Science & Technology
How can we harness technology to create a more sustainable and equitable world?
03.05.20
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This article was produced in partnership with the United Nations to launch the biggest-ever global conversation on the role of cooperation in building the future we want. Share your voice by taking the 1-minute UN75 survey.
Technology can be—and has been—used in ways that both help and harm humanity. On the up side, advancements in digital technologies have been a huge factor in making progress on world-changing initiatives like the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. On the downside, the misuse of technology can threaten privacy, erode individual and collective security, and fuel inequalities.
How can we harness and develop digital tools that can help us create a more sustainable and equitable world? How do we weigh the risks and opportunities of technological revolutions in global health, social media, work, and data? How can we manage technology in ways that bridge the gap between the future we want and where we are currently headed?
As part of the UN's 75th anniversary, we asked individuals and organizations to join us in a Leap Day #UpChat on Twitter to discuss these questions and how we can make leaps in technology work for us all. Here are some highlights from the enlightening, informative, and inspiring discussion.
Q1: Technology can be a great equalizer. How has it been used to improve humanity?
@Upworthy @JoinUN75 A1: Since 2000, over 400K technology and science-focused projects were funded on our site. Our… https://t.co/nrbUhpf3ar— DonorsChoose (@DonorsChoose) 1582909924.0
A1. Brilliance is evenly distributed around the world, yet resources are not. Technology is the most powerful tool we have to narrow this accessibility gap. #UN75#UpChat
— Watsi (@watsi) February 28, 2020
From 👁️ scans for registering refugees... ... to the photos of family members left behind on their 📱... Tech has… https://t.co/IpzghQMnQ3— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency) 1582908121.0
A1: The advancement of technology has helped increase the access to information and services that would otherwise b… https://t.co/Ne823lQI27— Tony Sheffler (@Tony Sheffler) 1582909630.0
One very recent personal example: I was involved in a car accident with a Korean woman who spoke no English and she… https://t.co/uwxzZ4u0Va— Kayem 🇱🇾 (@Kayem 🇱🇾) 1582910146.0
Q2. Which organizations or individuals are using technology for good?
A2: In #India, @IBM @GlobalFund @AllianceinIndia partnered to use eMpower, app for health workers to help people li… https://t.co/cJ0YM2EmRE— The Global Fund (@The Global Fund) 1582910119.0
@Upworthy @JoinUN75 A2. What I find most incredible is that ANYONE can use tech for good. Whether making your voice… https://t.co/FYMpMKqPlQ— Mackinnon Engen (@Mackinnon Engen) 1582910397.0
A2: #UpChat #UN75 I use technology to connect with people on #socialmedia to spread my wildfire prevention message.… https://t.co/OMyuA6If4l— Smokey Bear (@Smokey Bear) 1582910174.0
😍There is more that unites us than divides us😍 #UPChat #UN75 https://t.co/f6djUhnMv8— Annie Rosenthal 🌹🌱 (@Annie Rosenthal 🌹🌱) 1582910718.0
Q3. How has your organization used technology to drive success towards the SDGs?
@Upworthy @JoinUN75 A3: PIH co-developed @OpenMRS, now used by 100+ PIH-supported facilities plus partners in 60+ c… https://t.co/LNuIHSEsae— Partners In Health (@Partners In Health) 1582910413.0
A3: #UpChat#UN75 I'm an author/consultant, been writing about how social impact organizations are leveraging #AI to drive success towards SDGS-- one of my favorite examples is @UNRefugeeAgency - lots of amazing work from their highly acclaimed innovation unit THE HIVE
— Beth Kanter (@kanter) February 28, 2020
A3: We’re really excited about our upcoming International Women’s Day celebration, where our goal is to fund every… https://t.co/0W1dH2FK6l— Kiva (@Kiva) 1582910484.0
A3: We couldn't create the depth of impact we have without tech! Our global mentorship program, representing girls from 70 countries, connects high school girls to inspiring women. Tech allows us to amplify our voices beyond usual advocacy communities #Upchat#UN75@JoinUN75
— Priyanka Jaisinghani (@Pripri_125) February 28, 2020
Q4: In a world of fake news, data security issues, and the darker side of social media (read: trolls), how do you stay motivated?
@Upworthy @JoinUN75 A4: By connecting with individual stories, we are able to look beyond the broader stereotypes t… https://t.co/C39xAYWmLV— USA for UNHCR (@USA for UNHCR) 1582910860.0
A4: Our co-founder @premal once called Kiva a “hopeful corner of the Internet.” Creating econ. and social impact wi… https://t.co/ez5ydyUzkv— Kiva (@Kiva) 1582910905.0
A4: The mission and the goals that I have set continue to drive me. I do my best to not be distracted or influence… https://t.co/VNZrk9VFp6— Tony Sheffler (@Tony Sheffler) 1582910668.0
Q4. People on-the-ground. Can be super-efficient to sit behind a laptop and “influence" others but you can also weaken your passion and empathy. Like any type of faith, social impact work requires leaning in and 'doing good with our hands' also! #UpChat#UN75
— Tarik Bk (@TarikbyDesign) February 28, 2020
I focus on the people who are fighting for positive change. They give me hope and remind me that we don't have time… https://t.co/XO5hLm2BnA— Annie Rosenthal 🌹🌱 (@Annie Rosenthal 🌹🌱) 1582911042.0
Q5: Misinformation is more prevalent than ever. What are your recommendations on how to address the issue?
