The WSIS Prizes, announced May 28, 2024, in Geneva, recognized innovative technological approaches from 18 countries supporting sustainable development. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted these solutions as vital for advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and bridging the digital divide.

Digitalization is crucial for the cultural heritage sector to engage citizens, yet traditional education often lacks inclusive, learner-centric approaches vital for accessibility and achieving SDGs. The Erasmus+ "Young ArcHers" project addresses this by empowering educators to create inclusive, accessible digital storytelling using cultural heritage. It helps diverse students discover and protect local heritage through technology. Learn more at youngarchers.eu.

The WSIS Prizes, recognizing innovative technological approaches for sustainable development, were announced on 28 May 2024 at the WSIS+20 Forum in Geneva. Projects from 18 countries received top honors for bridging the digital divide, fostering digital inclusion, and driving socio-economic progress.

Among the winners was "The Interactive Tool of Policies, Terms and Conditions Applicable in the Use of Digital Platforms." This tool provides users with transparent information on how 45 major digital platforms collect, treat, and allow management of personal data, categorized for clarity. It empowers users to understand permissions granted when using various services.

Learn more about the project: https://plataformasdigitales.ift.org.mx/public/categoria/14/aplicaciones-de-citas

The "Check Me" mobile application, a recent WSIS Prize winner, addresses breast cancer by increasing awareness, promoting early detection through self-checks, and providing affordable access to specialists. This innovative platform offers educational content, self-check guidance, and connections to medical experts, empowering women to prioritize their breast health.

Leveraging technology, Check Me aims to demystify breast cancer and break down barriers to timely medical assistance. Its comprehensive approach facilitates early diagnosis and treatment, significantly reducing mortality rates and improving quality of life. The project creates a lasting social impact by empowering women and enhancing breast cancer outcomes.

Learn more at checkmeapp.io.

Pine rocklands, an endangered South Florida ecosystem, shelter protected species like Key deer and Florida bonneted bats. Facing threats from urban development and sea-level rise, their survival is vital. Learn more and help save this habitat at saveourpinerocklands.org.

The Center for Biological Diversity, a Tucson-based nonprofit, believes human welfare is linked to nature's diversity. We work to secure a future for all species through science, law, and media, protecting the lands, waters, and climate they need.

Find us online at biologicaldiversity.org for more information, to take action, or connect on social media. Email inquiries to center@biologicaldiversity.org.

ITU unveiled the visual identity for its 160th Anniversary commemorations, which will take place throughout 2025.

Marking its evolution from the telegraph to virtual worlds, ITU continues to connect the globe, advancing technology for all.

New and emerging AI technologies are profoundly impacting workplaces and skill requirements across all industries. This session brings together diverse stakeholders to address these challenges, exploring which economic sectors and skills will be most influenced, concrete AI examples shaping future jobs, and effective policy measures governments should adopt.

The discussion will be moderated by Mr. Alfie Hamid (Head of Global Strategic Partnerships, Cisco NetAcad). Panelists include Mr. Stijn Broecke (Senior Economist, OECD), Ms. Salma Karim (Head of Human Capital & Innovation, Digital Development Agency, Morocco), Dr. Ashok Jashapara (Professor, University of London), and Ms. Mariam Al Ali (Business Development Manager, Amazon Web Services).

Green and digital transitions are interconnected and mutually reinforcing, crucial for a just future. Digital technologies aid environmental management, while sustainability guides digital solutions. These transitions will create new jobs, offset some losses, and demand new skills for all.

This session will explore the essential effects of these transitions on jobs and skills, identifying required skills (digital and beyond) to mitigate climate change impacts. It will also highlight policy measures and good practices for skills development.

Moderated by Anne Shannon Baxter (GSMA), panelists include Olga Strietska-Ilina (International Labour Organization), Nanko Madu (AfriLabs), Dr. Mindel Van de Laar (United Nations University – MERIT and Maastricht University), and Robert Marinkovic (International Organisation of Employers).

Young entrepreneurs will present groundbreaking digital products and services designed to enhance digital skills in developing countries, showcasing innovative solutions that bridge the digital divide. This session empowers communities, addresses digital challenges, and offers insights into these young leaders' tangible impact.

Topics include innovators' roles, case studies on digital skill enhancement, and strategies for scaling projects in resource-limited settings. A Q&A will cover partnerships, funding, and future initiatives.

Moderated by Ms. Amani Alkhiami (Global Compact Network, Saudi Arabia), the panel features Ms. Aashna Taneja (Labhya, India), Mr. Segun Ogunwale (Bridgia), Ms. Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh (IBTKRGO, Jordan), and Ms. Lella Violet Halloum (IBM Z).

Digital transformation is primarily driven by industry, with private companies leading innovation and technology adoption. This creates a high demand for a digitally skilled workforce across all economic sectors.

