New York, New York, (Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations) (August 19, 2026) – St. Kitts and Nevis participated in the United Nations AI Youth Conference on International Youth Day, joining young people from around the world in a timely dialogue on how artificial intelligence can advance human progress while remaining inclusive, responsible, and responsive to the needs of future generations. The Conference placed youth at the centre of the conversation.

The Federation’s participation included young nationals and members of the St. Kitts and Nevis diaspora, further enriching the exchange of ideas and reinforcing the importance of creating opportunities for Kittitian and Nevisian youth to contribute to international policy discussions. Delegates were invited to make statements and interventions on AI governance, policymaking, diplomacy, ethics, inclusion, and the societal and cultural impact of emerging technologies.

A key outcome was the development of a Youth-Led Declaration on AI Policy and Governance, capturing shared youth perspectives, principles, and concrete recommendations to be carried forward into the United Nations system. The Declaration reflects a clear message from young people: they must be meaningfully involved in shaping the policies and governance frameworks that will determine how AI affects their lives, communities, and futures.

For St. Kitts and Nevis, the Conference also provided an opportunity to highlight the cultural dimensions of artificial intelligence. AI offers significant potential to advance education, creativity, innovation, and the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. At the same time, its rapid development raises important questions about cultural identity, representation, authenticity, and whose histories and experiences are reflected in emerging technologies. These issues are particularly relevant to small states and communities whose perspectives can be overlooked in global technological systems. Meaningful youth participation helps ensure that the development of AI reflects the diversity of human experience and serves communities of all sizes.

St. Kitts and Nevis welcomes the Youth-Led Declaration and the meaningful role young people played in its development. As artificial intelligence transforms economies, education, culture, and international relations, the Federation remains committed to ensuring that youth are not simply recipients of technological change, but active contributors to the policies and principles that will govern it.

The future of artificial intelligence is being shaped now. St. Kitts and Nevis believes that young people must have a meaningful voice in shaping that future.

********