Good morning, it is an honour to welcome you all today. We are here to explore one of the most transformative technologies of our time: Artificial Intelligence.
AI is reshaping industries and enhancing our daily lives, and it holds the potential to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. For young women like yourselves, this workshop is an opportunity to step into a future powered by AI, a future where you can drive innovation and change in your communities.
I would like to begin by expressing my deep gratitude to the Malta Digital Innovation Authority. Their support has been invaluable in making it possible for us to put on this series of training sessions on AI for young women here in Malta. But it’s not just Malta.
We’re holding similar workshops across the globe, starting in Paraguay earlier this month, and concluding in Jordan in December, and that’s only possible thanks to our global partner, Ernst & Young. Their support exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in creating meaningful and lasting impacts on the lives of young women, in this case by introducing them to the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence.
These workshops are contributing to the impact reporting under the EQUALS Her Digital Skills initiative. This aims to provide free, gender-transformative digital skills training, e-skills badges, and e-mentoring to one million women and girls by 2030.
Of course, today would also not be possible or meaningful without the young women taking part, so I welcome you all and encourage you to take full advantage of this session as you grow into future innovators. I know you are already inspired by the potential of Artificial Intelligence, a technology that is not only transforming industries, but is enhancing our daily lives, and could be the solution to multiple global challenges.
So, I’m excited to announce that as participants in this workshop, you are automatically invited to join the AI Ideathon, the second phase of this exciting collaboration with EY. This will be an incubator of ideas, where you can apply what you’ve learned to develop innovative, AI-driven solutions to real-world problems in your communities. Each of you will have the chance to compete to become your country's champion. The best idea that effectively leverages AI to solve a community-level challenge, while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, will be selected to represent Malta at an international event on AI, with all expenses covered! So, good luck to you all!
At the ITU Development Bureau, our purpose is to give everyone the tools to succeed in the digital economy and society. Initiatives like this one reinforce our commitment to equality and empowerment, ensuring technological advancements benefit everyone. So, finally, I encourage you to take full advantage of this experience.
This workshop is the only the beginning of a future full of challenges and possibilities. It’s not just about gaining technical knowledge, but about thinking creatively about how you can use that knowledge to transform your lives and the lives of those around you.
So, welcome to the world of Artificial Intelligence! I look forward to witnessing great achievements from all of you.