This session will feature industry representatives discussing essential skills for fostering digital transformation, identifying growth sectors, and sharing how companies adapt through effective skilling and talent acquisition. These insights will help policymakers and training institutions align digital skills programs with market needs. The panel includes: Moderator Fahd Batayneh (ICANN), and Panelists Sonya Janahi (Chamber of Commerce), Naria Santa Lucia (Microsoft Philanthropies), Ahmed Riad Rashad (Huawei), and Wissam Kadi (SAP).

The increasing use of digital technologies globally raises concerns about their impact on employment and skills. While automation replaces certain tasks, it also creates new jobs demanding updated skills, requiring millions to reskill or upskill.

This session will address how digital transformation impacts jobs and skills development, exploring core challenges, opportunities, and innovative strategies to enhance global workforce capabilities. It will highlight best practices for fostering digital skills, considering youth, women, and aging workers.

Moderated by Mr. Juan Iván Martín Lataix (International Labour Organization), the panel features experts from Stanford University, Mexico, Gabon, and Kenya, offering diverse perspectives on digital skills for the future of work.

The Green Digital Action initiative unites global partners to advance climate action through digital innovation.

It achieves this by driving industry commitments, promoting innovative digital solutions, and strengthening global frameworks for monitoring and reporting. These efforts lay the foundation for a sustainable digital future for all.

Learn more

Governments worldwide are concerned about the safe use of digital technologies and online information. Social media risks, including cyber threats, misinformation, and online violence, have prompted policymakers to implement standards and share best practices.

This session will explore how digital education and skills development can mitigate these risks. It will showcase best practices for educating citizens on safe online information use, featuring a moderator and a panel of experts.

Moderator: Ms. Natia Kukuladze (Georgian National Communications Commission). Panelists include Mr. David Wright (SWGfL, UK Safer Internet Centre), Ms. Rūta Jašinskienė (NRD Cyber Security), Mr. Guy Ngambeket (ISC2), Mr. Datuk Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin (MCMC), and Mr. Najib Mokni (UNESCO).

High-integrity carbon markets, crucial for climate action and development, face a trust deficit. MIGA's 35+ years of guarantees build trust. Join the launch of MIGA's new letter of authorization template, a WBG Guarantee Platform public good, standardizing host government commitments and securing insurability rights. Learn more: http://wrld.bg/LhvV50U3qbW @MIGAWorldBank

The World Bank Group is committed to a livable planet with clean energy, resilient communities, and stronger economies, ensuring climate action supports development. Join us live in Baku at the World Bank Group Pavilion during COP29, or online. http://wrld.bg/hk5E50U3qi5 #cop29. As a leading source of funding and knowledge, the World Bank promotes poverty reduction, shared prosperity, and sustainable development. http://www.worldbank.org

Join Diane Iverson for a captivating Speaker Series presentation as she unveils nature's beauty through her unique art. Diane will share a visual tour of her adventures, from the Amazon, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Alaska, to her home in Prescott.

Witness how these global explorations transform into stunning artwork, bringing the world's beauty to life through her eyes. This is an opportunity to awaken your senses and appreciate the everyday wonders around us.

Learn more: Website | Events | Donate | Instagram | Facebook

The latest Cultural Survival Quarterly issue celebrates Indigenous educators and youth revitalizing knowledge systems, languages, and lifeways. Indigenous education honors Elders and youth as vital knowledge carriers, fostering their leadership and creativity for thriving communities.

Join the conversation with Indigenous educators, including panelists Aviut Rojas (Nahuat), Eli Wewentxu (Mapuche), Gloria Guadalupe Dzib Kumul (Maya), and Catalina Vergara Realpe (Nasa). Byron Tenesaca Guaman (Kañari Kichwa) will moderate.

Interpretation is available for English and Spanish speakers via tinyurl.com/indiged116.

In episode three of 'Redesigning Food: Behind the Scenes,' participants test their product ideas with consumers. Follow along as companies navigate challenges and find solutions, bringing their innovations closer to reality. Watch the full episode to learn more.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is an international charity dedicated to developing and promoting a circular economy. This design-driven model eliminates waste and pollution, circulates products and materials, and regenerates nature.

Subscribe to The Ellen MacArthur Foundation for more insightful videos: YouTube. Discover more about our work: ellenmacarthurfoundation.org. Connect with us online: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.

Join our sustainability experts for an introduction to the upcoming Leadership Lab: Systems Thinking for Complex Sustainability Challenges.

This two-day short course offers highly interactive sessions, including group discussions, practical exercises, reflection, and insights from business and academic thought leaders.

Explore drone and wildlife-camera footage of the San Pedro River, the Southwest's last free-flowing river. This vital Arizona lifeline supports diverse wildlife, including endangered species like southwestern willow flycatchers and desert pupfish.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a Tucson-based 501c3 nonprofit. We believe human welfare is linked to nature's diversity. Using science, law, and media, we protect species on the brink of extinction and the lands, waters, and climate essential for their survival.

Visit our website: biologicaldiversity.org to learn more and take action. For questions, email center@biologicaldiversity.org.

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