UNDP summit: Experts explore technology’s role as game changer

Panellists share how advances have brought about positive change.

ISLAMABAD:

Calling for innovative ideas to help improve lives of those in need, the Social Good Summit opened on Tuesday.

The summit’s theme was “How will the world look in 2030 and how can we shape it to improve the lives of those in need.” Panellists shared their experiences about how advancement in technology had contributed towards a positive change in society. Streamed live from Pakistan during the UN General Assembly annual meeting, conversations take place with participants who share solutions, ideas and innovations.

UNDP Country Director Marc-André Franche said that an explosive growth of new media and technology, particularly mobile technologies and social networks, has been witnessed over the years. He said that due to changing dynamics in the tech-world, the UN has also developed mechanisms to address development issues in the coming decades. Moreover, electronic- governance innovations have also helped in preventing and creating the change we wish to achieve, he said, adding that blocking of certain websites is a deficit of democracy. “With 120 million mobile users across the country, this is Pakistan’s greatest wealth and can be used to make a change.”

Chairman of the Punjab IT Board Umar Saif said Pakistan is the ninth largest cell-phone using country in the world and has great potential to grow. “A data-driven government where people can communicate directly through websites and other means can bring a significant change in society.”

Last year, UNDP hosted more than 40 Social Good Summit meet-ups in countries across the globe. Building on last year’s success, 55 UNDP country offices around the world are hosting local conversations, bringing together governments, local leaders, NGO organisers, civil society members, entrepreneurs and UN officials. The event was organised by UNDP.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2013.