Technology for Development

Event description

Update

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The Delegation of the European Union to the UN in Geneva, the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN in Geneva, the Permanent Mission of Slovenia to the UN in Geneva (currently holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU), and the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) invite you to a series of dialogues titled From Geneva: Reflections on digital future which discusses issues of importance for the Geneva and global audiences. Our next dialogue, ‘Technology for development’, will be held on 15 December 2021.

Opportunity does not come without risk. Technological advances must respect human rights, democracy and strengthen economic and political stability. There is a danger that as the ‘digital divide’ continues to widen social inequality and exclusion in developing and industrialised countries will be exacerbated.

The success of future international cooperation is contingent on stakeholders embracing and harnessing the new technology. Innovation in digital connectivity, processing power, data management and algorithms can contribute to solutions for complex developmental challenges ranging from healthcare to education, logistics to urban development, from climate change to the empowerment of women.

How can we bring about the meaningful engagement of governments, international organisations, public and private organisations, research institutions and citizens in an effective partnership?

Join us on Wednesday, 15th December 2021, 16:00–17:30 CET.

Part I: Enabling everyone to shape and reap the benefits of digitalisation

Panel discussion on developing digital cooperation, including connectivity, capacity development, digital and gender divide, and digital skills.

Speakers:

  • Ms Nur Sulyna Abdullah, Chief at Digital Knowledge Hub Department, International Telecommunication Union
  • Dr Jovan Kurbalija, Head, Geneva Internet Platform
  • Mr Jonas Bausch, Youth Employment Officer, International Labor Organization
  • Ms Nanjira Sambuli, Fellow, Technology and International Affairs Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Moderator: Tereza Horejsova, Geneva Internet Platform

Part II: From Geneva: Reflection on Digital Future – concluding remarks

At this conclusion of the series, high-level speakers will examine the opportunities of digitalisation with potential recommendations for international cooperation.

Speakers:

  • Ambassador Tadej Rupel, National Coordinator for External Aspects of Digitalization, AI & Cyber Security, Republic of Slovenia
  • Mr Eamon Gilmore, Special Representative for Human Rights, European Union
  • Maria-Francesca Spatolisano, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)
  • Ambassador Benedikt Wechsler, Head of Digital Division, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland

Moderator: Lotte Knudsen, Permanent Observer and Ambassador, Delegation of European Union to UN and other international organisations

Other events from the From Geneva: Reflections on digital future series: