UN Resident Coordinator Dennis Zulu calls for equitable AI access for youth at International Youth Day forum in Jamaica
In remarks at the Youth X AI Forum on International Youth Day, UN Resident Coordinator Dennis Zulu highlighted the gap in AI opportunities for young people in Jamaica and called for equitable access and youth empowerment in AI development.
UN Resident Coordinator Dennis Zulu calls for equitable AI access for youth at International Youth Day forum in Jamaica
On International Youth Day, Dennis Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator in Jamaica, delivered remarks at the Youth X AI Forum convened by the University of the West Indies, Mona. He thanked host Dr Lisa Vasciannie, Head of the Department of Government, and acknowledged partners including Dr Marcia Rowe‑Amonde (HEART NSTA), Dr Kishan Koday (UNDP Resident Representative) and Mr Eric Falt (UNESCO Regional Director for the Caribbean), as well as representatives of the European Union and members of the UN‑EU Youth Advisory Group.
Zulu noted that the International Youth Day theme – “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” – is especially relevant to artificial intelligence. He observed that young people across Jamaica and the wider region possess ambition and talent but often lack access to the devices, data and infrastructure needed to benefit from AI. The UN Resident Coordinator expressed concerns that AI tools are frequently developed in contexts distant from Jamaica, by actors who do not experience the local consequences, and warned that discussions may overlook handing real power to youth.
At the same time, Zulu highlighted examples of Jamaican young entrepreneurs who are building businesses with AI tools and self‑educating beyond formal curricula. He urged experts to be candid about knowledge gaps and encouraged young participants to challenge authorities and articulate their needs.
In concluding, Zulu urged stakeholders to ensure that a young person’s context does not determine their future opportunities in the AI‑driven economy, calling for inclusive policies and equitable access to emerging technologies.
Why does it matter?
As an emerging technology, AI is consistently a future facing development with potential to evolve and grow by leaps and bounds. Skilling young people and giving them the requisite knowledge and access can go a long way toward making them efficient users of the technology. This requires concerted effort to create a level playing field world over with care and attention to unique contexts and lived experiences.