Youth’s space tech insight lagging despite growing AI awareness- UN survey

Joy Agwunobi

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to capture the imagination of young people around the globe, a recent survey has revealed a lack of awareness about the role of space technology in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. 

The survey conducted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), and other UN agencies, aimed to assess how well young people grasp the potential of key technologies.

The findings reveal that while AI is increasingly recognised as a powerful tool for innovation, space technology remains underappreciated, despite its ability to play a crucial role in tackling global issues such as food insecurity, climate change, and disaster response.

Space technology, particularly satellite networks, has the potential to revolutionise sectors like agriculture by enabling precise crop monitoring, optimising water usage, and enhancing overall food production systems. 

The report noted that in regions vulnerable to climate change, such as Africa and parts of Asia, these technologies are critical to improving agricultural practices, managing resources, and building climate resilience.

According to the report, there is a troubling disconnect when it comes to young people’s understanding of space technology. “The full potential – and the possible benefits – of space data are not yet thoroughly understood by the younger generation,” the report noted. It noted that this lack of awareness could be hindering global efforts to tackle critical challenges like food insecurity and climate change, both of which are becoming more severe due to environmental shifts. 

Despite space technology’s transformative capabilities, its role in addressing these pressing issues remains largely overlooked by today’s youth, a gap that could have far-reaching consequences.

Satellite data can be used to predict weather patterns, track deforestation, and monitor natural disasters, allowing governments and organisations to respond more effectively. However, the report points out that despite these transformative capabilities, young people’s understanding of how space technology can be harnessed for such purposes remains minimal.

The survey’s findings highlight not only a gap in awareness but also a broader issue of missed opportunities. Space data has long been a valuable asset for industries ranging from agriculture to urban planning, yet its full potential remains untapped, particularly in areas where it could make the most difference.

“This lack of awareness amounts to a missed opportunity for innovation, for solving global challenges, and for bridging divides we didn’t even know existed,” the report noted. It suggests that the under utilisation of space data could delay critical advancements in areas like sustainable development, climate resilience, and even poverty alleviation.

Take, for instance, the issue of food insecurity. In regions heavily affected by droughts or unpredictable weather patterns, satellite data can help monitor crop health, predict water needs, and even alert farmers to potential crop failures. By not fully understanding or leveraging this data, young people, particularly those in developing regions, are missing out on the chance to drive meaningful change in their communities.

The survey also addressed the widening digital divide, particularly between developed and developing regions.

 In Africa, only 53 per cent of youth aged 15-24 have access to the internet, compared to 98 per cent  of their peers in Europe. The gap is even more pronounced in rural areas, where only 23 per cent  of young people are connected to the internet, compared to 57 per cent in urban areas.

This digital divide, the report noted, poses a significant barrier to youth engagement with advanced technologies like space data and AI as without reliable internet access, young people in rural areas are less likely to benefit from educational resources, innovation hubs, and training programs that could empower them to use these technologies for social good.

The report stressed that bridging this divide is essential for fostering a more inclusive digital future. 

“Let’s empower our youth not just with technology, but with the digital skills to use it for global good,” the report stated.

To address this gap, the UN agencies behind the study are advocating for a concerted global effort to raise awareness about the potential of space technology. One of the key recommendations is the establishment of local innovation hubs, where young people can access tools like AI and satellite data, collaborate on tech-driven solutions, and develop their digital skills.

Such hubs could play a pivotal role in unlocking youth talent, particularly in underserved regions. By providing access to space data and the training necessary to interpret and apply it, these hubs could empower young people to tackle local challenges, from food insecurity to climate adaptation. In turn, this could foster a new generation of innovators who are equipped to address some of the world’s most urgent problems.

The report also called for more emphasis on digital literacy programs that include education on space technology. In many parts of the world, technological education focuses heavily on AI, coding, and basic digital skills, while space technology remains overlooked. 

The survey’s findings suggest that a more balanced approach is necessary to ensure that young people understand the full range of tools at their disposal.

“Innovative solutions lie not just in AI but in the data from our skies,” the report highlighted, urging governments and educational institutions to rethink their approach to tech education. 

It also suggested that a curriculum that integrates both AI and space technology could help young people better understand how these tools work together to address challenges like climate change, disaster management, and sustainable agriculture.