UNIDO ITPO Tokyo will organize “Transforming the World with Digital Tech and Innovation” webinar on 26 March 2021, jointly with the UNDP Japan. (#TurnItAround)

A recent study by the UNDP warns that the severe long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could push an additional 207 million people into extreme poverty, bringing the total to over 1 billion worldwide by 2030. With a focus set on investments towards the SDGs, however, 146 million people could be lifted out of extreme poverty. The pandemic has made us all reacknowledge the power of digitalization and innovation and indeed, has sped up their applications in public and private spheres. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, virtual reality, the internet have proved their potential to advance and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. On the other hand, the advancement of technologies will also trigger new challenges, as they can exacerbate inequalities. The increasing number of digital technologies available to the digital ‘haves’ further risks excluding the ‘have nots’—incliding the 3.5 billion people who still do not have internet access. It is vital to integrate new technologies into sustainable development strategies, with equality and equity as the guiding principles.

This session will examine how digital technologies and innovation can bring opportunities and values to those “furthest behind” and contribute to the SDGs, while addressing poverty and inequality.

Speakers from across the world who have brought transformation to the people’s lives through the provision of internet access in Senegal (SUCRECUBE Japon Inc.), through the establishment of online value chains accessible via mobile phones in Nigeria, and through online agricultural advisory services in Ghana will discuss opportunities and challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, while exploring the future of development.

*This event will be held as one of session in SDG Global Festival of Action from Japan. (*1)

Seminar Outline

Date/Time:       26 March 2021 (Fri) 19:45-20:30 (JST)
                       26 March 2021 (Fri) 11:45-12:30 (CET)
Format:           Online seminar
Organized by:   UNIDO ITPO Tokyo, UNDP Japan
Languages:      English-Japanese simultaneous interpretation, International Sign
Participation:    Free of charge

Speakers

・Koichi Sato, CEO, SUCRECUBE JAPON INC.
・Ada Osakwe, Founder, NULI & AGROLAY (Nigeria)
・Gifty Mintaa Quarshie, Co-founder/Head of Administration & HR, Techshelta Company Limited (Ghana)
・Ryan Takeshita, Editor-in-chief, The Huffington Post Japan　*Moderator

Registration

– To join the seminar, register from here
– To know more from here

For further information, please contact:

UNIDO ITPO Tokyo E-mail: itpo.tokyo@unido.org

Reference:

・（*1）To know more about SDG Global Festival of Action from Japan is here
・SDGs and UNIDO