In her thought leadership blog, published both in print and online, highlights how young people in the Algarve are already demonstrating innovative solutions to global challenges through AI.
Diversity Is the Only Foundation for Responsible AI
In her International Women’s Day feature, Elena explores the stark underrepresentation of women in AI, noting that they make up only 22% of AI and data professionals worldwide. She argues that this is not merely a recruitment issue but a systemic flaw: technology built by homogenous teams risks perpetuating the inequalities it aims to solve.
Education is central to Elena’s vision. She emphasises that equipping young people with AI literacy and ethical frameworks early on is the only way to ensure technology serves society fairly. Platforms like AI Adventures offer teens hands-on opportunities to explore data science and machine learning while considering ethics at every step.
“The next generation is already ready. They just need the tools – and the belief – to lead.” – Elena Sinel
Elena showcases the Algarve AI Design Sprint, part of this year’s IWD 2026 Global Techathon campaign, which brought together 12–18-year-olds with mentors to tackle real-world problems aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. From AI tools helping low-income families with nutrition to platforms supporting students with special educational needs, these young innovators are already shaping the future of responsible AI.
Read The Portugal News Blog
Algarve’s First AI Design Sprint Inspires Young People to Build Responsible AI for Good
Teens in AI announced on 23 February the winners of its AI Design Sprint, the first initiative of its kind in the Algarve, bringing together young people aged 12–18 for a free, two-day hackathon delivered on 21–22 February 2026 as part of its International Women’s Day 2026 Global Techathon campaign, themed “Give to Gain”.
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The Portugal News is Portugal’s largest circulation English language newspaper. Online we offer news from Portugal in 18 languages Our qualified and accredited team of journalists has helped us become a trusted source of news from Portugal since 1977.
