Meet the Decision-Makers: WSA’s Grand Jury in Hyderabad, India
The WSA Grand Jury took place in Hyderabad, India on February 14-18, 2024.
The 2024 WSA Grand Jury meeting was a collaborative effort between the World Summit Awards (WSA) and the Digital Empowerment Foundation. The WSA Jury process is characterised by its commitment to democracy and transparency, ensuring an impartial and diverse selection of digital innovations from around the globe. Nominated digital solutions undergo a rigorous evaluation process before they can attain the prestigious status of a WSA Winner, possibly even earning the title of Global Champion.
To reach the Grand Jury stage, solutions must successfully navigate National Nominations and an Online Global Jury process. The Grand Jury shortlist comprises the most outstanding digital social impact ventures. At the 2023 grand jury, a panel of international experts convened in Hyderabad, India to evaluate these shortlisted solutions. From this group of standout innovations, the Grand Jury identified the top 4-6 WSA Winning solutions in each WSA category, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their innovations on the global stage at the WSA Global Congress in Chile. The evaluation criteria included the solutions' alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and their overall impact.
The WSA Grand Jury meeting and the concurrent Digital Impact Days in Hyderabad received support and were hosted by T-Hub and the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C), Government of Telangana. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to fostering digital innovation with a social impact, reinforcing the importance of the WSA platform in recognizing and promoting solutions that contribute to global sustainable development goals.
Learn more about WSA's Grand Jury
Itinerary
Over the period between February 14 and 18 there were several events, including three that were open to the public.
- futurizing_digital & impact driving social innovation for all
February 15 | 17:00-21:30
Digital Paradoxes: Challenges of Social and Behavioral Norms and Solutions Through Innovation - futurizing_digital - using EU & UN initiatives for social good
February 16 | 17:00-20:00
Leveraging Digital and Circular Opportunities to Address the Connectivity Challenges of Smallholders and Promote Ecological Sustainability for a Better Value Chain in the Cotton and Textile Industry - futurizing_digital - empowerment to overcome digital divides
February 17 | 17:00-20:00
Visit of DEF's Museum of Digital Society at T-Hub
Meet WSA's Decision Makers:
The Jurors who selected the final winners were an eclectic group of 30 international experts from 24 different countries. Their expertise, dedication and extensive experience are what determined the final 40 WSA Winners, who will have the opportunity to pitch their innovative solution at the Global Congress in Chile.
It was an honour being part of the Grand Jury and indeed inspiring to witness so many winners showcasing how technology can uplift communities and advance the UN's global development goals. I was also immensely proud to observe a strong representation of female founders which was truly inspiring. - Batoul Husseini
It is an absolute honor to be among the esteemed jurors and national experts from 24 countries gathered here in Hyderabad. The level of talent and expertise in the room is truly inspiring. - Mahsa McCauley
Delighted to be here in the company of fellow jury members from over 23 nationalities, all united by the same mission: to select the most impactful digital projects with the potential to change the world.
Together, step by step, we can improve our world and our future. - Sandra Fazenda de Almeida
Where?
Plot No 1/C, Sy No 83/1, Raidurgam panmaktha Hyderabad Knowledge City, Serilingamaplly, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, India
Supporting and Strategic Partners
