Credit: Sanja Djordjevic—Getty Images
TIME interviewed five of the Young Global Leaders from the World Economic Forum, who shared their innovative ideas for the year 2025.
Embracing Technology for Accessibility
By Birgit Skarstein
Recently, I had the opportunity to test a self-driving car, offering me a glimpse into a transformative future. As a wheelchair user, navigating travel often presents challenges, such as inaccessible public transportation and a lack of suitable rental cars. However, this autonomous vehicle effortlessly transported me between appointments, overcoming the usual obstacles to mobility. Its advanced technology not only facilitated my travel but also promoted my independence, ensuring that my paralyzed legs did not hinder my busy schedule.
In 2025, we stand at the cusp of a transformative era characterized by significant advancements in technology and artificial intelligence. These developments are poised to reshape nearly every aspect of human life. One area primed for change is the use of advanced technologies to support individuals living with disabilities.
My vision for a brighter future is a world where AI and emerging technologies are intentionally crafted to enhance the capabilities of those with impairments. AI can be leveraged to create adaptive technologies that surpass basic accessibility, offering tools seamlessly integrated into daily life and tailored to individual needs. For example, AI-powered devices could instantly translate spoken language into sign language or customize educational settings to accommodate the unique learning styles of individuals with cognitive disabilities. Additionally, intelligent prosthetics and assistive devices that adapt to user patterns could significantly boost autonomy and mobility, minimizing physical constraints.
By directing our collective intelligence and empathy toward developing inclusive technology, we can ensure that the forthcoming Intelligent Age not only advances humanity as a whole but also empowers and enriches the lives of all individuals. This dedication will transform the potential barriers of technology into robust pathways to participation, broadening opportunities for contribution.
As we convene at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in this pivotal year, let us advocate for AI as a tool for inclusivity, guaranteeing that each individual has the chance to both benefit from and contribute to our shared future.
Skarstein, a Norwegian Paralympic rowing champion, and Chair of the Future Advisory Board at Reitan Retail
Investing in African Talent
By Ronit Avni
African job seekers continue to be underutilized despite the presence of a growing, highly skilled talent pool. Employers often favor hiring engineering and business professionals from established tech hubs like India, Poland, Israel, and the U.S. The number of companies actively recruiting African talent remains disproportionately low compared to the available candidate pool. Yet, convincing employers to shift their focus is often a challenging endeavor.
Nevertheless, a wave of new employment opportunities is on the horizon, with millions of roles projected to emerge in the coming years. These positions, driven by new regulatory requirements concerning carbon emissions and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance impacting several countries, present an opportunity for Africa to establish itself as a regional talent hub.
Empowering candidates with green skills can propel them forward to take a leading role in the green talent revolution. Just as India has emerged as a prominent engineering hub, Africa holds the potential to become a frontrunner in carbon and ESG talent. This transformation will necessitate strategic investment in enhancing candidates’ carbon intelligence and raising awareness among employers, enabling the continent to seize upon this pivotal moment.
Avni, the CEO of LocalizedUniversal AI Inclusion, envisions a future where artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. However, the power of AI is currently concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving many developing countries and emerging markets at a disadvantage. Avni advocates for making AI education as accessible as literacy to empower individuals across various communities, from nomadic herders in Mongolia to small-business owners in Peru, and young girls aspiring to pursue their dreams through personalized education.
Bolor-Erdene Battsengel, former Vice Minister of Digital Development of Mongolia, emphasizes the importance of democratizing film through AI technology. By leveraging AI, filmmaking can become more inclusive, expand access to educational content, and uplift marginalized groups within the industry. Battsengel highlights the transformative impact of storytelling, citing the example of the film “Toilet Ek Prem Katha,” which addressed social issues in India and contributed to significant positive changes in sanitation practices.
Both Avni and Bolor-Erdene stress the need for collaborative efforts between governments, tech companies, international organizations, and educators to deliver inclusive AI education programs tailored to emerging markets and underserved communities. Through democratizing access to AI skills and technology, these visionaries aim to create a more equitable and empowered future for individuals around the world.
Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups Through AI-driven Solutions
Advancements in technology have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By leveraging automation to streamline casting processes and detect instances of bias, we can create a more equitable environment for women and marginalized groups. Furthermore, the use of AI tools can play a crucial role in ensuring fair and impartial compensation for individuals.
Bridging the gap between traditional practices and progressive solutions, these technological innovations hold the key to addressing systemic issues that have long hindered the advancement of underrepresented communities. Through a proactive approach to integrating AI into organizational processes, we can pave the way for a more inclusive future where talent is recognized and rewarded based on merit alone.
Reimagining the Workforce in the Age of AI
In the midst of layoffs triggered by AI-driven restructuring, the need for a strategic realignment of priorities within companies has never been more pressing. Rather than succumbing to the fear of displacement, organizations must seize the opportunity to reinvent their workforce by embracing the transformative power of AI.
What if, instead of viewing AI as a threat to job security, we saw it as a catalyst for innovation and growth? By empowering employees with the necessary tools and training to adapt alongside AI technologies, businesses can foster a culture of continuous learning and evolution.
The Future of Work: Embracing Diversity and Resilience
As we look to the future, it is clear that the builders of tomorrow will be defined not by their technical prowess alone, but by their ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and drive meaningful change. In a world where AI is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the next-generation workforce will comprise individuals who possess a diverse set of skills and perspectives.
With studies indicating that 40% of the workforce will require upskilling within the next three years to keep up with AI advancements, the onus is on organizational leaders to rethink their approach to talent development. Merely offering training programs will no longer suffice; a fundamental shift in mindset and strategy is needed to cultivate an AI-first workforce.
Unlocking the Potential of Diversity in AI
By fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, companies can harness the full potential of AI to drive productivity, enhance customer experiences, and generate innovative solutions to pressing challenges. It is essential for leaders to embrace change, challenge existing paradigms, and invest in the growth and development of their employees.
When organizations commit to building a diverse and resilient workforce, the possibilities are endless. By leveraging AI technologies to amplify the voices and perspectives of all individuals, we can create a future where innovation knows no bounds.
May Habib: Pioneering Change Through Innovation
May Habib, CEO and co-founder of Writer, is a trailblazer in the field of AI-driven solutions for workforce development. Her visionary leadership and commitment to empowering employees have set a new standard for organizational excellence in the digital age.
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