From March 28 to March 31 OCCAM, the Observatory on Digital Communication was invited to participate and intervene at the 25th Commission on Science and Technology for Development held in room XVIII at the Palais des Nations in Geneve.
The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) discusses how the digital revolution affects development and offers new strategies in view of a sustainable future for all. The forum analyzes and frames the critical issues influencing the fields of science and technology.
The 25th edition of the Commission addressed two important topics: Industry 4.0 and Science, technology, and innovation for sustainable urban development in a post-pandemic world.
At such a prestigious stage and inspiring context, Arch. Saporito, President of OCCAM and the Infopoverty Programme, had the opportunity to announce and present the 22nd Infopoverty World Conference.
The next edition of the Conference, with the title “Digital Citizen: duties and rights to build a fairer and more inclusive Future Society”, will be held in November at the UNHQ in New York and live-streamed worldwide. On the path traced out by the past editions of the IWC (20th and 21st) as well as the new inputs that emerged during the 25th CSTD, the XXII Infopoverty World Conference intends to thoroughly investigate the main unit of the Digital Society, namely the Digital Citizen, focusing on duties and rights for a future Society guaranteeing e-welfare for all. The urgency of addressing such an imperative topic was endorsed throughout the four days of the Commission’s work and debate.
Some of the pivotal concepts that have been presented by the participants will be further deepened during the 22nd edition of the Conference. Particular attention was and will be devoted to the acknowledgment that unprecedented constraints could emerge from an uncritical and generalized use of digital surveillance, Artificial Intelligence, and data collection. On the matter, some eminent experts and Ministers highlighted the necessity to adopt AI and machine learning in Emerging Countries by avoiding digital disruption and supporting a definition of “technological optimism” which will steer digital support for democratic institutions to envisage a sustainable future for all. Others highlighted how Developing Countries should have the possibility to adjust their production systems to the new wave of Industrialization (Industry 4.0).
This was the context and the assumptions that led to the launch and presentation of the XXII Infopoverty World Conference, where all are invited to present valuable contributions elaborated in these months of post-IWC21, where the global scenario has been shaken by the latest terrifying events.