AI for Educational Transformation and Youth Development: Opportunities and Risks

International Competence Development Committee (ICDC), The Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy (CSEDS)

Session 130

Monday, 6 July 2026 ∼ 09:00–09:45 (UTC+02:00) Physical (on-site) and Virtual (remote) participation Innovation Hub, ITU Montbrillant Building Youth Interactive Session

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Physical (on-site) and Virtual (remote) participation

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming education systems and reshaping the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities facing young people worldwide. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in learning, work, and social participation, there is a growing need to ensure that youth are equipped not only with digital skills, but also with the knowledge, values, and global competencies required to thrive in an AI-driven future.

This session will explore both the opportunities and risks of AI-enabled educational transformation and youth development. Drawing on interdisciplinary research conducted by eight student research teams from leading Chinese universities, the session will showcase youth perspectives on key topics including educational equity, teachers’ digital competencies, inclusive and special education, higher education transformation, AI ethics, youth participation in public affairs, AI governance, and global competence development in the digital era.

Through presentations by student researchers, expert reflections, and youth dialogue, the session aims to foster meaningful exchanges among young people, academics, policymakers, and international organizations. The programme will also feature a dedicated youth perspective sharing segment, where a young student representative will reflect on how AI can support more inclusive and equitable learning opportunities from the viewpoint of the next generation.

Participants will discuss how AI can contribute to more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable education systems while addressing the ethical, social, and policy challenges associated with emerging technologies. The session seeks to contribute to ongoing international discussions within the WSIS process and support the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr. Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond Senior Advisor & Co-Chair Geneva Center for Security Policy / Advisory Committee, UNITAR Global Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Centre / International Competence Development Committe

Former UN Under Secretary-General and Special Advisor to Secretary-General: Led conceptualization and execution of the UN@75 initiative, a conversation on the “future we want the UN we need” gathering, analyzing, and presenting the views of millions of people in all countries with a view to contributing to UN reform efforts. Looked at emerging global governance challenges and supported multilateral negotiations on the UN75 declaration which was adopted by heads of state in September 2020. Also led work on digital cooperation and the formulation of the UN Secretary-General’s (SG) Roadmap to ensure universal, affordable safe and secure digital access by 2030 in line with the SDGs.

Senior Advisor and Fellow of Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP): Initiating and supporting project of SIPA, Columbia University, GCSP and Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) on the future of peace and war.

Co-Chair of Advisory Committee, UNITAR Global Sustainable Development Goals and Leadership Development Centre.

Senior Advisor of International Competence Development Committee (ICDC), The Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy (CSEDS).

Mr. Chunhui Ke Executive Vice President and Secretary-General The Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy (CSEDS)

Executive Vice President and Secretary-General of the Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy (CSEDS). Mr. Ke Chunhui previously served as Deputy Director-General of the Department of Policies and Regulations of the Ministry of Education of China, and as Party Secretary and Executive Deputy President of China Education Television. He has extensive experience in educational policy, strategic planning, and education media development.

Dr. Ning Zhang Vice-President & Director-General International Competence Development Committee (ICDC), The Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy (CSEDS)

Vice President of the Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy and Director-General of International Competence Development Committee, Former Deputy Secretary-General of China Scholarship Council, with previous roles including Education Counselor at Chinese Embassy in Sweden, Assistant Director-General of Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges at Ministry of Education (concurrently Director of Overseas Study Division), and Education Consul at Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco. Adjunct Professor at Zhejiang University and Beijing Foreign Studies University.

Ms. Wenxi Niu Operations Lead of the Global Competence Development Program International Competence Development Committee (ICDC), China Moderator

Niu Wenxi has long been dedicated to the cultivation of talent with global competence. As Curriculum Operations Lead of the Global Competence Development Program, she oversees the implementation of the program across partner universities, tracking course progress and ensuring smooth delivery. She works closely with subject matter experts to review course materials and instructional videos, and supports experts in conducting thematic workshops on university campuses.

In addition, Niu Wenxi hosts the livestreamed Q&A sessions on global competence. To date, she has hosted nearly 150 such sessions, reaching over 50,000 participants. These experiences have deepened her understanding of large-scale capacity-building initiatives and cross-cultural educational engagement.

Niu Wenxi follows closely the global discourse on digital transformation, AI governance, and multi-stakeholder collaboration—key themes of the WSIS Forum. She is particularly interested in how digital skills cultivation, inclusive access to technology, and youth empowerment can strengthen international competence in the digital age. She believes that capacity building in the global competence field aligns closely with the WSIS Action Lines and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in fostering equitable and sustainable development through education and innovation.

Topics

Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building Digital Divide Digital Inclusion Digital Skills Digital Transformation Education Emerging Technologies Ethics Global Digital Compact (GDC)

WSIS Action Lines

C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
C3. Access to information and knowledge
C4. Capacity building
C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning
C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-employment
C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
C11. International and regional cooperation

This session contributes to the implementation of several WSIS Action Lines by exploring how artificial intelligence can support inclusive, equitable, and sustainable educational transformation while empowering young people to actively participate in the digital society.

The session is closely linked to C3 (Access to Information and Knowledge) and C7 (E-learning) through discussions on AI-enabled learning, educational accessibility, digital inclusion, and innovative approaches to expanding learning opportunities for diverse groups of learners. It also contributes to C4 (Capacity Building) by examining the development of digital skills, AI literacy, global competence, and future-oriented capabilities needed by both educators and young people.

Through discussions on youth development, future skills, and workforce readiness in the AI era, the session further supports C7 (E-employment) by highlighting the importance of preparing young people for emerging opportunities and challenges in the digital economy.

The session addresses C10 (Ethical Dimensions of the Information Society) through student research and expert dialogue on AI ethics, responsible innovation, inclusion, fairness, and the potential risks associated with AI-driven educational transformation.

By promoting youth engagement, public participation, and multistakeholder dialogue on AI governance and educational development, the session contributes to C1 (The Role of Governments and All Stakeholders in the Promotion of ICTs for Development). Bringing together youth representatives, academics, policymakers, and international organizations, the session also advances C11 (International and Regional Cooperation) by fostering international dialogue and collaboration in support of the WSIS Action Lines and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

This session contributes to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by exploring how artificial intelligence can support inclusive, equitable, and future-oriented education systems while empowering young people to become active contributors to sustainable development.

The discussion directly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by examining AI-enabled educational transformation, digital learning opportunities, teacher capacity development, and inclusive access to education. It also contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through dialogue on digital skills, workforce transition, and youth preparedness for emerging labor market demands in the AI era.

By addressing issues such as educational equity, accessibility, and opportunities for underrepresented groups, the session advances SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Discussions on AI ethics, responsible innovation, youth participation in governance, and inclusive decision-making processes further support SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Finally, the session reflects the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by bringing together youth representatives, educators, policymakers, international organizations, and technology stakeholders to exchange experiences, share good practices, and strengthen international cooperation for sustainable digital transformation.

GDC Objectives

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 5: Enhance international governance of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity

Links

Website: https://www.gicdc.com.cn/
Organization: International Competence Development Committee (ICDC), The Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy (CSEDS)