Building Global Leadership Skills in the Age of AI: Key Takeaways from IVECA’s Forum

The 2024 IVECA Global Youth Leadership Forum, held virtually on September 5-6, 2024, brought together middle and high school students from South Korea, China, Tunisia and India to engage in meaningful discussions about global leadership in the age of AI and digital technology. This two-day event provided a unique platform for young minds to explore the intersections of technology, sustainability, and global citizenship.

The first day of the forum, geared toward middle school students, featured thought-provoking presentations from leading experts in the field of AI and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative to the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, opened the session with a powerful presentation on “Harnessing Open Science and Ethical AI for Sustainable Development.” Dr. Khan highlighted the importance of transparent, inclusive scientific practices that ensure knowledge is accessible and beneficial to all, particularly in addressing global challenges such as disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability. He also addressed the ethical implications of AI, emphasizing UNESCO's commitment to guiding the responsible use of AI through its Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Dr. Khan concluded his lecture by explaining that AI is integrated into even the smallest aspects of our lives, noting, "Using our mobile phones means we are already using AI; if you are using the electricity system, you are also using AI. We need to promote the ethical use of AI, as UNESCO is doing."

Following Dr. Khan’s presentation, Ms. Arianna Valentini, Senior Policy Analyst for Research and Foresight at UNESCO Headquarters Paris, delved into “Real-World Examples of AI Solutions Addressing Global Challenges.” She showcased innovative AI applications in education that are helping to overcome barriers for students with disabilities and those at risk of dropping out. Ms. Valentini also highlighted AI’s role in tackling global health issues and providing clean water in refugee camps, demonstrating the potential of AI to create positive change when used thoughtfully and inclusively.

High school students attended the second day of lectures which featured a deeper exploration of global leadership in the digital age. Mr. Felipe Queipo, Communications Officer at the United Nations Department of Global Communications, set the tone with his presentation on “Artificial Intelligence and the United Nations.” His lecture introduced high school students to the intersection of AI and global governance, focusing on how AI supports and challenges the objectives of the United Nations. He connected these technologies to the UN’s mission of promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development, highlighting AI’s role in addressing global challenges like poverty, education, and climate change. He stressed the importance of global multistakeholder cooperation and ethical governance, stating, "The potential of AI is tremendous, but it relies heavily on all of us to shape a positive future for these systems and machines. We must cooperate internationally and establish ethical and moral standards to address the challenges we face and further explore AI's role in global governance." By putting the role of youth at the center, Mr. Queipo’s presentation also addressed the ethical implications of AI, including issues of bias, privacy, and the need for equitable access.

Dr. Ekkehard Ernst, Chief Macroeconomist at the International Labour Organization, followed with an insightful presentation on “Global Leadership Skills in an AI-driven Digital Society.” Dr. Ernst explored the future of work in the context of AI, stressing the need for resilience, connectivity, and sustainability. He encouraged students to develop the skills necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, including the ability to adapt to change, prioritize meaningful connections, and advocate for sustainable practices. Dr. Ernst pointed out, "Connectivity can be stressful as you need to prioritize and identify what is worth your time and what is not. Allow yourself to explore new areas that might be interesting and that you haven’t experienced before." His message highlighted the importance of being selective in a hyper-connected AI-driven world where information is abundant.

Throughout both sessions, students participated in interactive group discussions and Q&A sessions, allowing them to engage directly with the experts and with one another. These activities fostered a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of global issues and the critical role that young leaders will play in shaping a sustainable and equitable future.

The 2024 IVECA Global Youth Leadership Forum developed holistic global leadership, enhanced intercultural competence, and cultivated responsible global citizens. By providing a platform for young people to learn from experts and exchange ideas with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, the forum contributed to the participants’ growth as future leaders equipped to address the complex challenges of our time.

As the forum concluded, it was clear that the students left with not only a greater understanding of AI’s potential but also a renewed commitment to using their skills and knowledge to contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The event underscored the importance of continued education and collaboration in building a better world, and the students' enthusiasm and insights promise a bright future for global leadership. As one student put it, “participating in this program has deepened my appreciation for the role of technology in solving global issues and sparked a stronger interest in innovation. I’ve realized the importance of contributing to meaningful global initiatives and feel a stronger connection to international efforts.”

#IVECA #GlobalCitizenship #GlobalConnection #StudentEmpowerment #TransformativeEducation #YouthLeadership #iGYLF

Ahead of IVECA's 2024 Global Youth Leadership Forum

The IVECA Global Youth Leadership Forum is set to take place virtually on September 5 & 6, 2024, under the theme "Building Global Leadership Capacity: Leveraging AI for Sustainable Development Goals and Humanity." This two-day event, sponsored by Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education East-Asia Global Education Institute (IEGI), aims to cultivate future global leaders by providing middle and high school students with opportunities to engage with international experts and peers from around the world. Through interactive sessions and discussions, the Forum will focus on developing intercultural competence, global citizenship, and future skills essential for addressing the world's most pressing challenges.

In preparation for the event, the IVECA team hosted a Youth Mentor Orientation Workshop on August 29. This session prepared mentors for their crucial role in guiding students throughout the Forum. The mentors, selected for their ability to communicate effectively across cultures, were trained on the goals and objectives of the iGYLF, the program schedule, and how to support students in navigating virtual classrooms and engaging with lecture materials. Their role will be instrumental in fostering collaboration, ensuring student participation, and evaluating student progress during the event.

