In recent years, global challenges such as conflict, insecurity, and climate change have propelled significant forced migration. By the end of 2020, the number of international migrants exceeded 281 million, and in 2021, 59 million were internally displaced. Despite the varied reasons behind migration, individuals navigating these journeys often confront vulnerability, exploitation, and restricted access to essential services. Many migrant workers find themselves in precarious jobs, grappling with insecurity and poor working conditions.
Watch the live event here

Migrants: Catalysts for Prosperity and Innovation

These unsafe migration pathways persistently lead millions on perilous journeys. Yet, migrants emerge as substantial contributors to prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development in their countries of origin, transit, and destination. Their financial support through remittances becomes a lifeline for families and local markets, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Notably, migrants play indispensable roles in the labor market, evident on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recognizing the Crucial Role of Migrants in Development 

Recognizing the need to amplify migrants' contributions to sustainable development, collaborative efforts are imperative to enhance migration governance and address associated challenges. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) stands as a framework to unlock the potential of human mobility. Each year on December 18, International Migrants Day is observed globally, underscoring migrants' vital contributions while shedding light on the obstacles they confront.

Connecting Through Inspiration: Join us at iX3! 

On this significant date, December 18, the WSA community invites you to iX3 – a dedicated event on Migration and Inclusion. Immerse yourself in impactful stories from WSA winners addressing challenges faced by migrants and displaced individuals. The event showcases talks by three WSA winners whose projects are intricately linked to migration, presenting innovative solutions aligned with UN Sustainable Goals.

Don't miss the chance to connect and be inspired by these award-winning innovations at iX3 on December 18, 2023, at 16:30 CET.

Learn More

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

UniVation in Graz was a dynamic and collaborative event that brought together around 90 university students, including students from FH Joanneum and FH Campus02 (Austria), as well as participants from Germany, Cyprus, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The main objective of the event was to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the fast-changing and unpredictable landscape of our world.

The participants were divided into teams and given a unique challenge – to analyze digital impact ventures from around the globe, specifically from Ghana, Malawi, Belgium/Brazil, Lebanon, South Africa, and Lithuania. Working in teams, the students had a tight timeframe of 48 hours to assess the ventures and come up with recommendations for improvement in areas such as business models, marketing, and user experience. They got the chance to meet the founders of the impact ventures in zoom calls, getting the chance to talk to successful entrepreneurs, but also get more insights and input for the challenge ahead. 

Spacelend, Graz's first co-working space, resembled a bustling anthill, with international students working together. The results of their ideation sprint was presented during a nerve-wracking pitch session in front of an international jury. Each team had a mere two minutes on stage to summarize their analysis and present their recommendations on a flipchart paper. To enhance their presentation skills, Karin Hofmann, a graphic recorder, provided valuable insights on designing effective posters, including tips on colors, fonts, and drawings. The international jury faced the challenging task of selecting three winning teams, who were then celebrated at a festive award ceremony held at Murinsel.

UniVation went beyond the project work, offering innovation short talks by international experts. The topics covered impact entrepreneurship, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and digitalization. Renowned speakers like Walburga Fröhlich, a successful social entrepreneur from Austria, Marvin Huber, the Austrian youth delegate to the United Nations, and Geoff Huston, who provided insights into the history of the Internet, engaged the students with valuable perspectives.

The event also facilitated fireside chats where students had interactive conversations with founders from Brazil (Gica Trierweiler), Austria (Oliver Wimmer), and Canada (Denby Royal), along with Ines Suh (representing Science Park Graz) and Hannes Meixner (Intrapreneur at Raiffeisen). These sessions allowed students to gain real-world insights and practical knowledge from experienced professionals. Josine Bakkes facilitated networking and community-building activities, adding a touch of fun to the event. UniVation in Graz not only provided students with a platform to apply their skills to real-world challenges but also fostered a community of like-minded individuals passionate about making a positive impact in the world.

The Winning Teams are:

1st Place
Placecloud - FH Joanneum

2nd Place
Inspirelearn - FH Joanneum

3rd Place
My Parliament - FH Campus 02

3rd Place
M4Jam - FH Joanneum

Want to learn more about Univation?

