Youth seen as real AI advantage for emerging economies

Philstar.com

January 24, 2026 | 8:00pm

DAVOS, Switzerland — The youth should at the center of the global artificial intelligence debate. 

This has been underscored by Rep. Brian Poe (FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list) as he addressed international leaders at the first-ever Philippine Pavilion during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.

For Poe, without early governance, AI could deepen inequality rather than expand opportunity. He said that young people are already using AI at scale, but institutions are lagging behind — creating a dangerous gap between adoption and preparedness.

“AI is already in the hands of our youth,” the lawmaker said during his speech as a panelist in the talk titled “AI in Youth Education as Development Drivers”. 

“What’s missing are the guardrails, the skills pipeline, and the seat at the table that young people deserve,” he added.

Poe cited UNESCO-UNEVOC data showing that 62% of young people globally already use AI tools in real-world work settings, yet 48% feel unprepared for an AI-enabled workplace. He said only 30% have received formal AI training, while 40% report no education in ethical or responsible AI use. Despite this, 72% of youth say participation in AI policymaking is important.

The Philippines reflects the same urgency. More than 60% of Filipino students already use generative AI tools for academic work, while over 70% of educators integrate AI into teaching — often without unified national standards or safeguards.

“We are past the access question,” Poe said. “The challenge now is preparedness, ethics, and direction. Youth must be empowered not just as users of AI, but as co-creators of the rules that govern it.”

Poe highlighted the Philippines’ legislative response, including House Bill No. 1196, the Philippine Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, which establishes the Artificial Intelligence Development Authority to oversee national AI strategy, risk-based regulation, and human oversight in education and employment. He also cited House Bill No. 2766, the Career Transition Assistance Act, which provides reskilling, income support, and job-matching for workers displaced by automation.

“These laws are about protecting opportunity,” Poe said. “If we govern AI early and invest in youth skills, AI becomes a ladder not a trap.”

The session underscored the Philippines’ message as it prepares for the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026: that inclusive growth in the AI era depends on equipping young people with skills, voice and institutional trust. — Contributed story

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