Global Perspectives 2023: Moments of Truth

Overview

Sector network leaders from Civicus, the Cyberpeace Institute, the International Council for Voluntary Agency (ICVA), the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), and the International Civil Society Centre, discuss their desire to contribute to breaking imagined silos between topics of social justice, humanitarian aid, development as well as digital threats and transformation. What are trends of our fields of expertise that we believe are vital for other parts of the wider sector to address? And what are crucial opportunities in the near future that we can utilise to bring forward joint agendas? 

Panel

• (Facilitator) Wolfgang Jamann, Executive Director, International Civil Society Centre
• Mirela Shuteriqi, Director of Policy, ICVA
• Lysa John, Secretary General (2019-2024), CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation
• Nana Afadzinu, Executive Director, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)
• Stéphane Duguin, CEO, CyberPeace Institute

Watch the session now

Overview

The development & humanitarian sectors are still rife with problematic narratives of white saviourism and undignified portrayal of the communities we aim to serve. The long-standing debate around shifting power has reignited calls for actionable commitments to challenge neo-colonial approaches to communications. How can international civil society organisations role model change and foster ethical and inclusive storytelling? This session brings together a panel of global civil society experts to explore diverse perspectives and showcase innovative approaches to ethical storytelling that put locally led narratives at the centre. 

Panel

• (Facilitator) Patrick Gathara, Senior Editor for Inclusive Storytelling, The New Humanitarian
• Clare Spurrell, Director of Strategy and Communications, Care International 
• Levis Nderitu, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, PATH
• Shalini Moodley, CEO, MetroGroup SA
• David Verga, Head of Brand and Creative, PATH

Watch the session now 

Overview

Exploring Personal Realities – Unveiling the experiences of marginalisation and ways (I)CSOs can foster inclusivity and support marginalised groups access to power featured speakers from marginalised backgrounds who shared their personal narratives. These stories revealed their harsh realities, the barriers they faced in voicing their truths and accessing power and resources, and how their lack of representation in decision-making processes further perpetuated inequality and made them more vulnerable to neglect. In addition, civil society organisations (CSOs) discussed their struggles in bringing these truths to light and engaging reluctant decision-makers in the process. Participants confronted the personal realities of people who faced marginalisation, while exploring effective strategies that CSOs could leverage to foster inclusivity and support marginalised groups’ access to power

Panel

• Arnold Gekonge, Executive Director, Champions for Sustainable Development Goals Youth
• Festus Odingo, Data, Research and Knowledge Lead, SDGs Kenya Forum
• Neha Rayamajhi, Programme Officer, Racial and Economic Justice: Episcopal City Mission
• Hussam Joudah, Quality Assurance Manager, Islamic Relief Worldwide – Palestine office
• Jennifer Abomnger, Programme Assistant, Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC)

This session was not recorded

Overview

The session featured interactive breakout group discussions, bringing together participants to collaboratively reflect on the development of future scenarios for civic space. Participants explored key questions, including: 

• How civil society actors could jointly develop future scenarios for civic space. 
• The nature, purpose, and scope of such scenarios. 

Attendees learned about the results of the collaborative scenario writing exercise, “A history of civic space, 2024-2034.” This exercise was part of the International Civil Society Centre’s (ICSCentre) multi-year initiative to strengthen the anticipatory capacities and future readiness of civil society professionals dedicated to defending and expanding civic and civil society operating space – access the full report here.

Panel

• (Facilitator) Eva Gondor, Senior Project Manager, International Civil Society Centre
• Patricia Mugenzi, Coordinator for Strategic foresight, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC)
• Heather Hutchings, Independent Consultant and Coach

This session was not recorded

Overview

In this special Digital Dialogue concluding Global Perspectives 2023, participants discussed the immediate and future impacts of artificial intelligence on the online information landscape, noting how the rapid rise of generative AI has dramatically increased the ability to create hyper-realistic content. The conversation also addressed both the challenges of mis- and disinformation in a post-truth era and the potential of emerging technologies to help counter these issues, providing an up-to-date overview of this fast-evolving field. 

Panel 

• (Facilitator) Rachel Wilkinson, Director of Programmes, International Civil Society Centre
• Admire Mare, Associate Professor and Head of Department: Communication and Media Studies University of Johannesburg
• Elizabeth Orembo, Research Fellow, Research ICT Africa
• Henry Parker, Logically AI, Global Government Affairs

Watch the session now