Embracing Generative AI for Empowering Youth Voices Towards Positive Societal Change and a Sustainable Future

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          Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to systems that create new content, such as text, images, music, and even code, based on input data (Kennesaw State University, 2024). AI has emerged as a powerful tool with transformative potential for youths committed to sustainable development. It has the promise to become a unique ally in amplifying youth voices; addressing the biggest challenges in education and accelerating student learning (SDG-4); enhancing mental health support (SDG-3); fostering climate action (SDG-16); and building resilient, sustainable communities (SDG-11).

 

AI Amplifying Youth Voices for Global Impact

          One of the most remarkable aspects of AI is its capacity to democratize knowledge and amplify marginalized voices. Young people today have much to say about the future they are inheriting, whether through poetry, like “Gen Z’s Message to Generations Before,” or commentary on global change, as discussed in "Hope in Action." AI tools enable young activists, creators, and thinkers to craft their stories and share them with an international audience. For instance, text-to-speech models or AI-driven language translation can make youth-led publications accessible to diverse linguistic groups, ensuring that every young person’s voice can contribute to a shared global conversation.

 

AI Supporting Mental Health and Emotional Intelligence

          The need for mental health resources is critical for young people, especially in a world where digital pressures can often seem overwhelming. AI can support the development of customized mental health resources and apps that respond empathetically to young users. Imagine an AI that offers personalized responses to emotional narratives, guiding users to resources or simply offering a “listening ear.” Projects like the “Emotional Intelligence Story Book” can integrate AI to offer stories that help youth process emotions and build resilience. These AI-driven interventions, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 of Good Health and Wellbeing, could create a world where mental health support is just a click away for every young person in need.

 

AI Encouraging Accessible Climate Action and Community Resilience

          AI also holds promise in enabling youth to engage with urgent global issues like climate change, addressed in the paper “Beyond Greta Thunberg.” By using AI-generated simulations, young people can visualize the local impact of global climate policies, or even model the effects of community-level climate actions. With AI tools, young activists can access information, create compelling narratives, and advocate for change more effectively, contributing to SDG 16 (Climate Action). AI-generated content can also provide accessible information on sustainable practices, encouraging youth to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors and advocate for climate justice in their communities. Similarly, the “Community SDG Readiness Scale” tool highlights how communities can assess their preparedness to address sustainable development goals. Here, AI can play a strategic role by helping communities forecast their needs and identify resources for future initiatives. Community leaders and young advocates can use AI to co-create community resilience plans, supporting SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, by envisioning thriving, adaptable urban spaces built to withstand environmental and social challenges.

 

Building Ethical AI for a Youth-led Future

          As we embrace these exciting applications of AI, it’s also essential to recognize the responsibility that comes with it. Ethical considerations—such as data privacy, avoiding harmful biases, and ensuring fair access—must be at the forefront. We need AI systems designed with young users in mind, involving them in the process to ensure these tools are both safe and effective. Ultimately, AI has the potential to become a key ally in youth-led efforts to shape a more just and sustainable future. It can amplify young voices, support mental health, foster climate advocacy, and build community resilience. As researchers, educators, and advocates, our role is to support young people as they harness this technology—ensuring that AI serves as a bridge to a future that belongs to them.