Cities: Ramparts for Democracy, Inclusion and Human Rights
Peter Flegel [Senior Expert, Social and Human Sciences Sector, UNESCO]
On behalf of UNESCO, let me begin by congratulating the organizers of this timely world forum for having the foresight, wisdom, and courage to convene such a crucial gathering. I would also like to thank my co-panelists for their fascinating presentations.
Since 2020, UNESCO has been a proud partner of this crucial event, which is taking place in Gwangju, a crucible of the fight for democracy in South Korea and an exemplary model of communal autonomy and resistance.
At a time in which authoritarianism as a social, cultural, political, and even economic phenomenon is taking the world by storm, global convenings of hearts and minds like these are so crucial to push back against the steamrolling culture, practice, and system of nihilism, indifference, impunity, and hatred, we are witnessing today.
Moreover, by bringing the theme of Artificial Intelligence to the forefront of the conversation, you are also taking stock of the very real threats and opportunities posed by this new technology to cities around the world, as they grapple with renascent authoritarianism, which is undermining human rights, racial equity, inclusion, gender equality, and the rule of law, to name but a few.
At UNESCO, we recognize the profound, dynamic, and, at times, contradictory impact of artificial intelligence.
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With our International Coalition of Cities for Inclusion and Sustainability, we are working with municipalities around the globe to generate and share effective solutions to combat racism and discrimination, including those generated by AI.
UNESCO has also been proud to launch its Global Alliance against Racism and Discriminations, as a collaborative space uniting government, civil society, academia, media, and communities to share knowledge and shape policy.
In addition, we look forward to welcoming you all at the 5th edition of the UNESCO Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination, on October 29 and 30th of this year in the Hague, where we will explore the risks and opportunities posed by the “smart city,” as a rampart against authoritarianism.
Because ultimately, as the Director General Khaled El-Enany reminds us, UNESCO is for the people and the people is you.
Thank you.
Cities: Ramparts for Democracy, Inclusion and Human Rights
Peter Flegel [Senior Expert, Social and Human Sciences Sector, UNESCO]
On behalf of UNESCO, let me begin by congratulating the organizers of this timely world forum for having the foresight, wisdom, and courage to convene such a crucial gathering. I would also like to thank my co-panelists for their fascinating presentations.
Since 2020, UNESCO has been a proud partner of this crucial event, which is taking place in Gwangju, a crucible of the fight for democracy in South Korea and an exemplary model of communal autonomy and resistance.
At a time in which authoritarianism as a social, cultural, political, and even economic phenomenon is taking the world by storm, global convenings of hearts and minds like these are so crucial to push back against the steamrolling culture, practice, and system of nihilism, indifference, impunity, and hatred, we are witnessing today.
Moreover, by bringing the theme of Artificial Intelligence to the forefront of the conversation, you are also taking stock of the very real threats and opportunities posed by this new technology to cities around the world, as they grapple with renascent authoritarianism, which is undermining human rights, racial equity, inclusion, gender equality, and the rule of law, to name but a few.
At UNESCO, we recognize the profound, dynamic, and, at times, contradictory impact of artificial intelligence.
.
.
.
With our International Coalition of Cities for Inclusion and Sustainability, we are working with municipalities around the globe to generate and share effective solutions to combat racism and discrimination, including those generated by AI.
UNESCO has also been proud to launch its Global Alliance against Racism and Discriminations, as a collaborative space uniting government, civil society, academia, media, and communities to share knowledge and shape policy.
In addition, we look forward to welcoming you all at the 5th edition of the UNESCO Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination, on October 29 and 30th of this year in the Hague, where we will explore the risks and opportunities posed by the “smart city,” as a rampart against authoritarianism.
Because ultimately, as the Director General Khaled El-Enany reminds us, UNESCO is for the people and the people is you.
Thank you.