UniVation, facilitated by WSA, is a global entrepreneurship program designed for students. It unites students from various universities to collectively evaluate tech ventures with a social impact, specifically those of past WSA winners.
Learn more

On December 18, the WSA community will come together to share their stories and insights. iX3 is an event that offers an opportunity to get to know the winners of the WSA and their incredible stories of positive impact. The event will feature three short individual talks by WSA alumni, followed by a joint moderated conversation.
Watch the live event here

In honour of UN Migration Day, iX3 has invited four WSA winners whose projects are linked to the topic of migration.

Don't miss out on connecting with iX3 on December 18, 2023, at 16:30 CET.

Add to Google Calendar

Our Speakers

Abobakar Sediq Miakhel and Xinyao Liu

AILEM

Abobakar Sediq Miakhel and Xinyao Liu are the co-founders of AILEM, an app "Created by refugees, for refugees," which provides language education for refugees and asylum seekers to help them integrate in a foreign country.
Learn More

Clara Tripodi

SPEAK

Clara Tripodi is the Social Franchising Project Manager at SPEAK, a mobile app that takes your language learning experience to the next level.
Learn More

Patricia Mercado Sánchez

Conexión Migrante

Patricia Mercado Sánchez, a journalist from Zacatecas, founded Conexión Migrante in 2016. It is a native digital media dedicated to the Mexican and Latino migrant community in the United States.
Learn More

With its multi-academia participation, the WSA UniVation program brings together students from around the world, exchanging and collaborating in interdisciplinary teams. The students work together to solve entrepreneurial challenges and build solutions for problems addressing the UN SDGs.

Over the course of 7 weeks 9 student teams compiled an entrepreneurial venture analysis, hosted by a former WSA Winner. The real-life ventures of the WSA entrepreneurs ranged from online learning to financial services, with the goal for the students to engage in collaboration to identify improvements. In the final phase the student teams presented their recommendations to an international jury and gained hands-on experience on pitching a business analysis to an objective expert audience.

Through the WSA UniVation program, the participants gained skills in collaboration, the effective application on the skills they developed during the academic year, to come up with concrete results and presenting them to experts and peers alike. The participants also practiced their language skills and got a better understanding for different cultures, people and approaches from different disciplines.

The 3 winning student teams of the WSA UniVation online program 2023 are:

2. InspireLearn | Team B:

• Team Members: Till Blender, Asja Kopic, Andrea Becze-Deák
• Team Lead: Suzanne Stein

3. Naa Sika:

• Team Members: Laura Blume, Marvin Ottersberg, Vasil Filkoski, Vanessa Namseang
• Team Lead: Dimitar Jovevski

Next week marks a new stage in the World Summit Awards – the Online Jury Process. With a commitment to democracy and transparency, WSA ensures a fair and diverse selection of global digital solutions. Once a digital solution is nominated, it undergoes an evaluation across multiple stages to potentially emerge as a WSA Winner or even Global Champion.

The WSA Jury Process:

1. Nomination and Application: WSA National Experts, representing 182 UN member states, nominate up to eight digital solutions across 8 categories. The youth category welcomes open applications. Nominees completing their applications in the WSA online contest database are ushered into the Jury process.
2. The Online Jury: An Online Jury, comprising international experts, meticulously reviews and evaluates all permitted applications. This distinguished panel pre-selects the top 15 to 18 products in each of the eight WSA categories, forming the Short List.
3. The Grand Jury: For the solutions that make it through the initial stage, there is a second Jury that is done in person. This year, the Grand Jury will be held in Hyderabad, India. In this stage, dedicated Jury Panels, assigned by the WSA office, reassess the Short List. These committed Jury Members then select the five winners in each WSA category.
4. Announcement & WSA Global Congress: The winners of the WSA Jury Process are publicly announced and then personally informed. Invitations are extended to join the WSA Global Congress, where winners seize the opportunity to pitch their solutions to an international on-site Jury panel. This presentation determines the one Global Champion in each WSA category, unveiled at the grand Award Ceremony and Gala. This year, the Global Congress will be held in Chile.

