Technology Salon

Global Sponsor

a discussion at the intersection of technology and development

Our Past Meetings

  • ai-accountability

    The release of ChatGPT and similar chatbots like Google’s Bard and Anthropic’s Claude has re-ignited the discussion around artificial intelligence (AI) in social, work, financial, health, education, law, and most other spheres. A common challenge with these and other AI and machine learning (ML) systems is their lack of transparency and accountability. Algorithms decide what we…

  • digital principles

    In a vibrant exchange of ideas, the October Accra Technology Salon, which discussed the topic, “Can the Principles for Digital Development be Improved?, explored the 9 Principles and their relevance or otherwise in the face of current trends. As anticipated, the 1-hour session created a divided room where majority believed the principles needed improving, and…

  • dall-e feminist ai

    How to Apply Feminist Frameworks to AI Governance

    New York | By on October 17, 2023 | Comments Off on How to Apply Feminist Frameworks to AI Governance

    Could an intersectional feminist approach to participation, equity and justice help to address the social and political nature of structural inequalities that are baked into every aspect of the AI supply chain? We drew together a roomful of smart folks to discuss this at our September 19th Technology Salon in NYC:  Can Feminist Frameworks improve AI Governance?…

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  • digital principles

    How the Principles for Digital Development Can Be Improved

    Washington DC | By on July 23, 2023 | Comments Off on How the Principles for Digital Development Can Be Improved

    Pop Quiz! Name all 9 Principles for Digital Development. Try to name them all right now and from your memory. No fair looking at the official list until you’ve exhausted your attempts. This is how we started the recent Technology Salon that asked, “Can the Principles for Digital Development be Improved?” The Principles for Digital…

  • Counter Malign Influences China Russia

    How to Counter the Malign Influences of China and Russia in Digital Development

    Washington DC | By on May 31, 2023 | Comments Off on How to Counter the Malign Influences of China and Russia in Digital Development

    The recent Technology Salon on How to Counter Malign Influences in Digital Development was a fascinating discussion that should start with the idea that we are mainly talking about the Chinese and Russian country governments. These governments may not reflect the will of its citizens, or even a majority of them, and the governments themselves…

  • Tech Journalism

    How Technology Journalism Can Tell Unheard Stories

    New York | By on April 10, 2023 | Comments Off on How Technology Journalism Can Tell Unheard Stories

    Western perspectives on technology tend to dominate the media, despite the fact that technology impacts on people’s lives are nuanced, diverse and contextually specific. At our March 29 Technology Salon NYC (hosted by Thoughtworks) that asked How Can Tech Journalism Tell the Unheard Stories? we discussed how structural issues in journalism and technology lead to…

  • sensitive services

    9 Considerations for Designing Safe Digital Solutions for Sensitive Services

    New York | By on March 28, 2023 | Comments Off on 9 Considerations for Designing Safe Digital Solutions for Sensitive Services

    As the world became more digital in the wake of COVID-19, the number of mobile applications and online services and support increased exponentially. Many of these apps offer important support to people who live and move in contexts where they are at risk. Digital apps for sensitive services (such as mental health, reproductive health, shelter…

  • generative ai tech salon

    How Generative AI Can Improve Aid Outcomes

    Washington DC | By on January 26, 2023 | Comments Off on How Generative AI Can Improve Aid Outcomes

    Our first in-person Technology Salon DC in three years convened on January 25, 2023, to pose the question: Can Generative Artificial Intelligence Technology Improve Aid Outcomes? Thought leaders and decision makers across the international development space shared their optimism, skepticism, and uncertainty regarding generative AI and its consequences as we move closer to the uncanny…

  • Effective Storytelling Media for High Impact Campaigns

    San Francisco | By on June 4, 2021 | Comments Off on Effective Storytelling Media for High Impact Campaigns

      On May 27, 2021 more than 50 people gathered virtually for a San Francisco Bay Area Technology Salon that investigated different forms of storytelling technology being used effectively in diverse international development environments. Which Storytelling Media are Most Effective for High Impact Campaigns? featured discussion leads based in the US, Israel, and Afghanistan, with…

  • agile technology salon

    Most government funded international development programs start with a Request for Proposal (RFP) that has to follow strict government procurement processes. These systems are designed to protect taxpayer money from waste and fraud and generate very detailed proposals. However, this very focus on risk aversion could actually be increasing the risk that humanitarian relief programing,…

  • ict4d domestic elections

    How New Outreach Tools Increased Public Participation in USA Elections

    San Francisco | By on December 3, 2020 | Comments Off on How New Outreach Tools Increased Public Participation in USA Elections

