Tech Empowerment Webinar
Technology empowers both individuals and societies. Through technology, individuals can expand their skillsets, learn new techniques, and continually refine their expertise. Simultaneously, technology serves as an engine for societal development, creating more resources and opportunities and driving societal progress.
On the evening of April 13, the third webinar of the third THINC Fellowship (2023-24) officially convened. Members of the "Technology Empowerment" group engaged in discussions surrounding the application of technology and the promotion of technological empowerment.
During the seminar, THINC media consultant Tolik introduced the content and specific arrangements of the upcoming "2024 Future Close Up" program, scheduled for June.
Donatien Niyonzima, a participant in last year's Future Close Up and editorial consultant at ChinAfrica magazine, shared his experiences in academic exchange and digital exploration through the program. He expressed that the journey had enabled participating international youth to establish new connections and acquire new knowledge. During this international youth event, he formed strong bonds of friendship with his peers.
Stacey-Ann Pearson (Jamaica), Web3 Director for Amazon Web Services Asia-Pacific; Carlos Eduardo Sedeh (Brazil), CEO of Megatelecom S.A.; Hugo Fontanel (France), Omnichannel Lead at ViiV Healthcare, a subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline; Haoran Wang (China), Founder of Woshi; Robin Kanattu Thomas (India), Co-founder and CEO of Astrek Innovations, shared their perspectives on the application of technology.
They stated technology has fundamentally transformed healthcare, commerce, education and environmental conservation, shaping a more efficient and sustainable society. For instance, technology serves as a catalyst for enterprise optimization and expansion; companies utilize artificial intelligence to efficiently manage logistics operations and enhance productivity.
They also emphasized that technological development is crucial for driving positive change. In the face of global issues such as climate change, technology offers solutions. In the field of education, technology broadens pathways for learning, offering rich academic resources. Technology also empowers marginalized communities by providing information and more development opportunities.
Currently, we face multiple challenges in technology ethics. For example, there is a need to formulate fair policies to address technological inequality. Juan Paolo Artiaga (Philippines), Legal Assistant at AÑOVER AÑOVER San Diego & Primavera Law Firm; Filip Koprčina (Croatia), Founder and CEO of Renewable Energy; Saba Tiku Beyene (Ethiopia), Founder of the Youth IGF Ethiopia, shared their views on "Advancing Technological Empowerment.”
They pointed out that the emergence of technological inequality restricts the digital participation of marginalized groups. This requires tailored solutions based on the specific needs and backgrounds of different communities. They believe that advancing technological empowerment requires collaboration among governments, private sectors, civil society and international organizations.