Youth innovation and robotics take centre stage at IGCF 2025

September 11, 2025 / 1:51 PM

Sharjah 24: Two powerful voices at the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025) highlighted how education and technology are shaping the future — from empowering youth to explore peer learning to using robotics to expand human potential.

Osama Khatib: Robotics as a tool to extend human reach

Osama Khatib from Safad University discussed how robotics is transforming the boundaries of human capability. “Robotics began by replacing humans in repetitive manufacturing tasks,” he explained. “But today, it’s entering real-world human environments — which are unpredictable and far more complex.”

Khatib illustrated to “Sharjah 24” how robots are enabling access to places previously out of human reach. “Humans can dive about 40 to 50 meters underwater. To explore deeper — hundreds or thousands of meters — we rely on robots. Similarly, in medicine, robotic systems now allow doctors to examine and even treat patients remotely.”

He stressed that robotics is no longer just a tool — it’s becoming an extension of the human hand, empowering us to physically interact with environments that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Hillary Yip: Education inspired innovation

Meanwhile, Young entrepreneur Hillary Yip, founder of the educational app Minor Miners, shared how her learning experiences, especially in Taiwan, inspired her to create Mind and Mind — an initiative aimed at making quality education accessible to children globally.

“The quality of education I received deeply inspired my ideas,” said Hillary. “Learning from others and my lifelong passion for languages showed me the power of peer-to-peer learning. I wanted to bring that experience online so kids can access knowledge anytime, from anywhere.”

Looking ahead, Hillary emphasised to “Sharjah 24” the importance of nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in young learners. “As technology evolves, we must retain our human strengths. Students need to study the humanities and think critically — not just adapt to technology but grow with it.”

Technology with a human purpose

Together, Khatib and Yip’s perspectives reinforced a key message of IGCF 2025: technology must be harnessed not just for efficiency, but for empowerment, inclusion, and innovation. Whether through accessible education or cutting-edge robotics, communication and technology are critical to improving quality of life and preparing for a more connected, capable future.