A5: It is important that we question what is around us and always seek out the information that will lead us to our… https://t.co/E9WXPtEXs6— Tony Sheffler (@Tony Sheffler) 1582911092.0
We need to invest in reaching trusted members of society and work with them to push accurate messaging out. The m… https://t.co/lDH13jFCZC— +SocialGood (@+SocialGood) 1582911165.0
A5: .@Upworthy Also – don't be afraid to admit you don't understand something! We can't clear up misinformation unless we know what we're talking about. We have to be willing to risk our pride and ask “stupid" questions. #UpChat#UN75
— leapsmag (@leapsmag) February 28, 2020
Q6: Throughout history, technological revolutions have changed the labor force. How will it impact the future of work in the next decade?
A6: Now more than ever, tech has allowed people to be more connected across nations & cultures, increasing social/e… https://t.co/eyhhYNcvuB— Kiva (@Kiva) 1582911454.0
A6: .@Upworthy Right now we have about 4.7 million Americans working remotely. That number is only going to increase in the next ten years. #UpChat#UN75
— leapsmag (@leapsmag) February 28, 2020
@Upworthy @JoinUN75 A6: For example, #refugees are learning technical skills through online programs but are often… https://t.co/8sNOO6Xsyv— USA for UNHCR (@USA for UNHCR) 1582911601.0
A6: #UpChat#UN75 we have to think of #AI as enhancing human work and experience, not replacing. I like the term “co-boting" This is especially important for nonprofits. I take a positive view - https://t.co/mkwHzqmytNpic.twitter.com/L2YWEcikZ5
— Beth Kanter (@kanter) February 28, 2020
A6: With technological transformation happening faster than before, we will acquire new skills; unlearn old ones. Within the next decade, there will be a large percentage of jobs that haven't even been created yet #UpChat#UN75
— Priyanka Jaisinghani (@Pripri_125) February 28, 2020
Q7: What responsibilities do businesses and governments have as they increasingly have more access to our personal data?
A7. Businesses and governments need to continue building bridges to a better future, life and planet. We need this… https://t.co/lRFJL7R1K6— Emmanuel Nyame #SocialGood (@Emmanuel Nyame #SocialGood) 1582911831.0
A7: I'm personally concerned with facial recognition #AI used in criminal investigations being used to also proacti… https://t.co/82UilNLytf— Michael Bellavia (@Michael Bellavia) 1582911968.0
Q8. What does a digital future for all look like?
A8: We envision a digital future where everyone has equal financial access to improve their lives. That starts w/ d… https://t.co/cBbc1SnZDq— Kiva (@Kiva) 1582912277.0
A8: We hope for a future that's more representative of the global population and includes individuals affected by t… https://t.co/WDOotfPMlM— USA for UNHCR (@USA for UNHCR) 1582912227.0
A8. If built with care: Creating direct connections across humanity. Accessibility. Opportunity. Sharing knowledge + collaboration to tackle our world's largest challenges. Ultimately, a healthier world for all. #UpChat#UN75
— Watsi (@watsi) February 28, 2020
A8: A digital future for all is one that connects and unites the community. Effective problem solving will require our collective knowledge to build a better future and, in our case, ensure children have access to quality education. #UpChat#UN75
— DonorsChoose (@DonorsChoose) February 28, 2020
A8: We have a crystal ball. It's brighter than it is today because there are more people and organizations working… https://t.co/DrPfC6hxht— HelpGood (@HelpGood) 1582912566.0
Ideally, is to have everyone benefitting in a digitally connected and secure internet and have equal chance to opp… https://t.co/xnz19vd7O9— Nashilongo (@Nashilongo) 1582912840.0
Q9. How have you seen youth influence the way we use digital technology?
A9: The innovation and fresh ideas that come from thoughtful, talented and passionate youth around the world cannot… https://t.co/wwdwhqyi3p— Kiva (@Kiva) 1582912820.0
A9. It's one of the effective ways for the youth to advocate for change. Case study @GretaThunberg @UNYouthEnvoy an… https://t.co/5FyPM3PARu— Emmanuel Nyame #SocialGood (@Emmanuel Nyame #SocialGood) 1582912760.0
I'm such the eternal optimist ☀️ Come on, world! https://t.co/MoSbVDUDqJ— Mackinnon Engen (@Mackinnon Engen) 1582912851.0
Q10: With the future of technology in mind, do you think that people in 2045 will be better off, worse off, or the same as you are today?
I believe in the good of humanity, I think people will be better off. It needs all of us to ensure inclusivity… https://t.co/nY2NqtcUJt— Nashilongo (@Nashilongo) 1582913251.0
.@upworthy Tech has managed to eradicate entire diseases and uplift so many marginalized communities -- I'm sure this will continue into the future as well! #UpChat#UN75
— leapsmag (@leapsmag) February 28, 2020
We believe people will be better off! ✊ Here's to a more socially, financially, and politically inclusive world! 💫#UpChat#UN75https://t.co/kpCuS3j2lk
— Kiva (@Kiva) February 28, 2020
If you'd like to join our next UpChat or see previous chats on global issues, follow us on Twitter and check out @JoinUN75. You can also let your voice be heard with the UN's public survey here.
This was a great conversation on using technology for good! Excited for the next Twitter chat 🧡 #UN75#UpChat@JoinUN75https://t.co/IyCelEy9dA
— Partners In Health (@PIH) February 28, 2020
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