Bolor-Erdene Battsengel is bringing AI education to Mongolia’s nomadic herders through her initiative, AI Academy Asia, aimed at training 500 teachers. She highlights existing inequalities in education and economic status among rural communities. Battsengel’s efforts seek to empower youth by equipping them with the skills needed to adapt to changes in an increasingly technological world, tackling the digital divide in Mongolia.
Bolor-Erdene Battsengel, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighted her connection to Mongolia’s nomadic herders, stating, “I come from a herder community, I still own 300 sheep.” Her commitment to digital inclusion is driven by her experiences in a country where approximately 30% of the population are nomadic herders. She is the founder of AI Academy Asia, which aims to educate rural communities about artificial intelligence and will officially launch on January 27, with a goal to train 500 teachers.
Experts have warned of a growing digital divide that affects those with and without access to technology. Although 84% of Mongolia’s population uses the Internet, this statistic reveals significant inequality. AI’s influence on the job market is concerning as it’s estimated that 40% of jobs globally could be affected, with warnings that demand will exceed supply, particularly in developing regions.
Battsengel emphasized the existing inequalities within Mongolia, stating, “We have education inequality, we have income inequality, we have gender inequality…” She believes adding digital inequality will exacerbate these existing issues, adversely impacting children from disadvantaged communities. Her insights stem from her own experiences of social disparity during her education journey.
As a member of the WEF Forum of Young Global Leaders, Battsengel leverages her education to foster digital awareness. Moving to Ulaanbaatar at age 10, she excelled academically, becoming the youngest member of Mongolia’s government at 29. Battsengel initiated the “E-Mongolia” program, enabling remote access to essential governmental services for rural citizens, a move that greatly aids in bridging the gap between urban and rural access.
She founded Girls Code in 2021 to provide coding training to girls from nomadic and disadvantaged backgrounds. With 120 graduates who have progressed to prestigious institutions, Battsengel aims to expand this initiative to include boys, focusing on AI’s applicative value in various fields. Her overarching goal is to empower the next generation to adapt to technological changes in the job market.
AI-driven jobs are projected to increase significantly. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report highlights that technological advancements might create 78 million new jobs by 2030, predominantly in AI and data sectors. Battsengel believes that adapting national AI strategies to local challenges will enable more equitable outcomes in rural communities.
AI Academy Asia has tailored curricula for herders to enhance practical skills. The harsh winter conditions, termed “dzud,” have devastated livestock, thus teaching herders to use AI for weather prediction and livestock health management can bolster their resilience against future environmental challenges. “I really hope that they use the knowledge (of AI) to improve their quality of life,” Battsengel stated, reflecting her vision for impacting rural communities positively.
The article discusses Bolor-Erdene Battsengel’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) education into rural Mongolia, especially among nomadic herders. This initiative is crucial due to the existing digital divide, educational inequalities, and economic disparities that affect these communities. Battsengel’s background as a government official and her experiences as a herder provide her unique insights into the struggles faced by these populations. Her organizations, AI Academy Asia and Girls Code, aim to empower young people through technological skills, ensuring they are not left behind in the advancing global economy.
Battsengel’s initiatives represent a significant step towards bridging the technological divide in Mongolia. By focusing on education for both girls and boys and highlighting the importance of AI in rural livelihoods, she aims to ensure that all communities can benefit from advancements in technology. Her work addresses the pressing inequalities in education, income, and access to technology, promoting a more equitable future for Mongolia’s nomadic herders.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