Learn more about WSA's Jury Process

The Online Jury Stage

Now, let's turn our focus to the faces behind the Online Jury stage. Comprising a diverse array of international experts, this esteemed panel plays a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of digital innovations. Their discerning eyes and vast expertise contribute to the meticulous shortlisting process, setting the stage for the grand unveiling of the best in global digital innovation.

Meet WSA's Decision Makers

WSA chairperson, Peter A. Bruck sheds light on the substantial impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the media sector in a recent interview with Deutsche Welle. Bruck underscores the imperative for media companies to integrate AI technologies for cost reduction and heightened productivity. The advent of generative AI, exemplified by models like ChatGPT, signifies a new era in interactive and mass-scale text generation.

In response to the transformative wave of AI, Bruck probes into its effects on established media business models. He advocates for adaptation to AI technologies while stressing the need for fresh revenue streams, particularly for journalistic functions requiring human insight, judgment, and creativity.

The interview also explores evolving relationships between journalists and audiences, raising concerns about the diminishing traditional author-reader connections. Bruck emphasizes the necessity to distinguish between human and AI-generated content to preserve the intentionality and accountability inherent in human communication.

In addressing concerns of trust and authenticity, Bruck calls for immediate watermarking and labeling of AI-generated content, ensuring transparency in content generation. He underscores the importance of metadata providing insights into the machine-driven content creation process.

Finally, Bruck discusses the potential impact of generative AI in societies with limited press freedom, acknowledging its potential educational benefits while cautioning against potential misuse by state authorities. The interview serves as a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic interplay between AI and the media industry.

For a deeper understanding of this evolving landscape, explore the full interview with Peter A. Bruck.

Read the full interview at Deutsche Welle

This year WSA held the first ever open call for WSA Youth Ambassadors. The call was open from July until August, and during the short application time WSA received 727 high-quality applications from all over the world. The selection process was long and thorough, and after 2 preselection rounds, 127 new WSA Youth Ambassadors were appointed.

These inspiring young people are embarking on a two-year term with WSA to spread the word and impact their communities to empower and encourage young people working with technology and social impact to help create a better future. The WSA Youth Ambassadors are active in the fields of entrepreneurship, social impact, sustainability, and digital innovation and contribute to WSA with their expertise, knowledge, and networks.

In total the WSA Youth Ambassador network has 160 exceptional young people from all over the world: across 6 regions and 73 countries, and equally from both genders and from different backgrounds.

The WSA Youth Ambassadors are not only the representatives of WSA, but also the leaders of the digital transformation. They are the ones who can engage with future generations and inspire them to use technology for social good. They are the ones who hold the future in their hands and can make a difference in the world.

WSA is proud to have such a diverse and talented network of young people who share the vision of WSA: to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society through digital innovation. WSA values the voices and perspectives of younger generations and wants to empower them to participate in the global dialogue and action on digital solutions for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Newest Youth Ambassadors

‘Your work is now more important than ever. We need to keep harnessing digital technologies enabled by the Internet to help deliver on the sustainable development goals, take climate action, and build a better world.‘’ 

- United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, IGF Kyoto 2023

From October 8 – 12, 2023, 11,145 stakeholders registered from 92% of UN member states to join the Internet Governance Forum, a global multistakeholder platform that brings together the global community to discuss public policy issues related to the Internet. 

WSA Chairperson Professor Peter Bruck attended the forum in Kyoto, Japan alongside WSA Winner Gloria Mangi, Founder and President, Africa Queens Project, Tanzania, WSA National Expert from India, Osama Manzar, and WSA Gambia National Expert, Poncelet Ileleji.  

