This year’s theme, “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” comes at a key moment. As Artificial Intelligence reshapes our societies, young people must be supported as co-creators of fair, inclusive and sustainable digital futures, equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate new opportunities and challenges.
But the reality is clear:
- 7 in 10 young people remain economically disengaged because they lack both the skills and the educational pathways to secure decent jobs.
- 86% of students say they do not feel prepared for an AI-enabled workplace, highlighting gaps not only in technical training but also in critical thinking and ethical understanding of technology.
- Many students, especially girls and marginalised groups, still face barriers to accessing quality education that combines skills development with deeper learning and knowledge.
At the Global Student Forum, we believe that:
- Skills and knowledge must go hand-in-hand to ensure students thrive in the age of AI and digitalisation.
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) should be connected with strong general and civic education that empowers students to think, question and lead.
- Young people must have a seat at the table to shape how AI is developed, used and governed, with education systems that prepare them not just to adapt, but to drive change ethically.
