The race for artificial intelligence dominance is accelerating—and so is the debate over its implications.

Towards the end of January this year, news reports emerged that a powerful new Chinese AI model, DeepSeek, had launched as a rival to ChatGPT. It was described to be faster, cheaper, and more efficient, sending shockwaves through the tech and policy world overnight, reigniting the question: who truly leads in artificial intelligence?

On the same day, as the Commonwealth Youth Parliamentarian for the UK, I found myself in Portcullis House, surrounded by Parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth, experts from Chatham House, think tanks, and the UN, discussing a similar theme—AI in Security. What does this mean for policymakers and for Parliamentarians? How will this technology reshape nation-states, redefine global power, and, in my case, crucially impact young people across the Commonwealth and the UK?

AI in Security: A Global Conversation

Over three days, Parliamentarians from across some of the 56 Commonwealth nations gathered to debate AI’s risks and opportunities. Each country brought a different perspective—some focused on AI innovation and disinformation, while others were concerned about cybersecurity threats and deepfakes.

Despite these varying priorities, one common theme emerged: AI is transforming global security faster than policymakers can keep pace. The challenge is finding the balance—how do we foster AI innovation and economic growth while ensuring it does not become a tool for misinformation or election interference?

I was particularly interested in how Parliamentarians are approaching these questions and how AI policies will impact jobs, education, and the environment. AI in Security is not just a concern for governments—it’s an issue that will shape generations to come.

AI Impact on Young People

There is no doubt that AI will define my generation more than ever before. With over 60% of the Commonwealth’s population under thirty, the decisions made today will shape the world we inherit. 

With a third of the world’s population still excluded from the digital economy, despite 95% living within reach of a mobile broadband network, the challenge goes beyond infrastructure. It raises a fundamental question: how can nations across the Commonwealth work together in this new era of AI advancement to ensure that digital gaps are addressed, and AI becomes a force for shared prosperity rather than widening global inequalities?

Digital Literacy and Inclusion

Growth, growth, growth. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s repetition echoes Tony Blair’s famous 1996 education, education, education speech —but now, in the era of ChatGPT. We are told that artificial intelligence will supercharge our economy and drive national renewal, yet presently access to digital skills remains deeply unequal.

Research highlights a surge in demand for AI-related skills in the UK, yet many young people lack the training and opportunities to meet this demand. A survey by The Prince's Trust found that 37% of young people worry about their digital skills, with 41% feeling uncertain about the skills required for their future careers. Meanwhile, a report by the House of Commons estimates that the UK’s digital skills gap costs the economy £63 billion annually, with 7.5 million adults lacking essential digital skills.

While US tech companies are scaling back diversity and inclusion initiatives, the UK government has pledged to reskill the workforce. But is this enough to ensure a diverse AI and digital talent pipeline? If AI is to create opportunities, how are Parliamentarians and policymakers ensuring that young people—regardless of background—have access to the skills needed for the jobs of the future.

AI’s Workforce Disruption and Potential

The rapid advancement of AI is set to transform the global workforce. The International AI Safety Report, commissioned after the 2023 AI Summit, warned that 60% of jobs in advanced economies, including the UK and US, are exposed to AI, with half at risk of negative impact. However, AI’s impact extends beyond job displacement, as biases in training data could entrench existing inequalities without careful oversight.

When used responsibly however, AI has demonstrated its potential as a tool for inclusion. In New Zealand, a broadcaster has harnessed AI to preserve the indigenous Māori language, te reo, by developing AI-powered tools that protect and manage Māori data with community consent. Inspired by this, similar initiatives are now underway with the Mohawk people in Southeastern Canada. These projects within the Commonwealth showcase how AI, when developed thoughtfully, can help bridge potential divides.

Collaboration is key

While discussions focused heavily on defence and security, rather than the impacts on youth, they reinforced a crucial point: as AI continues to evolve, we must work together to bridge digital divides and shape AI’s role in our shared future. 

That said, I left the AI in Security workshop hopeful that the key to harnessing AI’s potential lies in increased collaboration between Parliamentarians, governments and experts. Only by working together can we ensure AI serves as a force for inclusion, security, and opportunity.

Bio

Sabrina Jamil is the UK Commonwealth Youth Parliamentarian and represented CPA UK at the 12th Commonwealth Youth Parliament in New Zealand. She recently worked as a Political Consultant advising prominent tech and creative industry businesses. Sabrina has previously worked as an Advisor to the Mayor of London, at the London Assembly and within the House of Commons as a Parliamentary Researcher.  She is a postgraduate of the University of Cambridge. As the UK Youth Parliamentarian, Sabrina is passionate about increasing the representation of women, young people and underrepresented groups in British politics.