Research reveals that while young people around the world are increasingly informed about artificial intelligence (AI), awareness of space technology’s potential to address global challenges remains shockingly low. I did.
The survey, conducted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), and other United Nations agencies, aims to assess young people’s understanding of key technology tools.
The study found that there was a significant lack of awareness of the potential of space technology to address global challenges such as fighting hunger and climate change. “It appears that the full potential and possible benefits of space data are not yet fully understood by younger generations,” the report emphasizes.
Respondents were able to understand important ethical principles and define new concepts such as generative AI.
Benefits of space technology The study notes that space technologies such as satellite networks could have a huge impact on solving global problems, such as precise crop monitoring and optimizing water use to enhance agricultural practices. I did.
These technologies are especially important for regions facing food insecurity and climate-related challenges. However, despite its transformative capabilities, young people’s understanding of how space technology can be used to address these issues remains minimal.
Highlighting the missed opportunities of underutilizing space data, the report said: “This lack of awareness is a huge challenge to innovation, solving global challenges, and bridging divides we didn’t know existed. “This is a missed opportunity.”
digital divide
Another key area of concern highlighted in the survey was the growing digital divide, particularly between urban and rural areas in Africa. The report found that only 53% of young people in Africa aged 15 to 24 had access to the internet, compared to 98% of young people in Europe.
Additionally, only 23% of people living in rural Africa have access to the internet, compared to 57% in urban areas, demonstrating the urgent need to improve digital infrastructure and accessibility.
call to action
The UN agencies participating in the study are calling for a concerted effort to close not only the digital divide but also the awareness gap around space technology.
“Let’s give young people not just technology, but the digital skills to use it for global good,” the report urges. He called for the creation of regional innovation hubs where young people can access tools such as AI and satellite data to develop solutions for their communities.
According to the report, such hubs can help tap the talent of young people, especially in underserved areas, and use space data to develop innovative solutions for climate resilience, agriculture, and disaster response. It may be possible to create a solution.
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