How young people will shape the future | Clement Sinyangwe | TEDxLOTS Youth

Key Concepts

• Digital Transformation: The process of using digital technologies to create new — or modify existing — business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing business and market requirements.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): A branch of computer science that aims to create intelligent machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence.
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs): Technologies that facilitate the transfer of information and communication through the internet, mobile devices, and other electronic means.
• Ethical Use of Technology: Ensuring that technology is developed and used in a way that is fair, just, and beneficial to society.
• Predictive Analytics: A type of advanced analytics that uses historical data, machine learning, and data mining techniques to identify the likelihood of future outcomes based on that data.
• Hate Speech Detection: The use of AI to identify and flag online content that expresses prejudice, discrimination, or hostility towards individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Personal Background and Journey

The speaker, Dr. Clement, begins by reflecting on his childhood in Shingola, a small mining town. He describes a humble upbringing where walking long distances to school without snacks was common. He contrasts this with the present, highlighting how the world has shrunk due to ICTs and AI, making global connections easier. He shares his personal journey from this background to becoming a "Doctor Clement," emphasizing that he never envisioned this future.

Multiple Roles and Responsibilities

Dr. Clement outlines his various roles:

• President of the ICT Association of Zambia: Responsible for regulating the professional conduct of ICT practitioners and companies in Zambia, with a focus on the ethical use of technology.
• Community Leader: Holds national-level responsibilities.
• Director of a Bank: Serves on the board of a financial institution.
• Technical Committee Lead at Smart Zambia: Mandated to drive digital transformation in Zambia.
• Elder in Church: A spiritual leadership role.
• Parent: Responsible for his family's future.

The Evolving World for Students

The speaker contrasts the "community" of his childhood (streets, town) with the "global community" of today's children. He notes the ease with which children can now connect globally, a stark difference from the two-week mail delivery times he experienced. He emphasizes that the current generation's responsibility is to:

• Consume technologies: Learn from ICTs and AI.
• Innovate: Create new solutions.
• Research: Explore and discover.

The Role of Parents, Teachers, and Administrators

The responsibility of adults (parents, teachers, administrators) is to create a "conducive environment" for students to learn and thrive. This environment is crucial for shaping a "better tomorrow."

Personal Innovation: Hate Speech Detection Model

Dr. Clement shares a specific project that contributed to his recognition as a doctor: the invention of a model capable of detecting hate speech, abusive language, and insults. Crucially, this model was trained not only in English but also in local Zambian languages like Bemba and Tonga. This highlights the potential for AI to address specific societal challenges in local contexts.

Preparing for the Future

The core argument is that the future is not something to be passively awaited but actively prepared for. This preparation involves:

• Equipping children: Providing them with the necessary tools and support.
• Fostering learning, research, creation, and innovation: Encouraging these activities in the younger generation.

Future Technologies and Trust

The speaker poses critical questions about future technologies like driverless cars and robotic surgery. He prompts the audience to consider their trust in these AI-driven systems and the implications for human roles. This underscores the need for careful consideration and preparation as these technologies become more prevalent.

Predictive Analytics and Early Warning Systems

Dr. Clement highlights the advancements in predictive analytics powered by AI. Examples include:

• Early warning systems for natural disasters: Predicting floods up to six months in advance.
• Student performance prediction: Identifying students at risk of failure based on past performance.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The speaker concludes by reiterating that it is now possible to anticipate future events. He poses the question of what the future holds in 10 years, suggesting that the answer lies in our collective preparation. He calls for a united effort to "build this future together."