by Elanur ÖZSIRKINTI, Youth Speaker | Youth Section
Compulsory Peace & ICT Education Campaign in Support of the International Day of Democracy
Organized and presented virtually by Light Millennium Global along with the Coalition on September 13, 2025. #CompulsoryPeaceICTEducation | #DemocracyDay

Background / Concept / Expected Outcomes  |  Bio of the Speakers & Profiles of the Participating Orgs.

Introduction:

[LMGlobal.Org] Speaking on the International Day of Democracy on September 13, 2025, student Elanur Özsırkıntı outlines a four-part framework for integrating technology into education in a way that strengthens peace and democracy. She advocates for greater public participation in tech-related decisions within schools, the compulsory inclusion of digital literacy and peace education in the K-12 curriculum, independent oversight of AI in educational settings, and a commitment to inclusivity to ensure technology serves diverse learners. Elanur argues that this approach is vital for building a future where technology unites people rather than divides them.

Hello everyone, my name is Elanur and I hope that all are having a good morning so far.

As we come together to celebrate the International Day of Democracy, we face an urgent question: how can artificial intelligence and digital technologies be governed in ways that strengthen democracy, equality, peace, and sustainability—especially in education?

The first step is participation. Too often, decisions about AI in schools are made behind closed doors. Democracy demands open voices. Advisory councils, community forums, and transparent review processes allow students, parents, and teachers to shape how technology is used. This not only builds trust but also creates sustainable systems of accountability that can adapt as technology evolves.

The second step is education itself. To counter misinformation and division, we must introduce digital literacy and peace education as part of a compulsory K–12 curriculum. From the earliest years, students should learn to evaluate sources, detect bias, and resist manipulation—while also practicing empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. These skills are essential for informed citizens who can navigate the digital world responsibly and protect democracy. ICT tools—like online platforms and collaborative classrooms—can make this training engaging and widely accessible.

Third, we need oversight. Independent review boards, made up of educators, technologists, civil society, and parents, must evaluate how AI is used in schools. Transparency and regular audits will ensure that technology serves fairness and education rather than profit alone. Embedding such oversight makes our systems stronger and sustainable across generations.

Finally, we must ensure inclusivity. Too often, AI tools are designed in only a few dominant languages and reflect narrow perspectives. To promote equality, AI must be trained on diverse voices, accessible in many languages, and responsive to different learning needs. No child should be denied knowledge because of where they were born or the language they speak. Inclusive ICT platforms can bridge cultures, foster empathy, and help young people see the world through multiple perspectives—strengthening both peace and democracy.

By bringing these elements together—participation, compulsory K–12 peace and ICT education, oversight, and inclusivity—we show that technology can unite rather than divide, empower rather than control, and educate rather than mislead. This is how we build a democratic, sustainable, and peaceful future.

Thank you.