Call to Prepare Youth for AI Era

On 12 August, Wednesday, he made the remarks as the chief guest at an event held at the Foreign Service Academy to mark International Youth Day. The Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly organised the event. State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque chaired the programme.

The minister said the new ecosystem created through rapid technological development is a blessing for civilization on one hand, while creating new types of challenges on the other.

Describing artificial intelligence as an entirely new reality for civilization, Zahir Uddin Swapon said young people are comparatively more capable of adopting new technologies and knowledge. Therefore, preparing them with appropriate knowledge, skills and mental readiness to address the challenges of an AI-driven future is one of the most important responsibilities of the state and society.

He said the depth of the changes taking place today is so significant that it is difficult to predict what kind of circumstances people may face tomorrow or the day after. Therefore, alongside traditional knowledge and conventional education, opportunities must be created for acquiring new knowledge, skills and capabilities.

The minister said educating young people only through conventional education would not be enough. They must be given opportunities to develop digital capabilities, technological knowledge, creativity, innovative thinking and the ability to adapt to change.

He further said the new ecosystem requires new types of institutions and knowledge systems. Providing young people with appropriate knowledge and skills is no longer merely a development initiative; it is an essential investment in the future of civilization.

Zahir Uddin Swapon said young people are not merely a country's resource but a resource of all humanity. They are more experienced and knowledgeable than previous generations. Therefore, young people should not be viewed only as citizens of the future but also as partners in the changes taking place today.

Referring to Bangladesh, the minister said Prime Minister Tarek Rahman is attaching great importance to the country's youth. Issues including sports, creativity, youth development, and the role of young people in addressing change and climate-related challenges have already received importance at the government's policy-making level.

He said the government's position demonstrates that young people are being considered a major force in building Bangladesh's future. If their talent, creativity and innovative capabilities are properly utilised, they can contribute significantly not only to Bangladesh but also to the advancement of global civilization.

The minister called on the United Nations and other international organisations to undertake broader youth-focused programmes, awareness initiatives and skills-development activities.

He said preparing young people in the age of artificial intelligence does not simply mean preparing them for employment; it means preparing them to lead future civilization. He called for joint efforts by governments, international organisations, educational institutions, the private sector and civil society in this regard.

Among others, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Md Mahbub-ul-Alam addressed the event. Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports SM Jobayed Hossain presented the keynote paper. Director General of the Department of Youth Development Md Motahar Hossain delivered the welcome speech. Diplomats from different countries, representatives of international organisations and NGOs in Bangladesh were also present.
//DBTech/IHI/MSI//