Pretoria: Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has urged young individuals to lead the way in setting worldwide standards for artificial intelligence (AI) governance, focusing on ensuring that technology promotes equity rather than exacerbating global inequality. Delivering the keynote speech at the 4th BRICS Youth Innovation Summit 2026 at Tshwane University of Technology, Chikunga emphasized the critical role of youth in establishing a more equitable and multipolar global order.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister highlighted that artificial intelligence is inherently non-neutral and called upon young innovators from BRICS nations to take an active role in defining its global governance. Chikunga stated, "AI must work for people and their wellbeing - not the other way around," and stressed the importance of African and BRICS involvement in setting these global standards.
The summit, under the theme 'Youth-Led Innovation for Sustainable Development,' is being held from April 8-10, 2026. It aims to connect promising young entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, partners, and experts from BRICS+ countries and the Global South. Chikunga praised the South African BRICS Youth Association for sustaining the summit over the years, describing it as vital for building a more just and sustainable world.
Chikunga reminded delegates of the commitments made to youth empowerment at the 15th BRICS Summit 2023, urging young people to use the summit as a platform for accountability and to ensure that these commitments are translated into tangible outcomes.
The Minister also highlighted the expanding influence of the BRICS bloc, which now represents over 45% of the world's population and more than a third of global GDP. She emphasized the need for the global governance architecture to reflect current realities rather than outdated frameworks established in 1945. Chikunga pointed out that BRICS nations house the world's largest concentration of young people, who will inevitably shape global markets, labor forces, and innovation ecosystems.
Chikunga warned of the interconnected threats facing the new generation, stressing that these challenges are not isolated but part of a system of compounding failures. She noted the collapse of the post-1945 international order's foundational bargains, emphasizing the need for youth innovation in addressing existential threats.
The Minister outlined a four-pillar call to action for BRICS youth, focusing on defending sovereignty through innovation, challenging orthodox economic models, critically approaching the AI bubble, and strengthening people-to-people relations. She urged young people to develop indigenous technological capacity and data governance frameworks, innovate new economic thinking, and foster deep connections between BRICS member states.
In conclusion, Chikunga encouraged the youth to take ownership of the future amidst global challenges, asserting that they are not passive recipients but active participants shaping their world.