Social Good Summit: Day 1

Day 1 of the Social Good Summit and I'm in recovery. Today was a mind melting, rapid-fire, Ted-styled idea jam™. Six hours of captivating stories, innovative ideas, and compelling calls to action, from how technology is playing a central role in combating malaria, to the quest for conflict free technology and the dark-side of society's techno-fetish. The discussions and conversations had today were and continue to be a lot to process. 

The theme of this years Social Good Summit is #2030NOW, building on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) created in 2000 to help to guide the discussion for what the post-2015 conversation will look like...with 2030 being the metaphorical finish line.

Giving yourself 15 years to tackle significant systemic issues impacting the global human condition--to say that's ambitious would be an understatement. So with 2015 fast approaching, the UN issued a progress report in July giving a state of the union on where things stand related to the MDGs:

http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/MDG/english/mdg-report-2013-english.pdf

So what does any of this have to do with the Social Good Summit? Even with the report citing some amazing progress being made, due to a myriad of factors, the MDGs won't be realized by the original deadline. So instead of dropping it, a Post-2015 Agenda is being created, and because things have changed since the MDGs were created, like new instruments to measure impact and new approaches conceived at conferences like Rio+20, a shift in the approach to the post-2015 agenda is needed.

Enter the Social Good Summit.

While the purpose of the Summit isn't to write the book on how to approach life after 2015, it is talking about how to continue chipping away at the MDGs and to do so with greater efficiency. Since 2000 there has been explosive growth in the development and application of technology, mobile or otherwise, in addressing many of the societal issues outlined by the MDGs. By bringing together leaders in industry, the humanitarian sector, education, nonprofits, and the social media sphere to talk about what's working and what isn't, the resulting nuggets of wisdom gained through trial and error can hopefully be incorporated into how 2015 and beyond is approached.

Bring on Day 2.

The Social Good Summit

https://conversationprism.com/

The above graphic represents the ubiquitous nature of social media applications while illustrating the pervasiveness with which they've permeated almost every aspect of our lives.

It's clear that social media has revolutionized the way we tell stories, report the news, relate to one another, build community, and help one another, and with the understanding that this is only the beginning, it's important that we ask how these tools can help create solutions to some of the larger problems we face. Solutions like Crisis Cleanup are an example of how properly leveraged social media coupled with existing institutions within our social fabric (google maps, 2-1-1, etc), can provide the foundation upon which new ideas and solutions to persistent problems can be created.

In that vein, I'm pleased share that I have been accepted to attend the Social Good Summit, a conference that provides an opportunity to talk about the intersection of big ideas and new media in an effort to create solutions to some of our most pressing social challenges. The speaker power at this event is quite impressive and while I wish I was invited as a panelist, I have the privilege of attending as a member of the press representing this blog. (horn toot)

With sponsors like the UN Foundation, The United Nations Development Program, and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this event is an exciting opportunity...Jeremey, what do you mean by exciting opportunity?

Well, I'm glad you asked.

This is an exciting opportunity due to the diverse and influential crowd attending this event. This can be an opportunity to advocate for the increase of focus and resources available to build resilience and preparedness given the increased frequency and intensity of events that are impacting our communities. Given that real change takes time and my time will be limited, I'm asking for your help.

If you were attending this event what are the sorts of questions you would ask? While I look funny dressed up, this is an opportunity to advocate on behalf of our community of practice and your input is valued. I believe that we can get more out of this event if more perspectives are included in the mix--think of it like crowdsourcing to get the best possible outcome.

So, based on the outline below what would you ask? 

The Social Good Summit unites a dynamic community of global leaders to discuss a big idea: the power of innovative thinking and technology to solve our greatest challenges: to unlock the potential of new media and technology to make the world a better place, and then to translate that potential into action.

I don't know what to expect but with our collective brain trust it's my hope to generate conversations around issues important to us as a community of practice.

Thanks in advance for your help.