京都大学大学院総合生存学館(思修館)

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GSAIS Mini Workshop “Does ICT contribute to the survival and future development of human society?” hosted by the International Development Research Group, was held.


 



On Monday, November 25, 2019, GSAIS International Development Research Group held Mini Workshop with a lecturer, Mr. Tomoyuki Naito, Senior Advisor (ICT / Innovation) of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
 
First, Mr. Naito gave a lecture on the topic of “Does ICT contribute to the survival and future development of human society?” as follows. The SDGs goal of “no one left behind” is a big challenge, and it cannot be achieved through the “business as usual” efforts, and the contribution of innovation in digital economy including ICT is essential. Africa with huge area and still a large proportion of younger populations has major challenges for development. On the other hand, in recent years there has also been a certain level of economic growth and infrastructure development, and large ICT companies such as Google are actively investing in the continent. In addition, innovative startup businesses such as blood transfusion services using drones by Zipline in Rwanda have also begun, showing great potential to solve social problems. But digital Economy has the dangers of spreading the digital divide and needs huge investment funds to connect people. We should think seriously about whether digital transformation really contribute to achieving SDGs and survival of mankind and what is needed to make it useful.
 
From the attendees, various questions and opinions are raised such as “The role of ICT may change depending on how we can depict the desirable future human society.” “Can we use digital technology without destroying the rich human relationships found in developing countries today?” or “May the digital innovation bring a uniform world?”
 
Discussions were held regarding the ideal way of ICT and innovation, such as “the significance of switching intentionally from current always-on-line life to off-line life”, “the importance of digital platforms and content that respect each local language and culture”. The workshop became a good opportunity for reconfirming the possibilities and dangers of the digital economy and thinking about the future society.

Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability,
Kyoto University

1 Nakaadachi-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku,
Kyoto 606-8306, JAPAN
TEL +81-75-762-2001 / FAX +81-75-762-2277
MAIL info.shishukan@mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp