About this Event
Digital technologies have transformed the way we live, work and connect, from AI and digital platforms to technologies used by governments, humanitarian organisations and community structures. Innovation is often presented as a powerful force for progress and efficiency, but who really benefits from this digital revolution – and who pays the price?
Join us for an evening of lively debate and thought-provoking insights as we explore the hidden power structures behind our increasingly digital world. Are new technologies helping to close global and regional inequalities, or reinforcing old divisions between the Global North and Global South? Does the promise of greater connectivity come at the expense of local knowledge, autonomy and control? Are technologies designed to support humanitarian causes always as benevolent as they appear? And, in an age of digital empires and the commodification of human experience and behaviour, are exploitative and extractive practices simply the cost of admission?
Bringing together different perspectives (speakers to be announced soon), this event will unpack the ideas of digital colonialism and technocolonialism, and ask what they mean for all of us. From questions of consent and sovereignty to the growing commodification of our data, experiences and behaviour, we will examine who holds power in the digital age – and how they should be held accountable.
Expect an engaging evening of debate, challenging questions and fresh perspectives on the technologies shaping our world. The event will be followed by a networking reception.
Programme:
17.15 Doors open
17.30 Welcome by Lindsay Skoll CMG (Principal of Jesus College)
17.35 Panel discussion, including Q&A with audience
19.05 Drinks reception
20.00 Event ends
Meet our Speakers (more to be announced soon):
- Sara Wahedi is the Chief Executive Officer of Civaam, a civic-tech startup focused on building innovative technological solutions for crisis regions, designed and developed by local technologists. Sara previously interned with Apple’s AIML (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) team in Cupertino and Seattle, on projects focused on user-centred design. Sara’s commitment to leveraging technology for social impact has earned her numerous accolades, including TIME Magazine's Next Generation Leader, MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35, and Forbes' 30 Under 30.
- Stefan Dercon is Professor of Economic Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government and the Economics Department, and a Professorial Fellow at Jesus College. He is also Director of the Centre for the Study of African Economies, and founder of the Economic Policy Network at the Blavatnik School of Government, offering pro-bono economic advice to senior policy makers in Africa and South Asia. Previously, he was the Chief Economist of the UK's Department of International Development and policy advisor to the FCDO's Foreign Secretary.
Venue:
This event will take place in the Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub at Jesus College, Oxford. The Hub entrance is on Market Street (opposite Wagamama). The Hub is accessible, with automatic double doors at the entrance and lifts to and from the main lower ground floor event space.
If you have any accessibility requirements, please do contact [email protected] and we are happy to help.
*Filming and photography will be taking place during the event. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please notify a member of the Hub team on arrival.
Please read Jesus College's Alumni & College Guest Conduct Policy before attending this event.
Event venue & nearby stays
Jesus College Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub, Market Street, Oxford, United Kingdom
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