in Bodrum for the FNF’s Capacity Building Program

Today, I had the privilege of speaking at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s (FNF) Capacity Building Program in beautiful Bodrum, Turkey. The program, titled “Strengthening and Innovating the Future of Civil Society in an Evolving World,” brought together civil society leaders, academics, and innovators to explore how we can adapt and thrive in our rapidly changing global landscape.

Catching the Change: New Trends and Civil Society

My presentation, “Catch the Change: New Trends and Civil Society,” focused on three key areas that are reshaping the way civil society organizations operate and create impact:

1. The Tech Revolution in Activism: We explored how big data, AI, and predictive analytics are transforming the way we understand and address complex social issues. From environmental NGOs using satellite imagery to track deforestation in real-time, to humanitarian organizations leveraging AI for early warning systems, technology is amplifying our ability to create change.
2. Digital Citizenship: The concept of citizenship is evolving in our interconnected world. We discussed how social media platforms have become the new public squares and how digital literacy is now a crucial component of civic education. We also addressed the challenges of the digital divide and strategies for ensuring inclusive participation in the digital space.
3. Collaborative Tools: The future of civil society is not just digital—it’s decentralized. We examined how cloud-based collaboration tools, open-source software, and even blockchain-based organizations (DAOs) are enabling unprecedented levels of cooperation across borders.

Some AI Use Cases in Civil Society Organizations

1. Mercy Corps
   • Integrated AI into early warning systems
   • Partnered with IBM Watson
   • Analyzes social media posts and news articles
   • Detects signs of potential crises before they occur
   • Allows for quicker and more efficient response to humanitarian emergencies
2. The Nature Conservancy
   • Uses big data to track and analyze deforestation rates in the Amazon rainforest
   • Analyzes satellite images and other data sources
   • Identifies areas at high risk of deforestation
   • Targets conservation efforts more effectively
   • Works with local communities to protect high-risk areas
3. Save the Children
   • Utilizes big data to track and analyze:
     • Child mortality rates
     • Education outcomes
     • Poverty levels
   • Identifies areas requiring urgent attention
   • Prioritizes efforts accordingly
   • Targets education programs in areas with low literacy rates
   • Improves access to resources
4. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
   • Employs big data to track and analyze:
     • Animal populations
     • Habitat loss
     • Climate change
   • Identifies areas needing urgent attention
   • Collaborates with local communities and governments on conservation efforts
   • Targets conservation initiatives in areas with high levels of poaching and habitat loss
5. UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
   • Works in about 170 countries and territories
   • Uses AI and big data to support its mission of:
     • Eradicating poverty
     • Reducing inequalities
     • Building resilience
   • Leverages these technologies to enhance efforts in:
     • Sustainable development
     • Climate action
     • Governance
6. The Red Cross
   • Uses AI to analyze risk factors
   • Enhances preparedness for rapid response during crises
   • Minimizes the impact of disasters
   • Ensures strategic deployment of resources where needed most
7. Rescue Global
   • Leverages AI to simulate flooding events
   • Helps strategize evacuations
   • Implements effective flood defenses
   • Plans and executes more precise and effective interventions
   • Reduces potential damage and saves lives
8. Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
   • Uses AI/ML to forecast forced displacement
   • Initial focus on Afghanistan, Myanmar, and West Africa
   • Plans to expand coverage to all major and potential displacement crises
   • Uses Foresight tool that leverages open data from sources including:
     • UNHCR
     • World Bank
     • NGO agencies
   • Predicts forced displacement in a given country over the next one to three years
   • Uses insights for strategic planning and operational preparedness within DRC and the wider humanitarian sector

Thank you to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for organizing this valuable program and to all the participants for their insights and collaborative spirit. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient civil society for the challenges ahead.