WSA hosted "Hack the Digital Divide" in Kyoto, with an interactive knowledge transfer session. Moderated by WSA Chairperson, Professor Peter Bruck and joined in person by Gloria Mangi and online by Tiffany Tong, Co-Founder Aloi, Singapore & Nepal, Matias Rojas De Luca, Co-Founder Socialab Chile. WSA members and alumni examined the multifaceted issues of digital divides and the imperative task of promoting economic growth through entrepreneurship and innovation. Sharing the WSA solution mentality, the session highlighted the need to showcase and learn from those achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals with digital tools and technologies. 

Watch the IGF Session

During the forum, WSA members met with Amandeep Gil, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Technology. Amandeep extended an invitation to the WSA community to participate in shaping the "Global Digital Compact," a crucial document for the UN Summit for the Future scheduled for September 2024. They emphasized the importance of high-level international policymakers learning from successful instances of digital technology's positive social impact and concentrating on actionable measures within the UN's capacity.

Alongside other key members of the international digital expert community Professor Peter Bruck held a meeting with Vint Cerf, who has played a pivotal role in IGF leadership, offering valuable insights for the WSIS+20 Review Process, jointly organized by ITU, UNESCO, and UNDP in preparation for the 2025 UN General Assembly. Recognized as the "Father of the Internet", Cerf stressed the importance of selecting exemplary innovation practices on the Internet for social impact. He also commended the WSIS' global efforts on the "impact layer" and the global recognition it provides to social entrepreneurs and Network Capital. The WSIS and its global community of social entrepreneurs aspire for the IGF to expand its focus beyond legal issues and legislation and address the critical issue of market power. 

Participating at the Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto was a valuable opportunity for the WSA network as a means to connect with key stakeholders, influence policy discussions, and share WSA best practices. By engaging in the IGF, WSA showcased its commitment to promoting digital innovation with a social impact and contributed to critical conversations on internet governance and technology's societal implications. As a community we look toward meeting UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Technology, Amandeep Gil’s invitation to contribute to the “Global Digital Compact” in the lead-up to the UN Summit for the Future and continue to solve, digitalize, and create impact. 

World Cities Day, celebrated annually on October 31st, is an occasion to highlight the importance of sustainable urban development and the role it plays in promoting the well-being of city dwellers. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the critical connection between urbanization, health, and sustainability. As World Cities Day 2023 approaches, WSA will explore three remarkable winners of the WSA Smart Settlements and Urbanization Category, each contributing to the vision of healthier and more sustainable urban environments.

Recognizing Pioneers of Urban Transformation

The WSA Smart Settlements & Urbanization category celebrates urban innovation, and the projects that are shaping the future of cities worldwide. It spotlights ICT solutions that drive economic productivity, inclusive employment, sustainable infrastructure, and smart mobility. These solutions enhance urban living by creating green public spaces, strengthening links between urban and rural areas, and promoting climate resilience. They also provide access to critical data, empowering citizens to make informed decisions. As WSA celebrates World Cities Day 2023, this category plays a crucial role in realizing the vision of sustainable, smart, and inclusive cities. Here are three remarkable winners of this category of WSA awards.

CREE Buildings: A Blueprint for Tomorrow

The CREE Buildings is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to revolutionizing sustainable building practices for large-scale structures. It aims to combine stunning design with forward-thinking urban sustainability. CREE offers a global network of professionals committed to sharing expertise in sustainable construction methods.

• The Heart of Sustainability

  CREE prioritizes sustainability in construction, aiming to digitize and reorganize conventional processes. The focus is on sustainable and healthy buildings, primarily using prefabricated timber-based components.

• The Power of International Cooperation

  The CREE Platform brings together partners from Europe, Asia, and North America to create sustainable buildings using the CREE System. This collaborative effort empowers partners to adapt and evolve their construction practices continually.

• Creative Visionaries Leading Innovation

  CREE's vision is not just about meeting market demands but also spreading sustainable building practices through collaborative innovation. This innovative spirit is driven by the needs and creativity of its community, resulting in a refined timber-hybrid system for versatile prefabricated building construction.

Learn more

Rombit: Ensuring Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability for Frontline Workers

Rombit is dedicated to improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability for frontline workers in industries prone to accidents. With a focus on IoT solutions, Rombit addresses real-time safety concerns and worker efficiency.

