Reflections from Davos: Imagine the power of a youth-led fourth industrial revolution

This week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, there has been a lot of discussion about how digital innovations are transforming the world, how they have the potential to transform the lives of even the most marginalized, and how the world is transitioning into a new, inclusive, fourth industrial revolution. A technological revolution.

There are so many digital innovations being released into the world — many that have the potential to truly transform the lives of some of the most marginalized.

At the same time, infrastructure is stronger — countries have invested in advanced mobile networks, and organizations like Facebook and Google are focusing on connecting the unconnected. Smartphones are increasingly affordable to even the most marginalized.

And yet — something I have heard over and over this past week is that uptake of new digital services in emerging and developing economies is still low. “Why is that?” industry leaders are asking, questioning why innovative digital solutions that tackle such essentials as education, health, and business are not finding their way to the people who could benefit the most — those who are excluded or underserved by formal systems.

What’s the missing link?

Youth.

Young people are the early adopters — they get technology. They see how to apply it to their own lives, they understand the value. For youth, digital innovations are opportunities just waiting to be put to use.

Young people are taking advantage of these opportunities to educate themselves when traditional systems fail, to network and connect with peers when they live in small or remote communities, and to lead positive social change.

Young people like Ali Kaviri in Uganda, who founded a social enterprise that helps youth solve social challenges in their community, are using the tools at their fingertips to create a ripple effect of understanding about how digital opportunities can be used, accessed, and made truly inclusive.

Talented young women like Ajra Mohamed and Lilian Kalekye, who co-founded the first innovation hub on Kenya’s coast, are inspiring other young women to see the transformative opportunities in technology.

Ali, Ajra, and Lilian aren’t the only young people having this kind of impact in their communities. I see this consistently as I meet youth throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Indigenous Canada.

It only takes one person to be a role model, and show others a path to opportunity.

I’ve met prisoners in Uganda, former sex workers in Ethiopia, and refugees in Lebanon who have all had their lives changed by just one young person who helped them see the opportunities around them — and helped them understand how they can use the tools at their fingertips to transform their lives. These young people know their communities, understand local needs.

If the fourth industrial revolution is going to be defined by technology, then these are the systems we need to ensure that even the most marginalized have access to digital opportunity: systems created and led by young people who know their local communities, are role models for positive change, and can create, support, and empower for lasting impact.

Just imagine how inclusive and powerful this next technological revolution could be if it were youth-led.