Following this, on August 30, the mentors led a Student Orientation Session, designed to familiarize participants with the program and their international counterparts. This session introduced students to the iGYLF's focus on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the application of AI in solving global issues. Students expressed excitement about the opportunity to engage with peers from around the world. One student from India expressed their enthusiasm for meeting new people and tackling important global challenges, stating, "I’m excited about the Forum because we'll be discussing significant issues, reaching resolutions, and working together to make the world a better place."

Additionally, another student emphasized the importance of education systems that promote accessibility, saying, "I want to see local schools set up that allow students to easily grasp what they're learning and continue without a limited future. I want to help provide them with the teachers and facilities they need," highlighting her desire to provide educational opportunities and resources to all. Students also learned how to navigate the IVECA Virtual Classroom, where much of the event's asynchronous interaction will take place. The session concluded with a brief social activity, allowing students to begin building connections with their peers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

These orientation sessions were crucial in setting the stage for a successful Forum, ensuring that both mentors and students are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to fully engage in the event. As the iGYLF approaches, IVECA remains committed to empowering the next generation of global leaders, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of global issues, and promoting a future where collaboration and intercultural competence are at the forefront of solving global challenges.

#IVECA #GlobalCitizenship #GlobalConnection #StudentEmpowerment #TransformativeEducation #YouthLeadership #iGYLF

Empowering Students Through Global Connections: A Nepali Teacher's Experience

By Mr. Kaushal Oli, Teacher

As an educator at Creative Academy in the historic city of Kirtipur within the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, I have directly experienced the transformative impact of virtual exchanges. Our school's engagement with IVECA’s several virtual exchange programs has played a critical role in expanding our students' perspectives and nurturing their global citizenship. Through collaborations with schools across the globe, we have enhanced our curriculum and empowered our students to become confident and engaged learners.

Beginning the Journey with IVECA 

When it comes to the international dimension in the curriculum, it often connotes connecting local learning experiences with global practices from around the world. To infuse this value into the curriculum of Nepal, the teachers at Creative Academy came up with the idea of organizing and participating in various virtual exchanges with partner schools worldwide. I was responsible for finding suitable partner organizations to facilitate seamless collaboration on meaningful lessons for all teachers. I eagerly initiated the search for partners to ensure that every class could have at least one collaborator throughout the year. During this process, I came across an announcement by IVECA about an opportunity to participate in virtual exchanges with schools in different countries. This is where our journey with IVECA began.

Our Participation

The first participation in IVECA's program was during the two-week Global Virtual Summer Camp 2022. A team of ten students took part in a roundtable discussion, where they gained valuable insights into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They had the opportunity to explore their country’s science, technology, and soft power and suggest solutions for the SDGs through guidance from renowned experts in their respective fields. The hands-on experiences during the ten days of early morning meetings with instructors and participating schools from India and South Korea are still vivid in our memories. 

Despite facing challenges such as the monsoon season causing disruptions to our internet and electricity, as well as limited access to audio technology, the students showed remarkable enthusiasm. These experiences have left a lasting impression, with approximately 110 students participating in various programs over the past two years. IVECA has become more than just an organization; it is now an integral part of the learning experience for our middle and high school students and teachers. Whenever they seek exchange opportunities, students don't ask for a virtual exchange program; they ask, "When is IVECA?"

Impacts Seen from a Teacher’s Eyes

In my role as a leading teacher at the school, I have the privilege of closely observing and collaborating with middle and high school students. When I compare their involvement in various activities with those who have participated in IVECA programs, I notice a distinct difference. Many of the participants exhibit exceptional leadership in the school’s regular Sunday clubs. For instance, a 10th-grade student took charge of her club's activities by leading the preparation of a short documentary video for an inter-club competition. She not only guided her peers in exploring the soft power of their club but also empowered them to create an impactful video for the competition. The confidence with which she discussed the concept of soft power was surprising, as it is not a common topic of discussion among Nepali students of her age. 

Additionally, the participating students demonstrate precise and impactful presentation skills in their regular school activities and programs. Beyond academic pursuits, a crucial aspect of IVECA's virtual exchange activities is the integration of culture and local context among participating schools and their respective countries. During the IVECA programs, students often present multi-faceted perspectives related to their culturally and locally specific backgrounds to their friends. Such cross-cultural exchanges have significantly enriched the students' learning experiences, adding holistic value to their participation. 

The impact has not only been observed on the students; I have also had numerous opportunities to reshape my approaches to learning, teaching, and leadership within my professional life. These experiences have been precious, providing me with the golden opportunity to transform classroom collaboration and the possibilities of creating ideal learning experiences into something entirely different. 

These transformative experiences with IVECA, which empower our students and redefine our approach to education, affirm that global connections remain at the heart of our teaching and learning journey. I am excited about our continued engagement with IVECA and look forward to even more opportunities for our students to connect, learn, and grow on a global scale.

#IVECA #VirtualExchange #GlobalCitizenship #GCED #GlobalConnection #StudentEmpowerment #TransformativeEducation #InterculturalExchange