There has been growing concern and wide-spread debate about the health and economic consequences in Africa and regions of the Diaspora as the virus spreads throughout the world.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the deep-seated inequities that disproportionately affect Black communities and other underserved groups globally— such as income disparities, structural uncertainties, digital divide, lack of access to reliable information, absence of health insurance and poor access to medical care and facilities— can reinforce the impact of a crisis like the coronavirus outbreak, both in the short and long-term.
The Pan-African Council proudly supports the Global Black Youth (GBY) Webinar Series on Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in its effort to create meaningful dialogue on the current crisis as well as promote innovative, approaches and initiatives, encourage collaboration between participants across regions and continents, strengthen resilience and sustainable development and in the process find common ground, solidify ties, and promote cultural, educational and leadership development. For registration details kindly read and follow the links below.
Youth Webinar Series Part 1: Tackling Misinformation and Digital Rights in the Time of COVID-19
May 7th, 2020
The fight against the coronavirus disease has been greatly hindered by rampant and widespread COVID-19-related misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech. To overcome this infodemic, many governments have taken measures that increase state surveillance and disproportionately limit freedom of expression and effective communication about the onset of the disease. This panel brings together experts to discuss various methods to combat the spread of COVID-19 disinformation, misinformation and state-sponsored propaganda while preserving digital rights. Presenting examples from the Global South, they will discuss how to counter ‘problems such as Fake News’ and the ‘5G theory’ and present inclusive options for contact-tracing apps and data mining.
Youth Webinar Series Part 2: Healthcare and Science: Innovative Solutions to COVID-19
May 21st, 2020
From generating low-cost COVID-19 testing kits and 3D-printed ventilators to creating models that can use data to predict the global spread of the coronavirus disease, young African and African-descendant have used their expertise in healthcare and sciences to solve our global problems around a complex crisis such as COVID-19. Even as the ‘technology clusters’ such as Silicon Valley cast long shadows on emerging players, these young people have made numerous contributions and continue to push the global innovation landscape to be increasingly diverse and reflective of their realities. This panel will highlight these innovations as well as think deeply about their applicability in the fight against COVID-19.
Youth Webinar Series Part 3: Mitigating the Economic Impact of COVID-19
May 14th, 2020
It is evident that COVID-19 will have long lasting economic consequences, especially in Black communities hit hardest by the pandemic. Yet, even in these uncertain times, there are already a myriad of responses and varying measures of preparedness coming from Black leaders, disruptors and entrepreneurs to mitigate this inevitable fall out. Our third panel features the insights of young Black entrepreneurs and ecosystem players who are rising above the present challenges, building new avenues for their businesses and revolutionizing economic markets to fortify Black communities against the economic devastation of the disease and efforts to mitigate it.
For additional information and registration, please visit this link.
The Black Communities Respond to Covid-19 Webinar Series hosted by Global Black Youth is in partnership with The Portulans Institute as well as Internet Without Borders, Open Think Tank Network, The Youth Café, Pan-African Council, Global Business School Network, Webroots Democracy, Civic Tech Innovation Network, African Diaspora Youth Forum in Europe, University of Pretoria, and the ACP Young Professionals Network will bring together bright minds in Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.
