As artificial intelligence continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, its influence is reshaping our economies, societies, and even global security systems. Today, AI is increasingly integrated into military operations, surveillance technologies, and intelligence analysis, including in conflict zones such as Iraq.
These technologies can process vast amounts of data, track patterns of movement, and assist strategic decision-making. While such capabilities may improve efficiency and situational awareness, they also raise serious ethical, legal, and humanitarian concerns—particularly when algorithms begin to influence decisions that may affect human lives.
This leads us to an important question: not only what AI can do, but who gets to shape how it is governed and used. Too often, decisions about AI governance, regulation, and deployment are made without meaningful youth participation. Yet young people are among the most affected users of AI technologies—in education, social media, employment, digital security, and increasingly in discussions about global peace and security.
Universities and educational institutions should redesign curricula to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate emerging AI trends and actively participate in shaping the future of these technologies. Additionally, internships and practical learning opportunities should be designed accordingly, providing students with hands-on experience that aligns with AI governance, ethics, and responsible innovation.
Youth inclusion is not simply about representation. It is about bringing diverse perspectives, innovation, and long-term thinking into discussions about how AI systems are designed, regulated, and applied across societies.
Young people can contribute to AI governance in several important ways by raising awareness about digital rights and ethical AI use, Participating in policy dialogues and international forums, Contributing to research, innovation, and civic engagement around emerging technologies and identifying risks such as algorithmic bias, misinformation, online harms, and the implications of AI in military operations.
Youth voices are particularly important when discussing issues such as civilian protection in AI-assisted military operations, transparency and accountability in algorithmic decision-making, the risks of autonomous and semi-autonomous weapons systems and and the broader implications of AI for global peace and international stability
Including youth in these conversations is not symbolic—it is strategically necessary. Young people bring ethical awareness, new ideas, and a commitment to long-term global stability. If international frameworks for AI governance and security are to be legitimate, sustainable, and effective, they must be inclusive, transparent, and intergenerational. Technology is shaping the future of our world. Therefore, the generation that will live with the consequences of AI must have a voice in shaping its governance.