Youth major stakeholders to unlock Artificial Intelligence opportunities — Minister

The Central Regional Minister, Justina Marigold Assan, has described the youth as the comity that held the keys to unlocking a future of boundless opportunities in this era of artificial intelligence.

She said as the country navigated the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the youth stood at the forefront of the digital revolution with their innate technological prowess and innovative spirit.

Mrs Assan made the observation when she addressed the third National Youth Conference (NYC) as part of activities to mark this year’s International Youth Day (IYD) at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region.

Event

The conference, which was organised by the National Youth Authority (NYA), in partnership with the United Nations and the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) was on the theme; "From clicks to progress: Youth digital pathways for sustainable development."

It provided a unique platform for the youth to engage, ideate and chart a course that leveraged digital technologies to tackle the country's complex information systems challenges.

It was focused on empowering the youth in various aspects of development including climate-resilient food systems in the country, peace and security in the digital era, driving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure quality production and economic growth, participation in decision-making which bridges the digital divide, financial literacy and entrepreneurship, as well as harnessing digital innovation for a sustainable future.

Digital divide

From bridging the digital divide to harnessing the power of e-governance, online education and digital financial inclusion, Mrs Assan said, “we live in an increasingly digitised world where the internet and emerging technologies drive every aspect of our lives.”

She said it was through the empowerment of the youth and equitable access to digital tools and skills that the country could build a truly prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Ghana.

Advising the youthful delegates, the regional minister further reminded them that they were the architects of tomorrow and said their creativity, passion and vision would shape the very fabric of the society.

“I plead with you to take this conference as a great opportunity to amplify your voices, share ideas, forge partnerships and build networks that will transform your digital dreams into tangible realities,” she said.

Mrs Assan also expressed delight at the efforts made by the government over the last seven years to champion initiatives to develop the youth and said it had had significant strides in digital literacy, skills training and created an enabling environment for youth-led enterprises.

She added that the introduction of start-ups had also opened up new avenues for young people in the country to thrive from e-commerce and fintech to renewable energy and smart agriculture and for the youth to pioneer digital solutions that were transforming lives and livelihoods.

“As we are all aware, we live in an increasingly digitised world where the internet and emerging technologies drive every aspect of our lives.

“For the youth of today, the digital realm has become a gateway to limitless opportunities in entrepreneurship, education, civic engagement and artistic expression,” Mrs Assan stressed.

Election

Touching on the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary election, Mrs Assan advised the youth to be responsible towards a peaceful election and hoped that they would lead the crusade for a peaceful election.

“I urge you all to channel your energies into productive discussions, to build bridges rather than barriers and set an example of respectful engagements and thoughtful participation and refrain from all negative vibes,” she stated.