• In the Name of Safety

  Rombit understands the power of real-time notifications to prevent accidents. Their solutions not only provide immediate alerts but also offer long-term analytics to enhance worker safety procedures.

• Boosting Efficiency and Cutting Costs

  By improving efficiency, Rombit simultaneously reduces safety risks and operational costs. Efficient operations lead to fewer accidents, cost savings, and a decrease in CO2 emissions.

• The Power of Real-time Risk Assessment

  Rombit's real-time safety monitoring and analytics platform offer a holistic view of risks and alerts. It supports multiple use cases, ensuring immediate tangible results for worker safety.

Learn more

RaSpect: AI and Robotics in Infrastructure Monitoring

RaSpect's mission is to harness the power of AI and robotics technology to enhance infrastructure inspection and monitoring. Their intelligent platform promotes safety, serviceability, and sustainability in built infrastructure.

• AI Revolution

  RaSpect's AI platform streamlines property inspections, providing stakeholders with valuable insights. It significantly increases cost-efficiency while ensuring data compliance and security.

• Empowering the Evolution of Smart Cities

  RaSpect aligns with the global Smart City initiative, facilitating the transition to safer, greener, and smarter urban environments. Their innovation contributes to standardized and reliable infrastructure assessments.

• A Commitment to Safety and Sustainability

  By integrating AI into property inspections, RaSpect promotes safety and ESG sustainability, enhancing the quality of urban infrastructure.

Learn more

Conclusion

As WSA celebrates World Cities Day 2023 with this year’s theme of "Financing sustainable urban future for all," it's evident that these WSA Smart Settlement and Urbanization winners are at the forefront of creating innovative solutions that align perfectly with the goals of the day. They emphasize sustainability, safety, efficiency, and collaboration in urban development, ultimately contributing to the creation of healthier and more sustainable cities for all. These visionary initiatives demonstrate that the future of urban living can be not only smart but also socially responsible and environmentally conscious.

Written by:
Sonique von Schmidsfelden

Kicking off this week, WSA UniVation is back! An interdisciplinary entrepreneurship program connecting students with digital impact ventures from all over the world. Students learn about innovation and entrepreneurship, gain intercultural competencies, and focus on real solutions for the challenges the world faces today.

Building Trust in Science

This year, the focus is Building Trust in Science. Students from around the world will work together online for the next two months on evaluating the impact and application of digital impact ventures. Former WSA Winners, these digital impact ventures are standout digital tools with proven track records of achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Making an impact in communities around the world, these solutions will be evaluated by UniVation Students, and their ideas will be pitched at the UniVation event in Graz, Austria, at the end of November.

Timeline

Thursday, November 30

• Young talents meet impact innovators
  Zoom calls between venture hosts and local students
• Warm up and get to know each other
  Facilitated by Josine Bakkes
• Welcome
  by Peter A Bruck & Nora Wolloch
• Everyone can draw - How to design the perfect poster
  Visualizing workshop with Karin Hofmann
• Campfire - Inspiration. Insights. Impact
  Exchange with international impact entrepreneurs Gica Tierweiler, Denby Royal, Oliver Wimmer, Ines Suh and Hannes Meixner
• Connect4Impact Talks and Dinner
  Talks by Walburga Frohlich, Geoff Huston and Marvin Huber

Friday, November 31

• Get your pitch and poster ready
  Work on their analysis and posters, supported by mentors
• Lunch & get ready
• Pitching Session & Poster Gallery
  Student teams present their analysis & posters
• Evaluating winners
  Moderated by Nora Wolloch
• Huddle & Learnings
  Moderated by Peter A Bruck
• Connect4Impact & Winners announcement
  Celebrating & snacks & drinks

Our Speakers

🔥Campfire Flames🔥

What is UniVation?

UniVation is a global student entrepreneurship program by WSA. It connects students from various universities to evaluate tech ventures worldwide, especially those of former WSA winners.

