What if the next big solution to climate change, hunger, or quality education came from a teenager with the help of Artificial Intelligence? That possibility felt very real at the Youth and AI for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) event, organized by Mobile Web Ghana in collaboration with the U.S Embassy Ghana- American Corner,Agbogba for students from Kwabenya Senior High School. The session, facilitated by Eric Appiah, opened the doors for young people to see AI as not just a buzzword, but as a powerful tool for solving the world’s most pressing challenges.
Madam Florence, the director of Mobile Web Ghana broke the ice with a warm conversation, inviting students to share what they already knew about AI and the SDGs.Building on their responses, she reminded them that technology is not distant but part of their everyday lives, and that young people are never too young to be problem-solvers. She encouraged them to see the SDGs not just as global targets but as personal responsibilities, where small ideas can lead to big change. Following, the Coordinator for the American Corner,Agbogba ( partnership between the U.S. Embassy Ghana and Mobile Web Ghana) shared how the Corner provides opportunities and resources for youth to explore technology, creativity, and international programs. Her remarks reminded the students that they were in a space built to nurture their ideas and dreams.
The main session brought these ideas to life. Mr. Eric Appiah applauded the students’ knowledge and expanded their understanding of AI’s real-world applications spanning healthcare, education, clean energy, economic growth, and environmental protection. He tied these concepts directly to the 17 SDGs, showing how AI can be a bridge between innovation and impact.
To ground theory in practice, Eric demonstrated AI tools in real time. Students explored MagicSchool AI for prompt engineering, AutoDraw for creative design, and InVideo AI for content creation. A hands-on activity where a student tried out the tools made the session lively and relatable.
The highlight came when students worked in groups to brainstorm AI-powered solutions for global issues like climate change, zero hunger, and clean water. Their ideas ranging from smart farming systems for crop monitoring to nutrition apps powered by AI were not only creative but also practical.
The day ended with a spirited debate on the question: “AI in our lives : is it good or bad?” This gave participants the chance to weigh both the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies, encouraging them to think critically about the future they are stepping into.
By the close of the program, students walked away with more than knowledge. They left with a renewed sense of empowerment, realizing that they are not just consumers of technology, but potential creators of AI-driven solutions that could shape a more sustainable future.
As part of this vision, Mobile Web Ghana reaffirms its pledge under the Hamburg Sustainable Development Declaration: to empower youth with digital skills, foster innovation, and champion technology-driven solutions that contribute to achieving the SDGs.
