Empowering Youth for the Future Economy through Digital and AI Fluency
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at closing the AI access gap, Goodwall has partnered with Microsoft and HP Inc to introduce the NextGen AI Alliance. This innovative global collaboration is designed to arm young people with the skills necessary to leverage the opportunities presented by AI.
Timed strategically ahead of significant global events such as the United Nations General Assembly and International Youth Day, the NextGen AI Alliance is more than just a tech project – it serves as a blueprint for democratizing complex digital skills, including AI, and making them more accessible, engaging, and relevant to local market conditions.
The rapid evolution of AI is transforming industries at an unprecedented rate, yet a large number of young individuals are still excluded from the potential it offers. The program aims to rectify this by demystifying advanced technologies, linking them to real-world applications, and ensuring that digital and AI education is both relevant and achievable for young people across the globe.
Speaking about the initiative, Taha Bawa, Co-founder & CEO of Goodwall, emphasized, “This program aims to equip young individuals with the foundational AI skills required to excel in the digital economy. By meeting youth where they are, we are making AI more accessible, empowering them to shape their futures, and preparing them for the intelligence age.”
Through collaborations with partners from both the private and public sectors, the NextGen AI Alliance intends to:
- Provide youth with GenAI fluency and digital skills essential for the future workforce
- Offer gamified, localized learning experiences tailored to specific regions, starting with Africa, Brazil, and a pilot program in India
- Enhance impact through financial backing, program expansion, and deeper learning opportunities
Africa boasts the world’s youngest population, with over 60% of individuals under the age of 25. Despite this, digital inequality remains prevalent. According to the World Bank, less than 30% of youth in Sub-Saharan Africa have access to digital learning resources. By 2030, more than 230 million jobs across the continent will necessitate digital skills. However, only 2% of youth currently possess foundational skills in AI, coding, or emerging technologies.
The NextGen AI Alliance seeks to reverse these trends by providing mobile-first, gamified learning experiences that are localized and accessible, even in low-bandwidth environments. Content will be delivered through the Goodwall platform, designed to be practical, culturally relevant, and user-friendly.
Naria Santa Lucia, General Manager, Skills for Social Impact at Microsoft, highlighted the importance of involving young individuals in the realm of Generative AI. She stated, “Through our AI Skills Initiative and the NextGen AI Alliance, we are opening doors to careers and possibilities that may have seemed out of reach. Microsoft is committed to equipping youth with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy by collaborating with nonprofits, schools, and community organizations worldwide to provide AI training.”
HP Inc, another key partner in the Alliance, stressed the significance of preparing youth for the future workforce through digital literacy and practical learning. Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact at HP Inc. and Executive Director of the HP Foundation, expressed, “AI has the potential to revolutionize the world, but this necessitates global youth having the opportunity to comprehend and apply it. By equipping disconnected youth with the necessary skills for the future workforce, we are unlocking new avenues for innovation, economic inclusion, and sustainable impact.”
The NextGen AI Alliance envisions a future where young individuals worldwide are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to leverage the power of AI and digital skills to shape their destinies.
Goodwall’s Bawa added, “We need this AI moment to be inclusive and welcoming to all, engaging youth through meaningful learning journeys that foster confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.”
The NextGen AI Alliance is poised to engage both youth and global decision-makers, positioning itself at the crossroads of tech innovation, education, and social equity. As AI continues to reshape the global landscape, this initiative ensures that young individuals have access to the opportunities AI creates.
For further details, please visit www.goodwall.org
