BIEA calls for "Digital Intelligence for Good" to empower and protect young people at the World Internet Conference 2025

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The British International Education Association (BIEA) joined ministers, diplomats, technology leaders and charitable organisations at the 2025 World Internet Conference (WIC) Charity Forum, where BIEA representative Nikki Collins delivered a keynote urging a youth-centred approach to AI and digital transformation.

This year's conference, themed "Building an Open, Secure and Inclusive Intelligent Future - Jointly Constructing a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace," welcomed over 1,600 guests from more than 130 countries and regions.

"Technology must serve people - upholding dignity, widening opportunity, and shaping a shared future. Only when technology is directed toward good can it build a better world," Collins said.

Two realities shaping youth in the digital age

Drawing on BIEA's work with schools, universities and community partners in 30+ countries, Collins highlighted two observations:

1) Access not equal to aspiration or capability

Although young people are deeply immersed in digital platforms, passive exposure rarely translates into STEM interests, innovation, or future-ready skills. Disadvantaged learners in particular remain under-represented in post-16 STEM pathways, threatening the global talent pipeline for AI, data science and green innovation.

What works: BIEA's innovation programmes show that when young people use accessible AI-related tools to solve real challenges - from using drones to protect endangered wildlife to addressing ocean plastics - they build not only technical skills but also critical thinking, ethics, and teamwork.

Importantly, such learning does not require expensive labs - open-source tools and everyday materials allow youth everywhere to create, not just consume.

2) Youth mental well-being is under strain

Global research increasingly shows links between prolonged social-media use and rising anxiety, declining concentration and lower self-esteem.

A BIEA-UCL collaboration found that meaningful STEM projects strengthen problem-solving, teamwork and environmental awareness - factors associated with greater resilience.

A framework for "Digital Intelligence for Good"

To build inclusive, ethical and resilient digital futures, BIEA emphasises a whole-society approach for ages 0-25, combining STEM capability with mental-health awareness and partnering across families, schools, universities, communities and industry.

Collins outlined four priorities:

* Lower barriers to STEM participation
* Integrate well-being into digital and AI learning
* Encourage responsible and ethical AI practice
* Strengthen collaboration across sectors

"Strong youth, strong society. Healthy youth, healthy future," Collins concluded. "Let Digital Intelligence for Good guide global philanthropy - and let young people not only use technology, but co-create the future."

Broader philanthropy efforts resonate

It was inspiring to hear from speakers across the charity and technology sectors, including UNICEF - emphasising the importance of safety and resilience for young people - as well as tech giants Xiaomi, Tencent, Alibaba and Ant Foundation, who highlighted how digital innovation can drive public participation, enhance inclusion and create opportunity.

About the British International Education Association (BIEA)

BIEA is a UK-based non-profit advancing STEM education and youth well-being worldwide. Through the BIEA International STEM Competition, BIEA STEM Stars accreditation, and global partnerships, BIEA empowers young people to address major environmental and social challenges while developing resilience and responsible digital citizenship.

Website: www.bieacompetition.org.uk [http://www.bieacompetition.org.uk/]

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