Sri Lanka's Youth Spearhead Digital Revolution with AI-Powered Future
International Youth Day 2026 marked an occasion for reflection on the role of young people in shaping their countries' futures. Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO of Salesforce South Asia, highlighted Sri Lanka's youth as a driving force behind innovation and progress.
Bhattacharya noted that these young individuals are leveraging digital platforms to start businesses and tackle community challenges with creative solutions. This spirit of entrepreneurship is alive in Sri Lanka, giving Bhattacharya cause for optimism about the country's potential.
The advent of AI technology has amplified the potential of young people, but Bhattacharya emphasized that its true value lies in amplifying human impact. To achieve this, AI must be designed with a human-centric approach, prioritizing trust and inclusivity.
Bhattacharya stressed that access to technology is merely the starting point for empowerment. True confidence comes from having agency over how technology is used, not just consuming it. This requires collaboration between governments, educators, industry leaders, and communities to expand digital skills, deepen responsible AI knowledge, and create pathways for participation.
Salesforce believes that technology holds value when it enables people to succeed. The measure of the AI era should be the opportunities it unlocks for individuals to learn, contribute, and lead.