Global ICT4D Conference returns

By E. Maaweh TANGA

In a fragmented world, fraught with conflict, insecurity, and a tense global political landscape, interconnectivity and digital integration remain on a growth trajectory. Digital technologies are redefining human relationships in ways that were once only possible in the complex minds of futuristic movie directors.

The year-on-year growth of social media users, penetration of mobile telephony, widespread application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the shake-up of the news space by unorthodox platforms competing with traditional mainstream media is a testament to this. The importance of these digital tools continues to surge and blur the distinction between life online and off.

Ghana’s emergence as a stalwart in the digital space and position as a beacon of peace in a turbulent region has positioned the West African country as a preferred destination for global initiatives and events. This and other reasons are why the global ICT4D Conference will be returning to Accra this year.

At a time when generative AI is disrupting the world of work and being viewed as both an opportunity and a threat, it is important to explore the many use cases of these emerging technologies and learn from the unfiltered experiences of experts and companies seeking to use technology for good.

The ICT4D Conference

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and a consortium of partners is bringing together experts in Information and Communications Technology for Development (ICT4D) from across the globe to Accra for the 12^th ICT4D Conference, from March 19 to 20, with training workshops on the March 18 and 21. CRS founded the ICT4D Conference in 2010 to bring together a community of practitioners and learn from each other about how to best apply rapidly evolving digital technologies to help accelerate the end of poverty, hunger, and preventable disease.

The ICT4D Conference is a dynamic multi-disciplinary gathering of 600 inspiring leaders and thought-provoking speakers from public, private, and civil society organizations across the humanitarian and international development community. The conference explores how ICT4D and data innovations are making a measurable difference in millions of peoples’ lives and increasing the impact of humanitarian relief and development projects.

It advances global knowledge exchange and builds capacity on ICT4D and digital development to drive more impactful use of technology for good. ​Highly interactive and hands-on, the conference attracts a diverse audience of technical advisors and senior executives from renowned global firms and organizations who are passionate about discussing innovative solutions to emerging global challenges.

This year’s conference will focus on three main themes, ‘Digital to Tackle Wicked Problems,’ ‘Data Innovations for Impact,’ and ’Local Leadership for a Digital Future’.

Local Leadership

The Ministry of Communication and Digitalization is the official Government of Ghana partner for the conference. Marshaling a blend of local expertise from across the public service and specialized agencies and ministries, the Ministry is coordinating the full participation of Ghana’s public sector actors to enrich the conference and highlight its theme of local leadership. As the Ministry charged with leading Ghana’s digital transformation and digitalization of public services, the Ministry is a key partner in the local organizing committee and is strategically positioned to coordinate with CRS and the consortium to deliver an exciting event this year.

The ICT4D Conference was first held in Ghana in 2013. Since then, it has taken a tour of the world and introduced a virtual session in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the conference returns to Accra. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Bixal, DataKind, Esri, NetHope, RedRose, Sahaj, ActivityInfo, Element22, GeniusTags, Bluesquare, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), Ontinue, and the Office of the UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Technology are among the sponsors of the conference.

Ghana continues to attract some of the best global events, and this promises to be one of the most exciting this year. Registration for the event is still ongoing via the conference website and social media platforms. If you are a techie, tech geek, or tech-focused individual or company, the ICT4D Conference is sure to give you a Football World Cup experience.

>>>the writer is a Development Communications Professional. He can be reached via [email protected]