Turn it Around-Stories from the Frontlines of Community Activism

This CSocD59 side event brought together diverse voices on the challenges that they face in the fight for a fairer future and provided a space to share learning on how to ensure better use of online technology for social development and the wellbeing of all.

Ambassador Martin Bille Hermann opened the session with a clear analysis of the opportunities but also the challenges presented by the shift to primarily digital engagement in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The session heard from a range of activists and innovators from around the world including: Adrian Watson, sharing his insights on mobilising youth climate activists from grassroots projects in Jamaica to engaging in the UN climate process; Hallima Nyota Ang’uria, highlighting particular challenges for gender equality in online engagement, including tackling violence against women and girls in Kenya; Daya Sagar Shresthaon reaching diverse voices across remote communities in Nepal; and Dariele Santos on ways to use blockchain technology to ensure ethical and transparent supply chains in the fashion industry in Brazil.

These projects highlight the need for better ways to hear community voices, so a new platform–Zovu–is being developed by Action for Sustainable Development; which aims to shift the balance of power and enable community groups to share their own stories of practical action and their own solutions based on lived experience from communities around the world.