From Conversation to Co-creation: Fostering Next-Generation Leadership for Sustainable Development through AI Literacy
Navinor/International and Bilingual School Educators Association (IBSEA)
Session 218
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) has long championed the role of youth as digital change-makers. However, the rapid proliferation of Generative AI and autonomous systems has created a paradox: while young people are digital natives, they often lack the critical AI literacy required to lead responsibly. Current educational and policy frameworks focus predominantly on AI as a technical tool or a regulatory risk. This leaves a critical gap in applied leadership competencies and the ability to question algorithmic bias, co-design human-centric AI policies, and leverage AI for sustainable development (SDGs). Without targeted intervention, the next generation of leaders will inherit AI systems they do not fully control or understand. This side event organized by Navinor and the International and Buisness School Educators Association (IBSEA) addresses WSIS Action Lines C4 (Capacity building), C7 (E-learning), and C11 (International cooperation). It responds to the urgent need to move from passive AI consumption to active, ethical, and strategic leadership among youth and emerging professionals.
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C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
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C3. Access to information and knowledge
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C4. Capacity building
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C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs
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C6. Enabling environment
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-government
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-science
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Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
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Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
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Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
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Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
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Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
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Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
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Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
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Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
- Objective 1: Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals
- Objective 2: Expand inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all
- Objective 3: Foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects, protects and promotes human rights
- Objective 4: Advance responsible, equitable and interoperable data governance approaches