"A Better World by Design" is a first-of-its-kind conference on "globally conscious design," as the organizers call it. Held at Brown University/RISD from November 7-9, it aims to generate innovative solutions to issues facing today's world, including extreme poverty, access to basic resources, and environmental degradation.
The conference wants to attract academics and professionals interested in learning and discussing ways in which user-centric and affordable technology can improve the world around us. It will bring together such far-ranging fields as social entrepreneurship, engineering, design, economics, development, and environmental studies in search of new opportunities for the private and voluntary sectors.
The organizers expect 300 attendees. Confirmed speakers include Bernard Amadei (Engineers Without Borders), Ken Banks (Kiwanja), Cameron Sinclair (Architecture for Humanity and Open Architecture Network), Denise DeLuca (Biomimicry Institute), Steve Glenn (LivingHomes), Erik Hersman (Afrigadget, White African, and Ushahidi), Paul Polak (International Development Enterprises and D-Rev), and others.
Communications technology has the very real potential to change attitudes, and to inform and connect people in ways which can truly bring about positive social and environmental change.
But, of course, the will has to be there. No technology in any shape or form can create that...
Posted by: Ken Banks | July 08, 2008 at 12:22 AM
It's gonna take more than technology to solve the problems of the world. How about we have a conference on changing attitudes? Technology won't change exploitation, hatred, intolerance, greed and other values that have led to many of the world problems we see today. I was excited to read about this conference until I reached the "technology" part, then I just rolled my eyes.
Posted by: Allison | July 07, 2008 at 11:49 AM