UniVation's Purpose:

• Connect students globally with digital impact ventures
• Increase learning & impact
• Spread knowledge and support local solutions with global impact
• Cultivate an empathetic, diverse mindset without boundaries

Program UniVation Graz 2023

UniVation 2023 Welcomes students from:

• FH Campus 02, Austria
• FH Joanneum, Austria
• Salzburg College, Austria
• Laboratorium Tuzla, Bosnia & Herzegovina
• OCAD University, Canada
• UCLan Cyprus, Canada
• FH Kiel, Germany
• MOME, Hungary
• Ss. Cyril and Methodius University Faculty of Economics - Skopje, North Macedonia

Learn more about UniVation

Want to join the program?

Get in touch

University Partners

Supporting and Strategic Partners

The third installment of iX3 was held on on October 24, 2023 at 15.00 CET. WSAs most valuable asset is the people who strive to make a positive impact. iX3 is your opportunity to engage, connect, and be inspired as WSA alumni share their stories and insights.

ix3 is a low threshold live online event for WSA alumni to share something meaningful. Each event features 3 short individual talks by WSA alumni, followed by a joint conversation that is moderated. The speakers are loosely clustered based on themes and topics. This time the speakers were all be winners who didn't get the chance to join us at the WSA Global Congress in Puebla.

Watch iX3 2023

Our Speakers

The discussion will be moderated by Odeta Iseviciute.

Pablo Beytía R.

Monitor Social - Co-founder & CEO

Pablo is an expert in digital and computational social sciences. He's a PhD candidate at the University of Humboldt, Berlin. He's also a professor of Digital Sociology at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Pablo previously advised the Vice-Minister of Interior of Chile and directed the Research Center at the NGO TECHO-Chile.

Carlos Cruz Infante

Monitor Social - Co-founder & CCO

Carlos is an advisor in Latin America's geopolitics and policy content strategies. He is the former Chief of Strategic Content of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of Chile and has advised the Inter-American Development Bank, Chile's Mission to the OECD, and the Vice-Ministry of Housing and Urbanism of Chile. He holds an MBA and is a PhD candidate at the Sapienza University of Rome.

Jana Marie Backhaus-Tors & Sylvia Hashimwe

Exploradio - Co-founders

Jana and Sij are a perfect business match for their company Exploradio Audioguide Namibia. The two women have similar backgrounds and interests yet are very different in other aspects and the mix is reflecting in the innovation and content of their media and tech start-up. Jana studied acting and African Studies in Germany and through her work as a radio journalist ended up in Namibia where she also wrote her thesis. Sij is a born and raised Namibian with multiple degrees, History is one of them among Spanish and Education. However Sij also has a big passion for storytelling which she showed as a creator and host for different formats. Both women taught in Namibian High Schools and Sij is also giving courses at varsity. Jana is also an audiobook narrator. The combination of their love for Namibia, education and bringing stories and history to people is the heart of their business.

Muhammad Bilal

BreatheIO - Founder

Young Muhammad had a keen interest in the mechanics of life. Thereby, more interested in the tech side of the world and would explore the gadgets by opening and looking at their insides. As time progressed, computers and the internet were readily available, and gaining access to technology, Muhammad achieved the basics of starting a small business while at home, by selling computer gaming rigs online. This led to his financial independence and he sought his own paths from there onwards. By experiencing the ups and downs of life, Muhammad developed a fighter mindset. Muhammad became a philanthropist in aspects to knowledge always welcoming all forms of life. Having founded many companies that targeted to help and grow the human race, the latest project of Muhammad is an Air Purification device Breathe IO which targets to be the cheapest in the market and will fight the multi-billion dollar market that has been ruled by giants. A sight Muhammad Bilal is all too familiar to.

Schedule

• 15:00 - 15:10: Opening Remarks and Introduction
• 15:10 - 15:17: Carlos Cruz Infante and Pablo Beytía R.
• 15:18 - 15:25: Jana Marie Backhaus-Tors
• 15:26 - 15:32: Muhammad Bilal
• 15:33 - 16:00: Open discussion moderated by Odeta Iseviciute

Please note that the event times are CET (Central European Time) and make sure to add them to your calendar to transfer it to your time zone.

