Next week, I’m heading to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos where government leaders, CEOs, and other decision makers will gather to discuss our global future.
It’s an elite, invite-only event, with a limited number of civil society representatives, so given that we have a seat at this powerful table, it’s important to us that we deliver a message that represents your perspectives, as well as the many individuals we work with fighting to defend human rights.
Take the quick survey below to let us know what you think world leaders need to hear about the fight for human rights in the digital age.
At the WEF meeting in 2018, I carried a message from this community raising concerns about government surveillance, encryption, digital inclusion, and network shutdowns. Across the agenda, we highlighted the need to put human rights at the center of global developments in both policy and technology.
This year, it would be great to hear from you again. The program will cover a wide range of themes, including tech for good, climate and sustainability, and promoting better business. Our community has dealt with issues across these themes, and has developed important insights that need to be shared with world leaders and those who drive change. At Access Now, for example, we have confronted issues related to digital ID systems, increasing (and increasingly sophisticated) internet shutdowns, and the impact of ICTs on the environment, to name a few.
It is imperative that those in power hear how our society is increasingly being determined by the tech sector and how our rights are put at risk. I plan to take that message to them.
I’ll be meeting with Sheryl Sandberg from Facebook, General Council and President of Microsoft Brad Smith, and Peggy Hicks from the United Nations. I’ve reached out to connect with Greta Thunberg to see how we can bring the power of the digital rights movement to the climate crisis. What do you want me to prioritize in these meetings?
Take the survey today to help shape our message to world leaders in Davos, and to add your voice to the call for a future built on human rights for all.
You can also reach out to me directly on Twitter @solomonbrett #WEF2020 to share your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you!