We Are the AI Generation

Reflections from the United Nations (UN) AI for Good Summit

Author: Jaco Jansen van Rensburg, Vice President, Corporate Training at ALX.

At the UN AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva last month, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary General opened with a simple but profound statement: “We are the AI generation.” It wasn’t a phrase aimed at a select group of engineers in Silicon Valley or entrepreneurs in Shenzhen. It was a call to all of us. It means we share both the responsibility and the opportunity to guide AI’s power toward the common good.

This resonated deeply with me, because as I walked the halls of the Palexpo, I was struck by the presence of young people and even schoolchildren. Their palpable curiosity was a powerful reminder that AI education is not a luxury, but a public service of our time. At ALX, we have long recognized this truth, and we're committed to preparing a generation of innovators to answer this call.

Don’t Look West or East Look Forward

One of the most powerful lines I heard in Geneva was this: “Don’t look West or East — look forward.” It’s a reminder that the future of innovation isn’t defined by where it came from, but by where it will emerge next. I saw this in the AI Skills Coalition showcase, where a young coder from rural Mongolia earned a scholarship to study Software Engineering in South Korea. Bright ideas know no borders.

And that’s the point — talent is universal, but opportunity is not. The right skills, the right networks, and the right support can transform someone’s trajectory, no matter where they begin. That’s why ALX didn’t build its model for Africa alone — we built it in Africa, to solve challenges the whole world faces. When you equip talented people with relevant skills, networks, and confidence, the results can be transformative. An ALX graduate can go from a small town in Kenya to working on global AI projects, and in doing so, rewrite what the future looks like for their family, community, and industry.

Africa is Leading AI for Good

Africa is not just participating in the AI revolution — it’s leading it. As a judge in the Innovation Factory pre-final at the summit, I witnessed Ele-vate AI Africa, an African startup, win the grand prize. Ele-vate’s innovative health-tech solution, MamaMate, works offline to support new mothers in low-connectivity areas — a lifeline in a region where two out of every five people still lack internet access, and where Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 70% of global maternal deaths.

Ele-vate’s win wasn’t just a victory for one company — it was a reminder that the most impactful solutions often come from those closest to the problems they solve. We saw the same with Rwanda’s Health Intelligence Centres, which AWS CTO Werner Vogels described as one of the best examples he has seen of AI for impact anywhere in the world.

These innovations don’t happen in isolation. They emerge when you nurture talent, build relevant skills, and empower problem-solvers with the tools to create change. This is the very essence of the ALX model. With over 250,000 learners reached across 50+ countries, we are providing an ecosystem where these innovators can flourish. We offer demand-driven curricula co-created with global employers and industry experts, and a community powered by peer-led networks, ensuring our graduates are not just trained, but transformed into confident, career-ready professionals

The AI Generation We Choose to Be

The UN AI for Good Global Summit left me convinced: AI for good is only possible with people for good. And Africa is ready. We have the largest pool of untapped, high-potential talent in the world. The question is not whether Africans can compete in the AI era — they can. The question is whether the world will invest in unlocking that potential at scale.

At ALX, we are committed to unlocking high-potential talent at scale, because the AI generation we choose to be is one where opportunity is evenly distributed, talent is valued everywhere, and the next breakthrough can come from anywhere. If you want to see the future of AI for good, look to Africa.

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About Jaco Jansen van Rensburg

Dr. Jaco Jansen van Rensburg shapes and oversees a comprehensive portfolio of learning initiatives as Vice President, Corporate Training at ALX. He guides diverse teams that develop and deliver impactful programs, ranging from equipping learners with essential, real-world digital and AI skills, Data Analytics, Data Science, and cloud computing to designing and delivering tailored corporate training solutions aligned with emerging industry needs.

With deep expertise grounded in mathematical modelling, optimisation, machine learning, engineering processes, and strategic management – including a PhD and an MBA – Jaco combines technical insight with practical business leadership. In addition to his responsibilities at ALX, Jaco serves on the advisory board of the South African AI Association, contributing to discussions around responsible AI integration and education policy.

About ALX
ALX is a transformative organisation equipping the next generation of African leaders and innovators with the skills they need to succeed in the digital age. From AI to data, software engineering to creative tech, ALX is committed to unlocking career opportunities and building a future powered by African talent. Learn more at www.alxafrica.com.