The Tech We Want Summit took place between 17 and 18 October 2024 – in total, 43 speakers from 23 countries interacted with 700+ registered people about new practical ways to build software that is useful, simple, long-lasting, and focused on solving people’s real problems.
In this series of posts, OKFN brings you the documentation of each session, opening the content generated during these two intense days of reflection and joint work accessible and open.
Above is the video and below is a summary of the topics discussed in:
[Panel 1] The Tech We Want is Political
17 October 2024 – 10:30 UTC
Since the Snowden revelations, citizen efforts have been focused in patching a broken system of surveillance, extractivism of people and the planet and rights erosion. This conversation will discuss the current state of the things and the viability of uniting technical and political efforts to move in a different direction.
- Renata Ávila – CEO, OKFN [moderator]
- Bolaji Ayodeji – DPG Evangelist and Technical Coordinator, Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA)
- Anita Gurumurthy – Executive Director, IT for Change
- Poncelet Ileleji – CEO, Jokkolabs Banjul (Open Knowledge Network Gambia)
Summary
Renata Ávila, CEO of OKFN, moderates a discussion exploring the broad intersections of technology, politics and society. Panellists, including Anita Gurumurthy (IT for Change), Bolaji Ayodeji (DPGA) and Poncelet Ileleji (Jokkolabs Banjul), explore the political implications of technology, the need for a new social paradigm, and the role of public governance and investment in promoting democratic and sustainable technological development.
The conversation spans global examples, including Brazil and Africa, highlighting challenges such as the digital divide and emphasising international cooperation for digital inclusion. A significant part focuses on Africa’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030, showcasing digital public goods (DPGs) and their role in sustainable development. Discussions include examples from India, such as app-based platforms for women’s empowerment and public AI for oral language assessment.
The crucial balance between technological opportunities and risks in Africa, the importance of digital sovereignty and innovative local solutions will be explored, as well as the need for political will, stakeholder engagement and sound governance to ensure equitable technological progress.