During UN's Global Media and Information Literacy Week, it is imperative to acknowledge the escalating challenge of navigating an information landscape marred by rumors, distortion, and the blurring of truth and falsehood. In this age, our societies, democracies, and even individual lives are imperiled by the rampant spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and populism. The establishment of dependable reference points and the cultivation of rational thinking have never been more critical. This is precisely where initiatives like Monitor Social come to the forefront, illuminating the path to enhanced digital literacy and the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Monitor Social: Turning data into insights

In 2021, Monitor Social emerged as a beacon of social understanding and secured the WSA Award for Government & Citizen Engagement. This innovative platform engages in continuous and systematic analysis of Chilean society, offering real-time social reports for citizens, businesses, and organizations. It effectively addresses the urgent need for trustworthy observations of people's behaviors, experiences, interests, and aspirations in contemporary Chile.

Evolving Social Analysis with "Live" Data

Traditional methods of social analysis, such as surveys and focus groups, often fall short in comprehending the rapid changes in today's society. Monitor Social aims to complement these conventional approaches with "live" sources of social information. It delves into news portals, social media, web searches, discussion forums, e-commerce platforms, and cultural repositories, expediting the understanding of Chile's social processes. This empowers leaders, citizens, businesses, and organizations to stay in sync with the evolving landscape of the country.

Celebrating Social Innovation in Digital Literacy

Monitor Social embodies the essence of media and information literacy, offering pragmatic solutions to the challenges posed by the digital era. They exemplify the significance of harnessing technology, citizen engagement, and data-driven insights to champion transparency, accountability, and societal advancement. As we commemorate Global Media and Information Literacy Week, let this narrative inspire our collective journey toward a more informed and empowered world.

Meet Monitor Social at the Upcoming iX3 Event!

Monitor Social will be sharing their insights and experiences at the upcoming iX3 event. Learn more about their impactful work in digital literacy and engage with them directly.
Learn more about iX3

World Food Day is a time to celebrate innovative solutions that are making a significant impact on achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); particularly Goal 2: End hunger, Achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture . This provides an opportunity to talk about Agrotech Plus, a company based in Nairobi, Kenya. In this article, we will delve into the remarkable journey of Agrotech Plus and explore how their innovative cold storage systems are helping drive down food prices, increase yields, reduce food waste, and promote inclusive economic growth.

Contributing to the UN SDGs Progress

Before diving into the story of Agrotech Plus, it's essential to understand the broader context of UN Global Initiatives and their relevance to food security and economic growth. The United Nations has set ambitious targets through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to eradicate poverty, achieve zero hunger, and foster sustainable economic growth by 2030. In many parts of the world, food waste is a senseless and largely preventable obstacle to achieving that goal. Fruits, vegetables, and other perishable foods often spoil due to inadequate storage and transportation facilities. This issue not only results in significant economic losses for farmers but also contributes to food scarcity and rising prices, directly affecting consumers.

According to the United Nations World Food Program, a staggering 1 billion tons of food are thrown away annually with almost 30% of the global population moderately or severely food insecure.

Recognized as a WSA Young Innovator, Agrotech Plus is making a significant impact in Kenya’s agricultural sector by addressing food waste head-on. Their inventive cold storage systems play a pivotal role in curbing food waste, lowering food prices, boosting crop yields, and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Tech for change – Agrotech Plus

Agrotech Plus is revolutionizing the agriculture sector by providing cutting-edge cold storage systems designed to empower farmers. Their core offerings include walk-in, solar-powered cold stations that operate 24/7 for storage and preservation of perishable food items. These systems can be conveniently located at the farm-gate, catering to multi-produce storage, ripening, and freezing needs.

Extending Shelf Life and Reducing Food Waste

One of Agrotech Plus's game-changing innovations is their "plug and play" modular, solar-powered walk-in cold room. This innovation is a beacon of hope for addressing the persistent issue of post-harvest losses in fruits, vegetables, and other perishable foods. Farmers in major food production and consumption centers, including markets and farms, now have the means to extend the freshness of their produce from a mere 2 days to an impressive 21 days.

