Commonwealth hosts technology and innovation webinar – September 17

On September 17, 2020, a panel of game-changing innovators will lead the third episode of the Commonwealth Youth Action Series. 

Since its launch in July, the series has been highlighting the powerful potential of young people to create a fairer, more secure, sustainable and prosperous future.

The upcoming virtual episode will put the spotlight on technology and innovation. This theme is more relevant than ever – particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified glaring inequalities in young people’s access to technology. 

The webinar will focus on the effective, youth-led approaches that could strengthen the quality of Information and communications technology, and innovation across the Commonwealth.

Discussions will: 

• explore what a successful innovation ecosystem looks like;
• analyse the ingredients required for innovation and technology to advance, including youth participation;
• examine the impact and future challenges of innovation, including security and privacy breaches; and 
• review effective policy changes to address challenges and take advantage of opportunities. 

Time: 15.00 – 16.30 BST, 17 September 2020, on Facebook. 

For a chance to collaborate, innovate, and shape proposals for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, register.

Moderator and panellists

Moderator – Toni Thorne, Barbados

Toni Thorne is an award-winning entrepreneur, community activist and National Youth Awardee, who has been a consultant to both public and private sector entities in Barbados.

Toni was JCI International’s “Top Outstanding Young Person of the World” from the Caribbean, and a World Economic Forum Global Shaper. She is a former television and radio host, newspaper columnist and Huffington Post blogger.

Today, Toni embarking on an MBA at the University of Cambridge as both a Cambridge Trust Scholar and a Chevening Scholar. She is also a Fellow of the US State Department’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative.

Engage with Toni on Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

Franco Chiam, Singapore

Franco is the digital and innovation lead and general manager at global technology firm Daimler South East Asia. He specialises in digital transformation, and has more than 20 years’ experience in the Asia-Pacific region, delivering impactful digital transformation programs, modernising IT landscapes and operations, analysing inefficiency and implementing profitability solutions.

He has also been part of work-stream to support data centre consolidation and shared services for more cost-effective and efficient business operations.

Engage with Franco on Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

Patrick Buchana Nsenga, Rwanda

Patrick is a Harvard educated advanced management expert and a recipient of a number of ICT awards.

The co-founder and CEO of African smart transport solutions technology firm, AC Group, is one of Forbes’ under 30 that are shaping the future.

He sits on the several board of directors, including the Rwanda Chamber of Commerce Private Sector Federation, and is Chairman of KLab & Fablab – the nation’s biggest innovation lab. He also sits on the Invest in Africa Committee, which was set up to attract investment to the continent.

Engage with Patrick on Twitter and @TACGroupRW | Instagram | LinkedIn

Marc Lepage, France

A technology innovation expert,Marc works at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Philippines as the principal IT specialist.

He advises and supports ADB with its 2030 digital agenda. This includes designing and implementing ADB’s digital sandboxes programme – an initiative aimed at using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and robotics to ‘future-proof’ and transform the organisation into an agile and effective entity.

Engage with Marc on  Twitter and @YouthForAsia | Facebook | LinkedIn and Youth For Asia

Story credit: The Commonwealth