“Digitalization: from disruption to sustainability” was this year’s topic at Global Forum, an event taking place every year and serving as a think-tank on Digital Development that regroups governments, private and public organizations, research and development experts. It took place in Oulu, Finland this year.

The WeObservatory was invited to organize a round table on Digital Communities with a specific focus on women and their role as a global digital community in defining and addressing their own needs.  Digitalization as defined at the Global Forum is a process that brings us to a fast, secure and affordable cyberspace. As women have a lot to gain from this process, we consider it important to discuss and point out relevant questions on the topic.

3 presentations were made at the Digital Communities Session (Session 10), the speakers were :  Anne Petitgirard, doctor and expert in global health development programs; Effat El Shooky, Founder Women Business Development Centerin Cairo; Indrajid Banerjee, Director of UNESCO’s Information Society Division.

Contrary to all the previous Global Forum presentations, this session was not concentrated on technical issues and pure technological development. “Technology is not a driver , but a tool” – said Indrajid Banerjee, who was backed up by the other 2 speakers. The accent was made on the importance of making knowledge and pertinent information accessible by giving specific examples of projects and initiatives related to health, business and education.

More specifically, Anne Petitgirard talked about Women’s health and access to healthcare using the example of Zero Mothers Die, ESTHER,  French Red Cross initiatives. Effat El Shooky about Social Entrepreneurship in Egypt, RISE Egypt, Yomken.com, innoventures and others. Detailed information and power points can be provided upon request to weobservatory@gmail.com .

4 Video recordings of the round table are available here (See Session 10)

Many other interesting sessions happened at the Global Forum,  “Smart cities and communities”, “Digital Strategy visions” and “Cyber and security” were fun to listen to.  Detailed program here.