The technology behind Agrotech Plus's cold storage solution utilizes solar panels mounted on the roof-top of the cold room. These solar panels store energy in high-capacity batteries, which in turn powers the refrigeration unit. This sustainable approach not only preserves food but also reduces the environmental footprint, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth

Agrotech Plus has tapped into the sharing economy to make its cold storage units accessible to smallholder farmers who may not afford to invest in such infrastructure. Instead of purchasing expensive units, these farmers can now borrow or rent them from other parties. Accessing these units is as simple as sending a request via mobile phones, using various digital platforms like SMS texting, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), or voice messages.

Market Analytics and Linkages

AgroTech Plus goes beyond cold storage; they empower farmers with vital market analytics and linkages. By providing insights into market prices and demand in local markets, they enable farmers to make informed decisions about marketing their products. This knowledge not only reduces guesswork but also helps farmers optimize their yields and profits.

Furthermore, AgroTech Plus fosters forward linkages, connecting farmers and farmer groups to better markets. This creates additional value from harvested crops, contributing to economic growth in rural communities.

Cooling as a Service (CAAS)

AgroTech Plus adopts a flexible pay-as-you-store model, which is particularly beneficial for smallholders and communities. Farmers can rent cold storage facilities on an “as needed” basis. To prepare for storage, they transfer perishable foods into reusable crates, which neatly fit onto the shelves in AgroTech Plus's cold rooms. Farmers then pay a daily flat fee for each crate of food they store, making it an affordable and scalable solution.

Conclusion

On World Food Day, let AgroTech Plus inspire your commitment to innovative solutions that drive real-world impact. Their achievements in extending the shelf life of perishable foods, reducing post-harvest losses, and providing affordable cold storage access are pivotal in lowering food costs and fostering inclusive economic growth. AgroTech Plus harmonizes with UN Global Initiatives, making a substantial contribution to the global mission of eradicating hunger and poverty. For an in-depth look at AgroTech, explore their website. If you seek more success stories in the fight against food waste, here are some other inspiring initiatives:

• Too Good to Go - Winner of the WSA Environment & Green Energy Award - 2016
• Chowberry - Winner of the Young Innovators Award - 2016
• Yonodesperdicio - Winner of the WSA Environment & Green Energy Award - 2018
• Ricult - Winner of the WSA Environment & Green Energy Award - 2020

The 18th yearly gathering of the Internet Governance Forum is scheduled to be hosted by the Government of Japan in Kyoto, taking place from October 8th to October 12th, 2023. The central theme of the Forum is "Shaping the Internet We Desire - Empowering Every Individual."

Drawing inspiration from the themes proposed during the call for thematic issues, the MAG (Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group) has decided that the 18th annual IGF program will revolve around the following sub-topics:

Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
Preventing Internet Fragmentation
Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, and Online Safety
Data Governance and Trust
Bridging Digital Divides and Promoting Inclusion
Global Digital Governance and Collaboration
Upholding Human Rights and Freedoms
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

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Mobility Mojo is the world’s leading self-assessment toolkit for workplace and hotel accessibility.

Its unique #technology solution provides businesses and hotels with the tools to conduct a detailed and comprehensive self-assessment on the level of accessibility in their premises. Then integrate and display all the accessible facilities they offer in a standardized way across all platforms within a matter of hours.

Mobility Mojo’s aim is to bring accessibility into the mainstream offering by helping office workplaces and hotels deliver an inclusive and welcoming experience for people with accessibility needs, their friends and families.

In 2021, Mobility Mojo was awarded the WSA Global Champion for #Inclusion & #Empowerment recognising the impact of Mobility Mojo on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and this year has won the UN SDG GameChangers Award.

Achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015 and adopted globally, remains a significant challenge, necessitating a swift embrace of digital technologies and ongoing innovation to expedite progress across the 17 Goals.