In early 2022, “A Future with AI” project in collaboration with the United Nations conducted a Survey and “Imagination” with 254 young people around the world about the future of AI and Robots. Based on the outcomes, we identified a number of topics of concern to youth and conducted workshops with representatives from youth, from technology companies and international organizations in November 2022, to discuss these topics. The workshops resulted in the following recommendations:

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On the Design of AI

1. Be culturally sensitive

AI should not be the same flavor for all – make AI systems adaptable to the culture, age and personality of its users.

2. Make robots friendly

Move towards empathy between robots and humans. AI does not have to be your “friend”, but it should be “friendly”(approachable, understanding trustworthy). Animistic design and roleplay can be helpful techniques.

3. Principles for AI interaction

The UN, industry and Youth should collaborate on the development of principles for human-robot interaction.

4. Allow to opt-out of AI

Where possible, allow people to opt-out of an AI system. The ability to walk away is powerful.

5. Adjust for risk

Adjust the care taken in designing an AI to the level of risk it poses. Consider the need for human in the loop. Embed human values into human-in-the-loop design.

6. Explain before use

Be able to explain an AI system before someone begins using it: how it will be used, what it will do?

7. Design for augmentation and collaboration

Adopt novel approaches to design AI systems. Do not necessarily design to replace humans, but design for augmentation and collaboration. Together humans and machines are way better. 

On International Dialog and Governance

8. Be inclusive

Make sure everyone is heard, including from developing countries and those who are not familiar with AI.

9. Learn from each other

Interaction is needed between industry and policy makers – they need to learn from each other. We need to create platforms to enable this. 

10. Leverage Youth

Create way for Youth to help international companies shape the new AI applications.

11. Be flexible

Make regulation and norms generic, flexible – technology is moving so fast that detailed and rigid rules will be outdated soon. 

12. Proactive civil society

Civil Society should be proactive in its involvement in policy making – not leave it to governments or industry.

13. Utilize soft law

Soft laws (guidance that organizations may voluntarily follow) may be as effective as imposing legislation. 

14. Create a “seal of approval”

Create of an ethical AI “seal of approval” standard for companies. 

On Co-existence with AI

15. Start an international program of AI literacy

Provide AI education to all people around the world. AI literacy is the foundation for successful living in a world with AI. AI education for both youth and adults is important to ensure people have jobs. We should give kids an understanding of AI from a very young age. Tech companies should consider providing (free) education on AI and robots.

16. Provide career advice and re-skilling

Governments should provide career advice and support to young people to prepare them for a world with AI. They should provide reskilling for those who need it. Use AI as an opportunity to lift people to the next level of their careers.

17. Employment initiatives

Companies should include employment initiatives in their corporate social responsibility programs – if you are replacing jobs with AI, how are you improving or creating new opportunities?

18. UN to take a proactive role

The UN should take a proactive role in advocating for successful co-existence with AI and supporting it with concrete programs.

A Future with AI: Voices of Global Youth : https://www.afuturewithai.org
A Future with AI: Voices of Global Youth Report Launched : https://unite.un.org/news/future-ai-voices-global-youth-report-launched