Grace Initiative Advisor, Abraham Joseph, Ph.D. Gives presentation at Opening of the

United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum:

Education and Youth Innovation for the SDGS

Dr. Joseph explained that an inclusive and sustainable digital future rests on three interconnected pillars: Climate Justice; Digital Governance; Economic Reform.

First, Climate Justice.

AI is both a tool and a risk in the climate space. It can optimize resource use, predict environmental change, and support resilience. But it also carries environmental costs—energy consumption, extractive supply chains, and unequal access. Youth leadership is critical to ensuring that AI supports climate justice, rather than deepening inequities between those most responsible for emissions and those most affected.

Second, Digital Governance.

AI governance must be grounded in transparency, ethical standards, and human rights. Youth bring lived experience of digital systems—both their opportunities and harms. From algorithmic bias to data exploitation, young people are uniquely positioned to identify risks and propose safeguards. Inclusive governance must therefore integrate youth into regulatory frameworks, advisory bodies, and global standard-setting processes.

Third, Economic Reform.

AI is transforming labor markets and economic structures. Without intentional policy, it risks widening inequality and displacing vulnerable workers. Youth—especially in developing economies—face disproportionate risks of exclusion. At the same time, they represent a powerful force for innovation and entrepreneurship. Economic systems must be reimagined to ensure equitable access to digital opportunities, skills development, and fair distribution of technological benefits.

However, significant barriers continue to limit meaningful youth participation.

These include structural inequalities in education and digital access, particularly in low-income and crisis-affected contexts. There are also institutional barriers—limited representation in decision-making spaces, lack of funding for youth-led initiatives, and processes that are not designed for inclusive engagement. Additionally, there is often a gap between consultation and influence, where youth input is solicited but not reflected in outcomes.

To address these barriers, we must invest in capacity, access, and trust.