Harnessing AI for the Future of Africa

A luncheon hosted by the Global Business Coalition for Education during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly 

Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Time: 12:30 – 2:00 PM

Note: Guests should plan to arrive 20-30 minutes early for security and registration.

Location: 599 Lexington Ave. New York, NY

Event Overview

There is growing potential and possibility on the African continent. Today there are more than 650 million youth in Africa and by 2030, 75% of the continent will be under the age of 35, making up 42% of the global youth population. The implications for social development and economic growth are enormous, while challenges of extreme poverty and low levels of learning impact the trajectory of the region. About one-third of Africans live in extreme poverty and nearly 90% of children are unable to read a basic text.

With the challenges facing the region alongside huge potential, the Global Business Coalition for Education’s annual luncheon will explore the potential of AI for growth and prosperity in Africa. What are current trends in AI? How can they address issues of equity and inclusion?

Can AI promote rapid inclusivity in education and address issues of youth employment and skills?

Join us for a discussion among leaders from business, government, academia and civil society as we unpack the opportunities for growth and prosperity for youth in Africa and beyond.

Security, Registration & Check-in  

During UNGA 2024 Week, Theirworld and the Global Business Coalition for Education will host several high-level security events. Attendees of all events must review and follow these instructions to prevent issues or delays on the day of the event. Only pre-registered and accredited guests will be allowed to enter the venue without any exceptions. All team and delegation members, including support staff, security personnel, translators, photographers, assistants, etc., must be pre-registered at least seven days before the event date. For certain events with limited capacity, pre-registered support staff will be directed to a secondary staff room to wait for their principals. All accreditations are timed, and guests will be asked to leave once their events are completed. Guests attending multiple meetings on the same day must RSVP for each event separately but will only need to check in once.  They can remain on the event floors but may be asked to undergo a secondary security screening between meetings.

Venue Access & Waiting Area 

Guests should enter 599 Lexington Ave. from the corner of E 53rd Street and Lexington Ave. and proceed to the check-in desk with a valid ID to receive their accreditation badges and information packages. Only accredited guests can proceed through the turnstiles and will be directed to the elevators and appropriate event rooms.

Due to strict security protocols, those without pre-registrations will be asked to leave the building lobby, but they can wait for their principals and teams at the restaurants and seating areas at The Hugh across the street on E 53rd Street.

Accreditation Pick-up & Check-in Times 

All attendees are encouraged to pick up their event accreditation badges in advance or to arrive at least 30 minutes before their event’s start time to complete the check-in process.

Accreditation badges can be picked up at 599 Lexington Avenue at the below times with photo ID:  

• Sunday, 22 September – 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM – All Events

• Monday, 23 September – 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM – For Monday Events Only

• Tuesday, 24 September – 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM – All Events

• Wednesday, 24 September – 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – All Events

Advance Security Visits 

Security teams that would like to conduct advance visits can contact Hazar Yildirim at [email protected] and Anna Shakarova at [email protected] to schedule a time.

Can’t make it? Please let us know! 

If for any reason you will not be able to attend the event, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can accommodate others on the waitlist for the event.

Event Contacts 

Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions.

Press, Media, and Social Media 

Media access, including staff photographers, is granted by prior accreditation only. Professional photography will be taken by the Theirworld team and distributed to all attendees and interested media outlets post-event. For all media inquiries, please get in touch with [email protected].

The event is open to the press and media. Photographs and videos will be taken for use on social media. We encourage the use hashtags #SDG4 #Education #UNGA79 and tag the Global Business Coalition for Education (@gbceducation) and (@Theirworld) on Twitter. You can also tag Theirworld on Instagram (@Theirworldorg)

Agenda