Intertwining Threads of Empowerment and Ancestral Wisdom: Innovations for Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication

Photo Source: Hecho por Nosotros

14th February 2024, CSocD62 Virtual Side Event organized by Hecho por Nosotros: The event, hosted by Adriana Marina, founder of Hecho por Nosotros and animaná, focused on exploring the intersection of digital transformation, indigenous wisdom, and grassroots innovation in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. With objectives ranging from understanding the potential of digital transformation for inclusive development to highlighting the importance of integrating ancestral wisdom into modern innovations, the event sought to empower marginalized communities and identify strategies for bridging traditional knowledge with technological advancements.

During the main session, Adriana Marina, emphasized the importance of collaborative spaces for creating systemic solutions. Radhika Shah, Co-President of Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs and co-host of the event, underscored the potential of digital innovation in driving systemic change and fostering equity. Guest speakers, including Jose Salazar from UNESCO Peru and Elaine Genser from the United Nations Joint SDG FUND, shared insights on how digital innovation can catalyze sustainable development and outlined projects aimed at leveraging technology for positive societal transformation. 

Jose Salazar highlighted UNESCO's efforts to promote cultural diversity in digital environments and advance digital literacy to ensure access to diverse content. Elaine Genser discussed the United Nations Joint SDG FUND's projects aimed at deploying digital transformation to achieve sustainable development goals. Both speakers emphasized the importance of inclusive digital transformation and cautioned against the potential negative impacts of certain digital tools, such as Artificial Intelligence. 

Juan Cruz Miranda, Minister of Digital Inclusion and Productive Systems of the Catamarca Province, shared initiatives aimed at integrating digital tools into artisanal processes and empowering local producers. Claudia Thieme Cogut, Marketing Director of Mystery Diamonds, discussed the urgent need for systemic change in the fashion industry and highlighted opportunities for regeneration through new materials innovation and circular economy practices. 

Jack Loveridge, CEO of Panoculum, Inc. and Co-President of Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs, reflected on the intersection of humanity, technology, and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of international policy-making and innovation in energy efficiency. Overall, the event provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences, and co-create solutions aimed at driving inclusive growth and social justice in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

As participants transitioned to the labs, they carried forward a collective commitment to embracing systemic perspectives and co-creating solutions that prioritize sustainability, equity, and community empowerment. Through continued collaboration and action-oriented efforts, the event aimed to pave the way for a future where digital transformation, indigenous wisdom, and grassroots innovation converge to create a more inclusive and regenerative society.


For more information about the 62nd Commission for Social Development (CSocD62), please visit: https://social.desa.un.org/csocd/62nd                                

Source: Hecho por Nosotros