Prime
CSO Week: The transformative power of tech, society in focus
The guest of honour, Dr Faustine Ndugulile (left), Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) executive director Francis Kiwanga (second left) and other stakeholders during the unveiling of CSO Week 2023 in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | CORRESPONDENT
What you need to know:
- Under the theme "Tech and Society: Then, Now, and Beyond", CSO Week 2023 will delve into the crucial intersection of technology and society, equipping CSOs with the knowledge and tools they need to grab opportunities and address challenges that arise from the ever-evolving world of technology.
Dar es Salaam. This year’s CSO Week is expected to draw more than 500 civil society organisations, which will explore the transformative power of technology and society in Tanzania.
The event will take place from October 23 to 27 in Arusha, the second consecutive year CSO Week will be taking place in the city, which serves as Tanzania’s northern tourism hub.
CSO Week 2023 was announced on August 1 and will bring together CSOs from across Tanzania for a weeklong event aimed at forging strategic collaborations and charting a path towards collective representation and independence within the civil society landscape.
Under the theme "Tech and Society: Then, Now, and Beyond", CSO Week 2023 will delve into the crucial intersection of technology and society, equipping CSOs with the knowledge and tools they need to grab opportunities and address challenges that arise from the ever-evolving world of technology.
CSO Week 2023, which will build upon the success of the 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022 editions, is expected to be a catalyst for transformative change, fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of technology on society and its potential role in shaping the future of Tanzania, according to event coordinator Justice Rutenge.
He said the theme seeks to empower CSOs with the knowledge and expertise needed to advise both the government and private sector on the advantages and potential pitfalls of technology for the country's development.
It also aims to inspire CSOs to embrace technology's transformative power, leveraging it to serve the best interests of the communities they support, while remaining vigilant about its potential risks.
“The intertwining of technology and society is undeniable, having significantly altered the way we interact, communicate, work and perceive the world around us. To ensure continued relevance and impact, civil society organisations must adapt, innovate and proactively navigate these shifts,” Mr Rutenge said.
The theme's "Then" component encourages CSOs to reflect on the historical relationship between technology and society. By examining past technological advancements, civil society can gain valuable insights into how they have influenced societal structures, systems and processes, including the work of CSOs in effecting positive change.
The "Now" component of the theme urges CSOs to critically analyse the current state of affairs, focusing on how technology impacts societal dynamics and the opportunities and challenges it presents for their work in driving meaningful change.
Lastly, the "Beyond" component prompts civil society to envision the future, acknowledging that the interplay between technology and society will continue to evolve. Embracing this forward-looking approach, CSOs can proactively anticipate and prepare for future technological trends, ensuring they remain at the forefront of progress.
CSO Week 2023 promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking event, featuring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration, according to the organisers.
