Aqdar And MBZUAI Host Event On Youth Empowerment In Artificial Intelligence Skills

The Khalifa Empowerment Programme (Aqdar) and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) recently hosted a panel discussion and scientific debate. These events, titled "Empowering the Future - Youth in the Era of Artificial Intelligence" and "Artificial Intelligence and Youth - Motivation or Obstacle?" respectively, coincided with World Youth Skills Day. They aimed to underscore the significance of equipping young people with digital skills to enhance their societal participation and job prospects.

The discussions focused on empowering youth through artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills, aligning with this year's World Youth Day theme. The sessions explored ways to build young people's capacities to engage with AI and advanced digital technologies. This empowerment is crucial for them to become creators of a sustainable digital future.

Mohammed Al Harmoodi, CEO of Aqdar, highlighted the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future. He stated: "Youth play a pivotal role in shaping the future. They represent the renewable energy and creative minds capable of change and development. With rapid technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most prominent tools of the modern era, reshaping various aspects of life. Therefore, empowering youth with the necessary knowledge and skills in this field is essential to ensure their effective participation in building an advanced digital future based on innovation and sustainability."

Rawda Al Meraikhi from MBZUAI emphasised the importance of providing youth with advanced AI knowledge and skills. She said: "Empowering youth with advanced knowledge and skills in AI is a fundamental pillar for creating a prosperous future across all fields. At the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, we are committed to providing an inspiring and supportive environment that helps young people develop their capabilities and transform their ideas into innovative solutions that serve society and support the UAE's ambitions for global leadership in AI.''

Amidst rapid advancements in AI technologies, young people remain central to driving innovation forward. Rawda Al Meraikhi added that AI serves as an empowering tool within society rather than just a technology.

The event also facilitated constructive dialogue among young participants, showcasing their success stories within AI fields. These narratives contribute to collaborative efforts towards a future grounded in artificial intelligence and technology.

This initiative underscores how vital it is for youth today not only to adapt but also actively engage with emerging technologies like AI. By doing so, they can significantly contribute towards achieving sustainable development goals while enhancing employment opportunities globally.

With inputs from WAM