India, historically referred to as Bharat, has deeply embedded the philosophical principle of “Vasudev Kutumbakam”, recognizing the entire world as one family. This ancient ethos underscores India's traditional commitment to global unity and mutual respect among nations. Throughout its history, India has been renowned as a beacon of peace, advocating for non-violence and harmony in international relations. With advancements in technology, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, coupled with its status as home to one of the world's largest youth populations, India is positioned to play a crucial role in promoting global harmony.

World Youth Skills Day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly in November 2014 and celebrated annually on July 15th, is a significant event that underscores the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. In 2024, the theme is "Youth Skills for Peace and Development," highlighting the transformative potential of skills and the crucial role of youth in fostering a peaceful world. This year, as we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, it is essential to recognize the power of combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the energy and creativity of youth to foster peace and sustainable development. In the fast-changing technological landscape powered by AI, the role of youth equipped with latest skills in AI is pivoted. 

Defining 'Youth'

There is no universally agreed international definition of the youth age group. ‘Youth’ is often referred to as those transitioning from compulsory education to their first job. The United Nations defines ‘youth’ as individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 years for statistical purposes. In India, 'youth' encompasses those aged 13-35 years. With over 65% of its population under the age of 35, India is one of the youngest countries globally, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Harnessing the vast energies of these young individuals is crucial for building peaceful societies and mitigating conflicts.

The five Cs of Youth

Youth possess five key qualities that, when combined with the potential of AI, can drive transformative change and help India become a Vishwa Guru (world teacher) in peacebuilding and mental well-being education. These five qualities, I called them 5 Cs of Youth are:

Critical Thinkers: Youth can identify and challenge existing power structures and barriers to change, exposing contradictions and biases. With AI, they can analyze data to uncover hidden patterns and predict outcomes, enhancing their ability to think critically.

Change-makers: Youth have the power to act and mobilize others. Global youth activism is on the rise, bolstered by broader connectivity and access to social media. AI can amplify their efforts by optimizing strategies for mobilization and increasing outreach through social media platforms.

Communicators: Youth can effectively communicate agendas to their peers and communities at local, national, and international levels. AI tools such as language translation and sentiment analysis can facilitate clearer and more inclusive communication, bridging gaps and increasing understanding.

Creators: Young people bring fresh perspectives and often have direct knowledge of issues not accessible to adults. AI can empower them to innovate and create solutions, providing tools for problem-solving, design, and development that were previously unimaginable.

Champions: Empowered with knowledge and leadership skills, youth can drive change in their communities and countries. AI can support their leadership by providing data-driven insights and predictive analytics, helping them make informed decisions and lead effectively. 

Incorporating AI into the skill set of youth enhances their capabilities in each of these areas, making them powerful agents of peace and development.

AI: A Catalyst for Peace

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing peacebuilding efforts by equipping youth with critical skills to maximize their potential impact. By equipping young people with AI skills, we empower them to become proactive agents of change in fostering a more peaceful and sustainable global community. For instance, AI-powered data analytics platforms like ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project) analyze vast datasets to predict conflict trends and hotspots in real-time, enabling proactive interventions by youth-led organizations and peacebuilders. These tools not only identify potential areas of conflict but also help allocate resources effectively to mitigate tensions and promote dialogue. Additionally, AI-driven language translation tools, such as Google Translate and DeepL, facilitate communication between conflicting parties by instantly translating messages and documents, fostering mutual understanding and reducing miscommunication. Moreover, AI tools such as Sensity.ai, Adverif.ai and Alto Analytics, can play a crucial role in combating misinformation and disinformation on social media, which often serve as a primary source of conflicts and riots. Youth empowered with AI tools can effectively identify fake news and trace their origins, enabling proactive measures to stop their dissemination and prevent potential societal harm.

AI algorithms can analyze trends in online discourse across platforms like X, WhatsApp, and Facebook to detect polarizing narratives and divisive dialogues. AI tools such as blackbird.ai can protect the organizations against narrative attacks. By analyzing these trends, AI can predict potential threats before they manifest in society. Moreover, youth equipped with AI tools can intervene proactively by implementing targeted counter-messaging and fostering constructive dialogue strategies to mitigate future possibilities of conflict and unrest.

These advancements in AI empower youth to navigate complex social and political landscapes with greater insight and efficiency, ultimately contributing to sustainable peacebuilding efforts worldwide. By leveraging AI, young leaders not only possess the tools they need to address complex challenges but also amplify their ability to create a positive impact on global peacebuilding efforts.

Final Thought

World Youth Skills Day 2024 highlights the crucial role of youth and technology, including artificial intelligence, in shaping a peaceful world. With India hosting one of the world's largest youth populations, this day emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in empowering young people with essential skills to lead global communities towards peace. By investing in AI skill development among youth, we equip the next generation to become effective peacebuilders, further reinforcing India's leadership in promoting peace and upholding the principle of “Vasudev Kutumbakam”. This commitment not only fosters a more just and peaceful world but also taps into the creativity and energy of Indian youth to tackle international challenges and pave the way for a brighter future for everyone.

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