Speaker Applications

Wicked problems are problems that are socially complex, sometimes contradictory, and often changing. Tackling them requires collaboration, experimentation, and learning from failure as well as each other. In this track, we will explore how digital transformation can help address some of the most pernicious challenges of our time. Key focus areas will include food security, climate change, conflict, youth employment, and public health, as well as digital divides. Subject matter experts and ICT4D practitioners will share how they are using digital approaches to help solve these global challenges, while also making sure that digital transformation efforts do not contribute to widening digital divides. Given the event’s location in Ghana, we will have a particular focus on digitally-enabled interventions in West Africa.

The world is experiencing rapid advancements in our ability to leverage data. This ability comes with both increased demands for data, and a slowly growing recognition of the rights of data subjects. At the same time, many global development organisations struggle to effectively use the significant amounts of data they collect. This track will focus on innovations in using geospatial data for development and humanitarian outcomes, as well as how the most recent developments in AI and machine learning can be applied for social good. Sessions will also provide insights into how to responsibly govern and manage the large amounts of data collected and used for many of these innovations, and how to assess the usability and reliability of off-the-shelf solutions.

Digital public infrastructure (DPI) is increasingly recognized as essential for societies to reap the benefits of digital transformation. There is also a renewed drive for prioritizing the use of digital public goods (DPGs) to ensure sustainability and local leadership of digital transformation efforts. Yet establishing DPI and leveraging DPGs faces many hurdles, from building capacity to finding sustainable financing. Cyberattacks too are on the increase, making it essential that digital systems and interventions are designed for privacy first. And connectivity remains a challenge – both for project implementation as well as for millions of people who are unable to benefit from digital services. In the face of these challenges, this track will feature discussions that highlight opportunities and approaches to build responsible, sustainable, and locally owned digital foundations.