Abstract ID: 3.8713 | Reviewing | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

Artificial Intelligence at the service of Rural Youth
Examining the Potential of AI to Combat Learned Helplessness in Mountain Communities

Context & Background
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, yet its potential to empower rural youth in mountain regions remains largely untapped. Access to AI-driven tools could bridge knowledge gaps, enhance market access, and provide tailored solutions to local challenges, from precision agriculture to sustainable tourism. However, despite these possibilities, rural communities often lack awareness, training, and the infrastructure to integrate AI into their livelihoods. Without proactive intervention, AI risks deepening rather than closing existing rural-urban divides.

Objectives of the Study
This study aims to explore the current and potential role of AI in fostering rural youth empowerment. It will assess how AI-driven solutions can support entrepreneurship, environmental monitoring, and market integration while addressing structural barriers to access. A key focus will be on identifying existing AI tools relevant to mountain communities and evaluating their applicability in real-world scenarios.

Methodology
The research will conduct an inventory of AI applications currently utilized in rural development, with a specific focus on accessibility and impact on youth-led initiatives. Through interviews with AI practitioners, development experts, and rural youth representatives, the study will identify best practices and challenges in AI adoption. A policy analysis component will examine the role of governments and international organizations in enabling AI accessibility for mountain youth.

Expected Outcomes
The research will highlight both the opportunities and limitations of AI in mountain regions, offering a structured framework for its integration into rural youth empowerment programs. The study will serve as a foundation for workshop discussions, prompting dialogue on how AI can be made more inclusive and function as a tool to dismantle learned helplessness in remote areas.