    Our recent virtual San Francisco Bay Area Technology Salon examined how recent efforts helped create the greatest ever voter turnout in the November US election. How Did New Outreach Tools Increase Public Participation and Combat Misinformation in USA Elections? featured insights from discussion leads leveraging technology in a variety of ways to increase the efficacy…

  • women in tech

    How to Walk the Talk of Female Representation in ICT4D

    Washington DC | By on October 30, 2020 | Comments Off on How to Walk the Talk of Female Representation in ICT4D

    The digital development field has consistently focused on improving female access to technology and related services across low- and middle-income countries. With over 250 million more women owning a mobile phone as compared to 2014, there has been considerable progress. Yet, the importance of female representation in leadership has become even clearer. A recent study indicated that…

  • 5 Ways AgTech and KM Can Increase Food Security During COVID-19

    Washington DC | By on August 20, 2020 | Comments Off on 5 Ways AgTech and KM Can Increase Food Security During COVID-19

    The coronavirus pandemic is creating unprecedented food insecurity around the world. The World Food Programme estimates that the number of people facing acute hunger will double to 265 million in 2020. This global challenge comes on top of existing vulnerabilities including conflict, climate change and economic crises compounded by long-standing social and structural discrimination based…

  • How Should Funders Support the COVID-19 Digital Response?

    COVID-19, New York | By on June 16, 2020 | Comments Off on How Should Funders Support the COVID-19 Digital Response?

    Our sixth virtual Salon in the “Tech in the Time of Coronavirus” series revolved around the role of funders in the COVID-19 digital response. The pandemic has laid bare the vulnerabilities in our economic models and systems. As we look to the future and strive to build a world that is more resilient, funders have…

  • behaviour chnage communication covid-19

    How to Use Behaviour Change Communications for COVID-19 Digital Response

    COVID-19, London | By on May 29, 2020 | Comments Off on How to Use Behaviour Change Communications for COVID-19 Digital Response

    As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, we are faced with travel bans, project funding restrictions, and the increasing need to operate remotely. A multi-faceted COVID-19 Digital Response, including behaviour change communication on personal and respiratory hygiene, proper handwashing, social distancing, and so on remains a critical need. Trying to get these vital messages out to…

  • Advice on Volunteering and Managing Volunteers During COVID-19 Digital Response

    COVID-19, New York | By on May 29, 2020 | Comments Off on Advice on Volunteering and Managing Volunteers During COVID-19 Digital Response

    Demand for digital-skills based volunteering has surged as skilled workers search for ways to contribute to the response efforts to COVID-19. As a result, nonprofits are faced with an unprecedented opportunity to bring volunteers into their work and use new talent to advance their missions. However, many nonprofits don’t have a standing volunteer program. And…

  • Data Ethics, Power, and Privacy in COVID-19 Digital Response

    COVID-19, New York | By on May 13, 2020 | Comments Off on Data Ethics, Power, and Privacy in COVID-19 Digital Response

    Data is top of mind during the COVID-19 response. Quality data can help to direct the response and to make decisions, but it’s not the silver bullet that everyone is hoping for. We need to remain aware of the power dynamics represented in how data is collected, treated, protected and interpreted. There needs to be…

  • COVID-19 Challenges for Refugee Settings and Low-Income Countries

    COVID-19, San Francisco | By on April 30, 2020 | Comments Off on COVID-19 Challenges for Refugee Settings and Low-Income Countries

    To date, over 3 million people globally have coronavirus and the world is bracing for it to overwhelm low income countries. As the death toll rises, and health systems in developed countries struggle, health responders and activists around the world are racing to understand how best to prepare and protect refugee settlements. Where water, a…

  • COVID-19 and the Tech Sector: Guidance for Effective Digital Responses

    COVID-19, New York | By on April 23, 2020 | Comments Off on COVID-19 and the Tech Sector: Guidance for Effective Digital Responses

        Since its emergence in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has reached almost every corner of the globe. By April 20, 2020, the number of recorded cases worldwide had reached 2.4 million with over 161,000 resulting deaths. As the virus spreads, so do the technological responses. Never before has a global crisis been so digital….

  • ict4d domestic elections

    How to Use Your International ICT4D Skills in US Elections

    Washington DC | By on February 24, 2020 | Comments Off on How to Use Your International ICT4D Skills in US Elections

    This is shaping up to be a pivotal year in US politics. We are all experts in behavior change, change management, governance, accountability, civil society, and a host of other skills and activities that can strengthen democratic processes and bring change here at home. In our recent Technology Salon on How to Use Your International…