusive future where all perspectives are represented. 

As AI drives the Fourth Industrial Revolution, transforming industries, economies, and societies, the importance of empowering youth has never been clearer. A 2019 report by the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard emphasized the critical role young people play as stakeholders in the digital economy, cautioning against neglecting the cultivation of generations capable of steering technological development (Berkman Klein Center, 2019; World Economic Forum, 2022). 

Generational divides in technology use and perception further highlight this urgency. Older adults often encounter barriers to adopting new technologies, such as confidence issues and physical challenges (Pew Research Center, 2019). In contrast, younger generations express a markedly optimistic outlook. A 2018 Pew survey found that 73% of Millennials viewed the internet as a positive force for society (Pew Research Center, 2019). These perspectives underscore the need to involve youth in fostering an inclusive and forward-looking digital future. 

By uniting the most digitally connected generation worldwide, and supported by industry experts and international organizations, young leaders can transform their ideas into impactful, scalable projects. Through mentorship programs, training sessions, and workshops, they gain skills, expand knowledge, and enhance their influence in the AI community.  

The community fosters collaboration across regions, enabling members to work on initiatives aligned with the United Nations’ SDGs. Young leaders are provided with opportunities to present their projects at international events, ensuring visibility and recognition for their efforts. Transparency and accountability are prioritized, with tools to track KPIs and annual reports offering insights into successes and areas for improvement. 

Innovation is at the heart of the Young AI Leaders Community. Members contribute to AI for Good initiatives such as bridging the AI skills gap, organizing hackathons, and participating in the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge. With guidance and resources, these youth-led initiatives are designed to thrive and create lasting, positive impacts.  

The application deadline to join the community and open a hub in your region is fast approaching!  

Apply now by 1 December 2024 

The next generation must not only inherit the technologies of tomorrow but be empowered to shape them today. Through initiatives like the Young AI Leaders Community, AI for Good is ensuring that young people have the skills, platform, and support to lead the way in building a more inclusive and sustainable digital future. 

When it comes to skills development, AI for Good is also invested in the training and education of future young leaders. Opportunities for AI upskilling for young students and children will also be accessible through the AI for Good AI Skills Coalition platform, which will offer dedicated training courses for these groups (as well as for other underserved or disadvantaged ones) starting from early 2025. Training opportunities will target young learners worldwide, equipping them with the technical skills required to navigate the ever-advancing AI landscape.