How Youth and AI Can Shape the Future of the UN
The few remaining years until 2030 will require strengthened multilateralism and partnerships to scale solutions and fulfill the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships.
Speaking while opening the NEXUS x United Nations Briefing on 19 June, Ms. Hou stressed: “My networks need to work with all your networks because we can solve problems better if we work together.”
The event brought together young investors, social entrepreneurs, and philanthropists for a dynamic discussion on the work of the United Nations, and how individuals can better understand, support, and participate in its mission.
A central theme of the briefing was the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI holds great promise in advancing climate action and responding to humanitarian crises, offering innovative solutions where they are needed most, participants agreed.
Already, Microsoft is partnering with the United Nations to harness AI to address global challenges and accelerate progress toward the SDGs. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is also playing a leading role in guiding the responsible and inclusive use of AI, ensuring this fast-evolving evolving technology benefits all while addressing ethical and regulatory challenges.
Howie Wachtel, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Policy for the United Nations and International Organizations called for collective action, noting that global problems and challenges cannot be solved by governments alone. Achieving the SDGs requires multifaceted approaches, involving governments, NGOs, and the private sector, he reinforced.
“With AI, we have a unique opportunity. We do have the ability to use it to address the full range of the SDGs. The more we provide digital skills to the next generation of students and workers, the easier it will be to address individual circumstances in the future,” Mr. Wachtel emphasized.
Anna Polomska-Risler, Strategic Partnerships Coordinator at the ITU, highlighted the rapid global adoption of AI: “While it took 75 years for the phone to become a useful tool, it took ChatGPT just two months to reach 100 million users,” she noted. “Yet, 85% of countries still lack a comprehensive AI strategy.”
She stressed on the need for inclusivity in shaping the future of AI. “Everyone should benefit from the AI revolution,” she said. “That’s only possible if everyone is given a seat at the table.”
In a wide-ranging fireside chat, Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, reflected on his journey with the organization and its evolving role in the world.
“Back in 1945, the power of the UN was with governments. Now it is shared with the private sector, foundations, and philanthropy,” he remarked, highlighting the increasingly decentralized landscape of global influence.
Mr. Dujarric also emphasized the importance of transparency in the UN system and spoke of his responsibility to “shake the tree of information.”
Responding to a question on how young people can make a positive impact in the world, he offered a simple but powerful advice: “Don’t ask for permission.”
The final discussion focused on youth engagement in global progress, and was led by Matthew Hunter, Partnerships Lead at the United Nations Youth Office.
“Fifty percent of the world’s population is under the age of 30, and 90% of them live in developing countries,” Mr. Hunter said. “We must stop viewing youth solely as beneficiaries. They are partners.”
He suggested mobilizing networks to connect young people with the UN and to not underestimate the power of their voices, regardless of age.
The 2025 NEXUS UN Briefing is an important reminder of the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration, helping to identify avenues for engagement with the UN.