As the technological landscape transforms at lightning speed, civil society organizations worldwide face new challenges and opportunities in leveraging AI and emerging technologies for social impact and civic engagement. What risks lurk on the horizon? Join our global roundtable discussion for a thought-provoking exploration of cutting-edge strategies and tools to successfully navigate this ever-changing terrain. Bring your experience along, together we can create a resource to help others in this journey.

Following Forus' participation to the DRAPAC Assembly by EngageMedia with ADA, ECNL, the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) and the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), as well as other partners, and the outputs from the roundtable with digital rights activists and civil society organisations, this workshop will provide the opportunity to collect testimonials and resources for a toolkit and participative campaign aimed at civil society organisations on how to deal with AI and emerging technologies.

The content will be created jointly and the advocacy messages will be shared at the following events: the IGF, the High-Level Political Forum and RightsCon. A social media campaign on digital rights with a specific focus on the impact of AI will be developed in the weeks following the workshop as part of the #Let’s Talk Digital campaign. 

The discussion will revolve around how these technological advancements are changing the way we interact with one another and how civil society organizations can adapt to these changes. On one hand, these technologies have the potential to create new opportunities for civic engagement and social impact. For example, civil society organizations can use AI to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns that can inform their work. The metaverse can also provide a platform for advocacy, education, and collaboration that extends beyond geographic boundaries. 

However, there are also concerns about the impact of these technologies on civic space. For example, there is a risk that AI algorithms could reinforce existing biases or be used to manipulate public opinion. The metaverse could also be used as a tool for surveillance or censorship. 

So, what can civil society organizations do to ensure that these technologies are used in a way that benefits society? How can civil society actively engage with the development of these technologies, advocating for human rights-based and socially responsible practices? How can civil society organizations educate the public about the risks and benefits of these technologies, and provide resources for individuals and communities to navigate them safely?