Digital Transformation For Social Impact

Steve Davis’ commitment to solving problems has contributed to the improvement of life for millions of people around the world. He understands first-hand the complex, often unglamorous work involved in driving real change, and the forces that shape it.”

— Bill Gates, Co-chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

A global pandemic has laid bare fundamental weaknesses in the US economy and healthcare system. Other nations are grappling with their own version of these and other societal problems. Despite understandable outrage among many citizens, there are reasons for optimism about the possibilities for widespread systemic change. Among them: new technology allows for directly impacting and improving the lives of millions globally at scale.

New data tools and the digital revolution will accelerate social development across every sector, from health to agriculture, financial services, and education. These powerful new capabilities, properly harnessed, have the potential to supercharge wellbeing for many more people. But they bring challenging questions around privacy and ethics.

The key to improving millions of lives long-term lies less in invention than scaling adaptation – the all-important journey between an inspired concept and its on-the-ground implementation. In many cases, we have the tools and technology to make a difference, but they sit on laboratory shelves. What we need are more social activists focused on building out those ideas to connect with the daily lives of real communities.

What are some of these digital tools being used to positively impact communities around the world today? How can activists navigate the inherent challenges these tools present when trying to leverage them to bring about social change? Who is best equipped to address the privacy and ethics concerns involved? Why is the aspect of scaling innovations becoming more important today? How can citizens now funnel current outrage into practical activism?

Data and digital tools will continue to bring valuable new capabilities to our world, revolutionizing everything from health care to education—even as they present daunting new challenges for activists to navigate. Steve Davis, the former CEO of PATH and current advisor with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, shares his personal experiences and stories from his new book, Undercurrents: Channelling Outrage to Spark Practical Activism, in this important and timely conversation.

Registrants will receive a link to join the program 24 hours prior to the event date. Only registrants with a unique email address will receive a confirmation.