The Power of Technology for Good

Today’s young people are the first generation to grow up in a world dominated by technology. While they are familiar with it, many of them lack a deeper understanding of key concepts such as algorithms and data and their impact on us all. Furthermore, as UN Women notes, women and girls are vastly underrepresented in STEM fields. This is a wake up call to equip young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to make sense of a world that is getting digitized by the minute, and to ensure that the development and use of technology is not restricted to just one group of individuals, but that it is as diverse as the world we live in. We must ensure that no one is left behind in the so-called “fourth industrial revolution”.

Digital2030, as one in three of Digital Moment educational initiatives, rises to meet these needs.

Junior high and high school are critical periods in a young person's education, particularly for girls.

Research shows that changing the path of the youngest girls, especially those in junior high school, can contribute to 69% of the growth in the computing pipeline, according to Accenture. However, the report also notes that this growth can be hindered by factors such as the absence of friends in STEM or unengaging subjects. To counter such obstacles, we position ourselves strategically within this timeframe , targeting young people aged 13-22. Working alongside our sister initiative, Kids Code Jeunesse, which focuses on kids aged 7-12, we nurture a passion for digital skills, innovation, and problem-solving from a young age , thereby sustaining their interest in STEM.

Collaboration towards one common set of goals

Digital2030 consists of 3 individual experiences at the time of writing: The Digital2030 Challenge, Digital Leaders, and The Algorithm & Data Literacy Project. All of them have the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at their core, aiming to further their achievement and towards a sustainable future. Why the goals? Because we believe in the power of collaboration. We believe that by building on our work that is already happening in schools and communities, by working collaboratively with fellow non-profits, advocates, industry experts and governmental units, we can mobilize companies, industries, communities and individuals towards a better future through the guidance of one common set of goals.

Now more than ever, young leaders of the world must unite.

The pandemic has shown that global issues transcend borders, impacting people across all nations. Whether it's climate change, wars and conflicts, or various forms of inequality, we all have a role to play in addressing these issues. That is why our program targets a global audience, fostering cross-country collaboration, communication, and understanding. To do so effectively, we must break down the barriers hindering access to quality education for young people across the world. Our learning experiences are entirely online and accessible to anyone with a phone and internet connection. They require minimal facilitation and are designed to be interactive, enjoyable, and engaging, with a focus on real-world issues. Our experiences demonstrate the ways in which algorithms impact our decision-making, data is used to provide recommendations, and the various applications of AI in our world. By raising awareness of the potential of AI for good, we inspire young people to take action and make a positive impact on the world.

So what now?

You have the power to change the course of history, starting with education.

Take the Plastic Challenge and witness the power of your actions in reducing plastic pollution through data visualization. Step up to the Health & Well-being Challengeand gain insight into the diverse ways people around the globe keep fit and lead a healthy life. Embark on a journey of discovery with the Algorithm & Data Literacy Project, where you can learn about how algorithms and data can impact our lives, as well as gain eye-opening insights into the exciting world of AI research. Or do you prefer participating in a roundtable discussion? Take part in a Digital Leaders session to engage directly with other young leaders and be at the forefront of important discussions shaping the future.

Upcoming, we will be launching a third Challenge, anchored in SDG #10: Reduced Inequalities, to point out the impact of inequality across the world and how technology can be part of the solution. The latest developments will be broadcasted on our social media.