- Jasi - Youth Advisory Council 2025 & 2026, Telstra Foundation
In July this year, 2026 Telstra Foundation Youth Advisory Council (YAC) member Jasi travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the United Nations AI for Good Summitv. The Summit brings together governments, researchers, industry leaders, innovators and young people from around the world to explore how artificial intelligence can be used to address global challenges and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Reflecting on her experience, Jasi shares her observations from the Summit, including the opportunities AI presents, the importance of ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies, and the critical role young people can play in shaping the future of AI.
The United Nations AI for Good Summit was an incredibly enlightening experience, that offered me insight into how countries around the world are collaborating on artificial intelligence and using it to improve a wide range of sectors. One project that particularly stood out was from the National University of Singapore, where researchers are exploring how autonomous robots can be used to monitor water quality and better understand its impact on the environment.
One thing I did notice, however, was that many of the showcased projects were focused on innovation and emerging technologies rather than addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society today. There was little discussion about how the rapid growth of AI is leaving many underprivileged communities, particularly First Nations communities and lower-income countries behind as access to these technologies continues to expand unevenly.
Something that really stood out to me during the summit was the young innovators section. It involved teams from all over the world competing in a robotics challenge. It was really good seeing the opportunities that were being given to young people, however, there was a lack of insight from the younger generations into larger issues like the impact of AI in climate change.
The following day, I attended a private meeting at the World Economic Forum, which offered a very different perspective. Rather than focusing primarily on technological innovation, the discussions centred on complex, real world challenges and brought together people working at the forefront of these issues. It was refreshing to see conversations that acknowledged not only AI’s immense potential but also the responsibility to ensure its benefits are shared more equitably across the globe.
Overall my experience in Switzerland was eye opening into how many different organisations like the United Nations are dealing with the rapidly growing technology sector and how they are working with it in ways that benefit society rather then hold us back.
Jasi’s reflections highlight both the excitement and the complexity surrounding the future of artificial intelligence. They are a reminder that while technological innovation is accelerating, ensuring its benefits are accessible to all communities remains an important challenge.
At the Telstra Foundation, we believe young people should have a voice in conversations about the technologies shaping their futures. Through our Youth Advisory Council and broader digital inclusion work, we are committed to creating opportunities for young people to contribute their perspectives and help build a more inclusive digital world.
