Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for young people to learn, work and contribute to society. But making the most of those opportunities also requires responsible and ethical use of the technology.
This was one of the key messages from a youth discussion held at Dhaka University in Bangladesh, supported by the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh.
The event formed part of the Bangladesh Decides, The Youth Speaks initiative, which encourages university students to share their ideas and aspirations for a more sustainable future.
AI as a tool for positive change
During the discussion, students explored how AI could support areas ranging from employment and entrepreneurship to agriculture and sustainable development.
Participants highlighted the potential for AI to help address practical challenges, including improving efficiency and supporting innovation in both urban and rural communities.
However, speakers also stressed that technological progress needs to be accompanied by ethics, integrity and fairness.
Being able to use new technologies is important, but so is understanding their wider impact and ensuring that they are applied responsibly.
Giving young people a voice in the AI conversation
The discussion is particularly relevant to VALUES, which places young people at the centre of conversations about artificial intelligence.
Young people should not simply be passive users of AI. They need opportunities to discuss how the technology should be used, what values should guide it and how it can contribute positively to their communities.
Events such as this show the value of combining digital skills with civic participation. AI competence is not only about knowing how to use a tool; it is also about making informed decisions about when, why and for whose benefit it should be used.
As AI becomes increasingly important in education, employment and society, involving young people in these discussions will be essential to ensuring that technological development remains connected to human needs and values.
Further reading to original article: Optimum use of AI underlined at EU supported youth discourse at DU, originally published by Prothom Alo: https://en.prothomalo.com/youth/a5uny3d48q