Summary
On November 26, 2024, the International Civil Society Centre hosted its annual Global Perspectives Conference, bringing together experts and innovators from around the world to delve into the critical theme of "Truth, Trust, and Technology” and what this means for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). The one-day online conference featured over 20 panellists from around the world, six themed sessions, and an opening address from UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner. The event presented rich discussions from combating misinformation and disinformation, to developing trust-based narratives promoting human rights, and looking at the impact of digital technologies on mental health and its usage in citizen generated data. This blog post provides reflections on each of the six sessions, recording links and additional resources.
On November 26, 2024, the International Civil Society Centre held its annual Global Perspectives Conference, inviting experts and innovators to explore and discuss the theme “Truth, Trust, and Technology” and its significance for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). This virtual event featured sessions on fighting misinformation and disinformation, building narratives based on trust to uphold human rights, examining the impact of digital technologies on mental health, and leveraging digital technologies for citizen data to allow a voice for marginalised communities. Additionally, the conference addressed deconstructing colonial practices in donor-recipient relationships.
The conference kicked off with an opening address from UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, who stated:
‘‘The use of words to deceive, confuse and provoke are not new. What is new is the sheer speed and intensity with which information, both true and false, now spreads across our digital landscape…in a world of splintering truth and diminishing trust, how can civil society, and by extension our global family, cooperate toward a sustainable and more just future for all?’’
This was followed by a compelling opening plenary on the pervasive issues of misinformation and disinformation. Expert leaders in the sector, underscored the indispensable role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in maintaining trustworthy information ecosystems. The discussions highlighted the necessity of responsible technology use, emphasising trust, accountability, and governance in the digital realm. The panel also explored intergenerational engagement and the potential of technology to foster human progress, stressing the importance of partnership and cooperation in building a hopeful future.
The second session focused on forging partnerships rooted in trust and solidarity to move forward localisation for ICSOs. Speakers shared insights on moving beyond colonial approaches and quantitative metrics, advocating for power shifts to local levels. The dialogue emphasised the importance of trust, vulnerability, and rethinking power dynamics to uplift communities effectively.
We were delighted to have a special addition to our monthly Digital Dialogue series as part of Global Perspectives. The panel discussed the impact digitalisation has on mental health, particularly in the context of work, and examined the ways in which digital technology could play a part in mental health support. The expert speakers highlighted the challenges and opportunities of digital technology in supporting mental health, advocating for comprehensive approaches to integrating digital tools, while maintaining privacy, into broader wellbeing strategies for CSOs.
The adverse effects of misinformation and disinformation are huge for CSOs and we need to mitigate its impact critically. Futures thinking is one method to do this. Futures thinking is a key area for the Centre and an approach and methodology we feel benefits CSOs greatly. Our session on futures thinking approaches, reflected on why CSOs should use strategic foresight in their work, showcasing some new strategic foresight resources we have developed on misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.
Currently we see civic space shrinking and an increase in anti-rights narratives. This session on building effective narratives, provided strategies for countering these harmful narratives and promoting human rights. The discussion focused on the importance of framing messages that resonate with audience values and foster collaboration across organisations. The session concluded with the importance of building a global movement and how digital approaches can help foster trust, inclusion, and better human rights.
The last session of the day showcased the Leave No One Behind Initiative, who focus on leveraging citizen-generated data to empower marginalised communities. Panellists discussed challenges related to data quality, governance, and privacy, emphasising trust and community ownership. The role of philanthropy and the potential of AI in promoting social good were also highlighted.
The Global Perspectives Conference 2024 was a vibrant convergence of ideas and best practices, featuring diverse participants from international CSOs, politics, and beyond. The online format enabled broad participation, with over 1,000 registered participants, offering global perspectives and inclusive discussions.
The map below shows the diverse range of cities around the world participants joined us from:
This year’s conference not only underscored the importance of truth and trust but also provided actionable insights for CSOs to navigate today’s complex online information landscape. As we look towards 2025, it is crucial for CSOs to continue fostering trust, embracing innovative solutions, and collaborating across sectors to address global challenges.
You watch all the session recordings here
We have put together a number of additional resources related to each session for you to delve into deeper.
Session 1 – Civil Society at a Crossroads
Session 2 – Risk-sharing and Accountability for the Future of the Sector: Beyond Theory
📝 Resources:
Session 3 – Mental Health in the Digital Age: How are civil society organisations using technology to advocate for mental well-being?
📝 Resources:
- Digital Economy Outlook 2024 (Volume 1) : Embracing the Technology Frontier (OECD)
- A New Benchmark for Mental Health Systems (OECD)
- Mental Health – UN Today (page 18-19)
- Promoting sustainable work at UNHCR and beyond (UN Today)
- How can workers stay safe and healthy in the digital age? (RoSPA)
- Prioritising wellbeing in an ‘always on’ digital age (CIPD)
- 4 digital wellness tips for the workplace (video via YouTube)
- Overcoming the “Dark Side” of Technology—A Scoping Review on Preventing and Coping with Work-Related Technostress (PMC)
- Stand out for Mental Health
Session 4 – Foresights and Insights on Misinformation, Disinformation and Malinformation: using Futures thinking approaches for CSOs
📝 Resources from the International Civil Society Centre
- Mis-,dis-, and malinformation explainer video
- A futures approach to tackle mis, dis, and malinformation
- 4 x future scenarios. Mis-,dis-,and malinformation in 2030
- Pioneering Approaches: Civil Society Organisations Tackling Misinformation and Disinformation
- Anticipating futures for civil society operating space
- Toolkit for Tomorrow: Anticipating Futures
Session 5 – Building Effective Narratives to Counter Anti-Rights Groups and Foster Human Rights
📝 Resources from ODI
- Facing the backlash: what is fuelling anti-feminist and anti-democratic forces?
- ‘Feminist responses to ‘norm-spoiling’ at the United Nations
- Whose hands on our education? Identifying and countering gender-restrictive backlash
- Hostile landscapes: how do gender-restrictive actors contribute to violence against LGBTQI+ people?
- Where next for feminist foreign policy on countering anti-gender backlash? and Where next for feminist foreign policy on funding feminist movements?
- And see the International Civil Society Centre’s, Solidarity Action Network resource hub for lots more on this topic
Session 6 – Can Citizen Data and Digital Approaches Foster Trust and Inclusion?
📝 Resources:
- Partnering for Citizen Data (Collaborative on Citizen Data x The Danish Institute for Human Rights)
- SDG Human Rights Explorer (Danish Institute for Human Rights)
- Collaborative on Citizen Data (UNSD) For further information and to join as a member email: citizen.data@un.org
- SDG Kenya Forum
- Google Philanthropy (Google.org)
- AI for social good (Google.org)
- Leave No One Behind partnership (International Civil Society Centre)
Rachel Wilkinson
Programme Manager – Futures and Innovation
International Civil Society Centre
Rachel leads the Futures and Innovation programme at the Centre. She is responsible for managing the portfolio of projects and events as well as leading and developing the Scanning the Horizon strategic peer learning platform. Rachel has more than 15 years of experience working in the third sector, on a national and international level, working for various ICSOs in international development and human rights in both London and Berlin.
