Bridging the Digital Divide: Mongolian Leader Champions AI in Rural Communities

A Unique Perspective at the World Economic Forum

In a world increasingly shaped by technology, it’s important to remember the roots from which we all grow. Bolor-Erdene Battsengel, a former Mongolian government official and founder of AI Academy Asia, emphasized this connection as she shared her experiences at a World Economic Forum (WEF) panel on artificial intelligence (AI) in Davos, Switzerland. Starting her discourse with a nod to her upbringing, she sparked interest by mentioning her 300 sheep—a reflection of her background in a traditional herder community.

Battsengel’s story is not just about livestock; it serves as a powerful lens through which she expresses her vision for digital inclusion in Mongolia. In the heart of Central Asia, Mongolia is bordered by two major powers, Russia and China, and has a population of approximately 3.5 million, of which about 30% are nomadic herders. This demographic plays a crucial role in shaping her initiatives as she seeks to empower the rural regions of her home country.

The Challenges of Digital Inequality

As she prepares to launch AI Academy Asia, Battsengel aims to address the disparity in educational resources. Mongolia, despite having around 84% of its population online, faces significant digital divides. Approximately 2.2 billion children and young people worldwide lack access to the Internet at home, highlighting a critical issue that Battsengel is passionate about.

She stated, ‘If we can give people access to equal education… it can create enormous impact.’ With the threat of advancing technology creating a wider gap in opportunity, her mission is to ensure that those from rural backgrounds are not left behind. This concern about the digital divide resonates globally, especially as experts warn that AI could exacerbate existing inequalities.

Education as a Tool for Change

Battsengel’s commitment to education stems from her own life experiences. Having moved from a rural area to the capital, Ulaanbaatar, she faced challenges, including bullying related to her roots. However, she turned to her studies, skipping three grades and graduating high school by age 14. Her academic success led her to significant roles within the government, including serving as Mongolia’s first Vice Minister of Digital Development.

In her governmental role, she initiated the ‘E-Mongolia’ program, which digitized various government services, allowing citizens in remote areas to access resources without the burden of traveling long distances. This innovative project laid the groundwork for her further efforts in education, culminating in the establishment of Girls Code, a nonprofit that empowers young girls from disadvantaged communities in tech fields.

Empowering Future Generations Through AI

AI Academy Asia is the next step in Battsengel’s mission to uplift Mongolia’s rural population. Set to launch on January 27, the initiative seeks to train 500 educators to bring artificial intelligence education to rural areas. By equipping male and female students with the necessary skills, Battsengel hopes they can leverage AI technologies in their studies and careers.

The importance of this initiative is underscored by the anticipated growth of the job market. According to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs report 2025, technological advancements could create up to 78 million new jobs by 2030, particularly in fields relating to technology and AI. Battsengel is keen to ensure that rural communities are prepared to seize these new opportunities.

Adapting to Local Challenges

AI Academy Asia also addresses specific agricultural challenges faced by herders, particularly in light of recent extreme weather events. The dzud, a Mongolian winter phenomenon, can devastate livestock populations, threatening the livelihoods of herding communities.

By providing training on how to utilize AI for better weather prediction and livestock management, Battsengel believes herders can enhance their resilience against such unpredictable events. ‘I really hope that they use the knowledge of AI, even in the countryside, to really improve their quality of life,” she stated, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to grassroots improvement.

Ensuring Equitable Progress

Amidst these positive developments, the broader context remains crucial. Reports, including the WEF’s “Blueprint for Intelligent Economies,” stress that countries must tailor their AI strategies to their local circumstances to mitigate inequality. As Battsengel advocates for her home country, she recognizes the importance of creating frameworks that ensure benefits extend beyond urban centers to rural populations.

Key Takeaways

Bolor-Erdene Battsengel’s journey from a herder community to a leader in digital inclusion highlights the importance of education in closing the digital divide. Her initiatives, including AI Academy Asia and Girls Code, aim to empower young individuals in rural Mongolia to harness AI technologies, promoting equitable access to future job opportunities.

As the landscape of work continues to change rapidly due to AI, efforts like Battsengel’s will be critical to ensuring that everyone, regardless of geographical location, has the opportunity to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The future implications of her work echo the need for tailored solutions that address local challenges while fostering inclusivity in technological advancement.