Nikhil Seth, Executive Director of UNITAR, opened the event by highlighting the gaps between men and women in access to technology and the impact of technology on learning. He also expressed his hope that the scientific method of asking questions and testing hypotheses would become better integrated into global policymaking.

 I am very enthused by [this forum’s] programme because this is the heart of what we hope to achieve in the years to come: reach more vulnerable countries, reach more vulnerable people, with practical things that enhance [their lives].” —Nikhil Seth, Executive Director, UNITAR

Mr. Seth acknowledged the contributions of the UNITAR Division for Prosperity Advisory Board in guiding the Division’s work to reach the future through entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and partnerships, particularly with technology companies and big businesses.

Moderator

Jos Verbeek, manager / international development expert and UNITAR Division for Prosperity Advisory Board Member

Panellists

• Elena Proden, Division for Satellite Analysis and Applied Research Specialist, UNITAR, and Crowd4SDG project member
• Christina Hertel, Director, Geneva Centre for Responsible Entrepreneurship
• Ashleigh Owens, Senior Advisor, Shift, and UNITAR Division for Prosperity Advisory Board Member
• Tetsuo Kondo, former Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representation Office in Tokyo, and UNITAR Division for Prosperity Advisory Board Member

This session focused on how we can measure the impact of the SDGs and what data we need to ensure that we are reaching our goals. Mr. Verbeek said that we especially need to look at indicators that tell about inequalities.

“We need to be looking at … metrics that talk to us about inequality: inequalities within countries and inequalities between countries.” —Jos Verbeek, international development expert and UNITAR Division for Prosperity Advisory Board Member

Ms. Proden introduced Citizen Science data, which engages citizens to fill critical data gaps on marginalized groups. The local data can then be used to identify actions needed to reach the SDGs.

Ms Owens pointed out that 70% of companies report on inputs and activities instead of addressing their impact on people. Businesses could for example look at the percentage of permanent versus temporary contracts for employees, the ratio of CEO to median pay, and gender and racial pay gaps.

Ms. Hertel emphasized how entrepreneurs need to understand the potential effects of their business solutions. She highlighted that measuring impact is at the core of impact-oriented businesses and called for reporting that is publicly available and that transparently addresses the challenges the business faces.

Mr. Kondo explained how impact management, intelligence and impact of facilitation can only come from qualitative assessments.

Moderator

Linda A. Hill, Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration, Faculty Chair, Leadership Initiative, Harvard Business School, and UNITAR Division for Prosperity Advisory Board Member

Panellists

• Gautham Varada Narayan, Project Officer, Swiss Learning Exchange, and Founder of Bus Ya Faraha start-up
• Carlo Giardinetti, Consulting Sustainability Lead, Deloitte
• Seizo Onoe, Director of Telecommunications Standardization Bureau, ITU
• Anna Jablonska, Managing Partner, DACH, Tenderhut

In today’s world, the digital divide is a problem of social justice, particularly for those already burdened with disadvantage and marginalization. Bridging the digital divide requires greater access to technology and engaging people from disadvantaged groups in content creation.

Mr Onoe noted that creating the infrastructure to help people get online could be an opportunity for new business. Mr. Giardinetti raised concerns regarding the dominance of technology industries in today’s economic landscape.

Mr Narayan argued for greater recognition of the role of the community – especially when bringing technology to developing countries. He called for technology projects that are community-based.

Ms. Hill asked, “Co-creation is collaboration, experimentation, and learning. Can we do that collectively with people who are different from us?” Mr. Giardinetti pointed out that it is crucial to cooperate with multiple stakeholders to address systemic challenges. This involves building trust, finding the right experts and working together – rather than as individuals – to advance the global agenda. Mr. Narayan noted the role of cultural heritage and creating a network of cultures.