LocationsDigital generation
10 ways young people are harnessing digitalization to advance the Sustainable Development Goals
As world leaders gather for the Summit of the Future, two topics will be among those at the top of the agenda: youth and digital.
Taking place during the UN General Assembly high-level week, the Summit aims to forge a new global consensus to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the expected outcomes, Member States will adopt a ‘Pact for the Future’, including aGlobal Digital Compact and aDeclaration on Future Generations.
The SDGs are the internationally agreed blueprint to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. After a series of setbacks, countries are working to get back on track, harnessing digitalization and other innovations to supercharge progress on the Goals ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Youth are the largest stakeholders in the SDGs. They have the most to gain from the world coming together to achieve the Goals – and the most to lose if we fall short. These young people were born in the digital age and have never experienced a world without the internet. As digital natives, it’s no surprise they are leading the way on technology and innovation to achieve the Goals.
Meet 10 young leaders who are leveraging digital solutions to create a secure future for all of us.
Bryan Youssef
The educator
“Through Edubolt, our commitment is to transform education into a foundation for a brighter future, one of peace, innovation and progress. Our goal is to create an inclusive and empowering learning environment that prepares students to become well-rounded, 21st-century citizens anchored in global values and ready to lead.”
As a 22-year-old medical student, Bryan Youssef embarked on a transformative journey when he founded EduBolt. Created by youth for youth, the ed-tech startup is a platform that connects students with peer-to-peer learning on a variety of subjects at affordable prices. EduBolt’s mission is to revolutionize education, offering quality learning opportunities anytime, anywhere.
Gabriela, Peru
The problem solver
“I may think that I have the best solution for a complex public challenge, but it is through interactions with people from different backgrounds and different perspectives that I discover how to make my ideas better.”
Information systems management student Gabriela Pillco believes in the power of crowdsourcing to solve complex problems. This is why she joined the Redpública initiative, which promotes youth participation in policymaking through digital and in-person interactions. Through hackathons and other events, young people can connect and build communities around shared interests.
Hasina, Afghanistan
The visionary
“Just imagine how helpful AI could be in areas with a shortage of doctors. With AI-assisted diagnosis, people could get medical attention from a distance. Additionally, robotic surgery offers a great opportunity for doctors to perform intricate procedures with highly accurate tools, which ultimately makes the surgery safer and speeds up the recovery process.”
With a background in medical studies, venturing into IT was a leap of faith for Hasina. She took the leap because she believes modern technology could be a game-changer for Afghanistan, particularly in areas with inadequate healthcare facilities. Challenging traditional gender roles, Hasina is passionate about creating opportunities for Afghan women through IT and in the IT field.
Isidora, Serbia
The activist
“I use digital tools like social media, digital platforms and artificial intelligence to promote the Sustainable Development Goals in my community. These tools help me share my experiences, learn faster, and support youth around me who lack access to education, motivating them not to give up on their dreams and future.”
Human rights and social justice activist Isidora Petkovic uses digital tools to expand the reach of her work in Serbia. She’s part of theGeneration Nexus: Eurasian Youth Network for Climate, Peace, and Security. Supported by UNDP and partners, the Network fosters youth engagement and regional collaboration to address major challenges. It provides a dynamic platform for joint initiatives, knowledge sharing on youth-focused project designs.
Oğuz, Türkiye
The campaigner
“We are not just the owners of tomorrow. We are the partners of today.”
When lifelong fisher Oğuz Ergen noticed shrinking fish population in his area, he quickly turned to digital media. Whether organizing beach clean-ups or collecting signatures in support of policy changes, social networking is a powerful tool for the Generation17 young leader in his campaign to protect the coastal Aegean region, and the entire ocean, from the impacts of climate change.
Selma, Montenegro
The communicator
“We must communicate the consequences of hate speech and collectively promote respect for diversity… Daily confrontation with hate speech denies young people the opportunity to fulfil their full potential and deprives them of many opportunities.”
Selma Drini works to create an equal, tolerant society that is resistant to hate speech and discrimination. Having witnessed how hate speech creates insecurity and fear in her own community, the young Roma activist uses her voice and digital skills to challenge hate narratives and promote peace online.
Tafara, Zimbabwe
The developer
“Wherever the biggest problems are, you have the biggest opportunities.”
As co-founder and chief technology officer of start-up Fixa, Tafara Makaza leads an engineering team building solutions to improve the lives of informal workers. The app they developed aims to empower workers with digital career identities that they can use to access jobs, financial services and the formal economy. To date, Fixa has digitized more than 5,000 workers, connecting them to 200,000 jobs.
Thùy, Viet Nam
The bridge builder
“Technology has the power to bridge the gap between generations.”
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thùy Anh Ngô witnessed the disproportionate effects of the virus on the elderly population. It inspired her to develop HASU, a mobile app that equips the elderly with physical, emotional and social health resources. In work and personal pursuits, Thùy strongly believes that technology can facilitate connections between youth and older adults, to the benefit of both groups.
Yilin, China
The gamechanger
"By integrating AI into social projects, StarGallery, our social enterprise, aims to bridge gaps and provide tools that empower children with autism, allowing them to express their talents and gain financial independence. This not only raises awareness about their unique abilities but also fosters a more diverse and inclusive society. As technology advances, we ensure its benefits extend to all, leaving no one behind and enhancing the well-being of the most vulnerable among us."
Yilin Huang uses art therapy, artificial intelligence and gamification to support children with autism and their families. She is CEO of StarGallery, a social enterprise that combines autistic children’s artwork with AI to create unique games, allowing the public to use AI as a bridge to connect and co-create with them. The created works are sold as NFTs and derivatives, with the profits going to the families of children with autism. StarGallery is also developing AI art therapy courses and AI companion robots to provide psychological support.
Zeynab, Kenya
The data collector
“I am passionate about utilizing digital tools to empower communities and drive sustainable development, creating positive change for a better future.”
Zeynab Miski Ahmed works to build collective intelligence to improve water resources management. The public administration student volunteers as a community data steward for the Tana River County Government, helping to map water points in an area facing increasing scarcity. By pooling information, ideas and insights from various sources, collective intelligence holds potential to anticipate shortages, allocate available resources and strengthen climate action more broadly.
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