This article from Hopelab discusses a youth-led forum called “CTRL + Future” that brought together young people (ages 9-35) from 12 countries to discuss responsible AI development. The gathering focused on AI governance, the future of work, and human connection hopelab, with participants sharing both concerns and hopes about AI’s impact on their generation.
Key themes included the need for youth voices in AI governance, preparing for uncertain career futures by developing flexible skills and human capabilities that AI can’t replicate, and the importance of maintaining authentic human connection. While participants identified risks like bias, job disruption, and isolation, they also expressed optimism about increased accessibility and democratized information hopelab.
The overarching message emphasizes that young people must actively shape AI’s development rather than passively accepting it, and that conversations about AI are ultimately conversations about what it means to be human.
