Since its official launch in January 2025, the Young AI Leaders Community has experienced remarkable growth, with over 90 hubs established across 50 countries. As an extension of the AI for Good Impact Initiative, the community empowers young people around the world to explore the responsible use of artificial intelligence in addressing global challenges.
This momentum was underscored in March when the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) headquarters in Geneva hosted a hybrid-format community gathering—an event that emerged organically when a representative from the Latin American region travelled to Geneva and connected with members of the Swiss hubs. What began as a single meeting evolved into a meaningful milestone, highlighting the strength, spontaneity, and reach of the Young AI Leaders network.
The encounter brought together hub members from Geneva (Kamila Ciok, Vestin Hategekimana,Eva Boxill, Louis Gérard,Hangyeol Kang), Lausanne (David Alonso del Barrio, Ravinithesh Annapureddy), Mexico City, Bogotá, and Buenos Aires, bridging continents and fostering in-person collaboration between regions that, until then, had only connected virtually. The gathering served as a powerful testament to the community’s rapid expansion and to the strong bonds forming between young innovators from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds.
The Young AI Leaders were warmly welcomed by Alexandra Bustos Iliescu, Programme Manager for the Young AI Leaders Community, and Alessandro Ciceri, AI Governance Intern at AI for Good. With a balanced mix of in-person and remote participation, the meeting provided a valuable opportunity for hub leaders to reflect on their journeys. They began by sharing the challenges they encountered while recruiting members and shaping their project strategies. Alexandra offered constructive feedback to each hub, encouraging refinement while reinforcing the core message: there is no set blueprint. The path forward, she reminded them, lies in their ability to think boldly, experiment, and define innovative strategies tailored to their local contexts.
“It was a surreal moment. I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to be in a room with such brilliant minds from around the world. Without a doubt, this AI for Good program, under Alexandra’s leadership, will have a massive global impact.”— Eugenio Salas Hub Leader Mexico City, Mexico – The Americas Region
During the session, Eugenio Salas, Hub Leader of Mexico City, presented on behalf of his hub. His presentation detailed the hub’s mission and strategic outlook for 2025, while drawing attention to the complex socio-economic challenges facing the city. He also addressed problems related to urban mobility, the prevalence of the informal economy, limited access to healthcare services, and the broader pressures associated with migration.
Daniel Mancilla, the hub’s Impact Lead, followed with a discussion on strategic partnerships, outlining how collaborations have become critical to the implementation of their initiatives. He highlighted alliances with organisations such as Bside, ANIA, AMCID, ConsumoTIC, Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Unlock, each contributing in different capacities to the hub’s expanding portfolio of work.
The momentum of the session continued with a regional announcement from Jhonatan Sanchez, Regional Lead of the Mexico City Hub. Speaking alongside collaborators Valeria Soler and Sebastián D’agrosa Okita, he unveiled the formation of the LATAM Coalition, an initiative designed to unite Latin American hubs under a common framework. The coalition aims to address shared regional challenges through joint action and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the idea that cooperation across borders can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.
“There truly is so much for us to do together in LATAM. It truly is such a big encouragement to share this mission with the globalized youth, each bringing forth so much to their hubs and to the community. I applaud the work of Mexico and feel deeply inspired by this wonderful team” – Valeria Soler, Hub Leader Bogota, Colombia – The Americas Region
This meeting served as more than just a gathering, it was a marker in the journey of the Young AI Leaders Community. It offered a moment of reflection on the progress achieved in just a few short months, the legacy already taking shape, and the vibrant community continuing to grow across continents. It was a space where hub leaders stepped back to consider the road travelled: the challenges they have faced, the vision that propels them forward, and the shared sense of purpose that binds them together.
“As a PhD student in the areas of AI governance and capacity building, I welcome the chance to leverage my expertise while voicing the needs of my generation” – Murillo Salvador, Hub Leader Geneva, Switzerland – Europe Region
Throughout the session, members shared their experiences, articulating not only their objectives but also the obstacles they encountered in building teams, defining strategies, and laying the groundwork for impactful AI-driven projects. It was a moment of mutual learning, where stories of struggle were matched by stories of resilience.
The meeting concluded with a Q&A session that encouraged open dialogue, allowing attendees to exchange insights, lessons, and words of encouragement. In a final and heartfelt gesture, Alexandra surprised the participants with exclusive AI for Good merchandise. Tote bags, t-shirts, pins, and stickers were handed out, offering a joyful close to an event that underscored not only the professionalism and commitment of these young leaders, but also the warmth and camaraderie that lies at the very core of their community.
