On 22nd June 2021, NCA held its first Tech for Peace Workshop at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo organized By NCA and Semcon Norway. In attendance was the Tech for Peace Advisory Board comprising of ICT Norway, Microsoft Norway, Codex Advocate, Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium (NORA), and the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI).
Digital technologies can vastly contribute to peace as it allows unprecedented dimensions of participation and inclusion. They can promote understanding of risks during a conflict and facilitate de-escalation through the spread of peace messages and tolerance whilst providing a platform for participation, networking and dialogue. Though digital technologies have created unlimited communication possibilities, they also pose a threat a threat to peace and democracy and have perpetuated mistrust in people, governments and institutions.
NCA carries out peacebuilding interventions in 18 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East and supports 127 peacebuilding structures in Afghanistan, Mali, Pakistan and South Sudan. Because of the complexities of digital technologies, NCA launched the Tech for Peace Initiative in collaboration with peacebuilding practitioners, academia and technology/ software/ media and law businesses. This initiative aims to: increase the number of digital peace projects and interventions, create awareness and advocate for change, and develop new tools that will address problem statements in targeted countries.
On 22nd June 2021, NCA held its first Tech for Peace Workshop at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo organized By NCA and Semcon Norway. In attendance was the Tech for Peace Advisory Board comprising of ICT Norway, Microsoft Norway, Codex Advocate, Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium (NORA), and the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI). The aim of this workshop was to begin the discussions on how we can engage tech companies to share their knowledge and participate in "countering online disinformation and polarization through participation and dialogue.” Following the presentation of problem statements collected from the field offices, the participants worked in groups to outline the problems and possible solutions through group sessions and activities. These activities served as brainstorming sessions where the participants were able to offer their different areas of expertise and experience and offer viable and actionable solutions.
The Tech for Peace Advisory Board held a follow-up meeting thereafter and are working towards refining the ideas presented, creating an actionable workplan, raising funds and awareness about the Tech for Peace Initiative and implementing its objectives.
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