Berkeley College Hosts 'From Ideas to Infrastructure' Forum, Examining How African Youth Can Drive Global Development through Artificial Intelligence

Photo Caption (L to R): Ibrahim Sannoh, Minister of Youth Affairs, Republic of Sierra Leone, and Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College, deliver remarks during "From Ideas to Infrastructure: Youth as Agents in Harnessing AI for Development." The forum, hosted by Berkeley College in New York City, was presented by the Commonwealth Youth Council, Floodgates International, and the Voice of Africa Network and took place against the backdrop of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, September 22, 2025.

Share the News: @BerkeleyCollege #BerkeleyNews #UNGA

As home to the world's youngest population, Africa must set the stage for advancements in infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI), said a congregation of youth innovators, policy makers, and private sector leaders, during "From Ideas to Infrastructure: Youth as Agents in Harnessing AI for Development." The forum, hosted by Berkeley College in New York City, was presented by the Commonwealth Youth Council, Floodgates International, and the Voice of Africa Network and took place against the backdrop of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, September 22, 2025.

"Our visions demand to be translated into shared realities," said Daniel Aryee, Policy and Programs Specialist, African Union Special Envoy on Youth. "Every structure begins with 'one.' One idea. One action. One voice. The courage of an individual or a nation to take a step forward when others hesitate."

According to the United Nations, Africa has the world's youngest population, with roughly 70 percent of people in sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. Speakers said this demographic holds promise for the continent's future growth and innovation.

"Africa's youth will not just take part in the global AI economy, they will help define it, and in doing so, shape a future where Africa stands at the forefront of progress," said Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College.

Tomas Malik, Head of Data, United Nations Youth Office, and Joshua Opey, Chairperson, Commonwealth Youth Council, emphasized bold investments in technology and the importance of education in bridging the skills gap.

Attendees also heard from Lerato Mataboge, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union, who outlined the African Union Executive Council's five-year Continental AI Strategy, and Ibrahim Sannoh, Minister of Youth Affairs, Republic of Sierra Leone, who encouraged youth to realize their full potential.

"Let us imagine a world where a young individual in Sierra Leone can access the same tools as an individual in New York," Sannoh said. "Where a young innovator from Cameroon or from Ghana can access the same tools as one in London. Imagine a world where artificial intelligence is not a divider but a unifier."

About Berkeley College

Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.

Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor's Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans for 12 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2026 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.

The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.

- end -