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UNDP & People Powered: Civic Tech In the Age of AI

How can digital tools, particularly AI and civic tech, be harnessed to expand civic space, foster democratic resilience, and ensure that digital governance serves the collective good?

Digitalization has reshaped civic engagement by providing new avenues for exercising civil liberties, including freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. However, it has also opened the door to new strategies for restricting or controlling citizen participation. As digital platforms and artificial intelligence become increasingly integral to governance and civic life, the future of civic space remains uncertain. 

Join us for the first session of a three-part webinar series by UNDP, where we will explore how Civic Tech, AI, and social media platforms can enhance civic engagement and policy responsiveness!

While the series will provide a deep dive into the latest tools, innovative practices, and governance frameworks shaping the digital future, in the first session co-organized by UNDP and People Powered, we will explore how AI is transforming the civic tech landscape and its implications for meaningful public participation. 

📆 Date: Tuesday, 24 June 2025
🕑 Time: 9:00–10:30 AM ET | 03:00 - 04:30 PM CET

Session Objectives

  • Explore how AI is transforming civic tech and public participation

  • Review strategies and practical considerations for selecting and implementing AI-powered civic tech tools

  • Discover real-world applications of AI in civic engagement as supported by UNDP Kenya and UNDP Timor-Leste

Speakers

  • Emanuele Sapienza, Global Lead - Open and Inclusive Public Sphere, Governance Rule of Law and Peacebuilding Hub, UNDP Brussels Representation Office

  • Melissa Zisengwe, Program Coordinator, People Powered

  • Caroline Khene, Digital Cluster Lead, Institute of Development Studies  

  • Bruno Lencastre, Chief Technical Advisor for Governance and Inclusive Democracy, UNDP Timor-Leste

  • Jane Serwanga, Gender Specialist, UNDP Kenya

  • Greta Rios, Co-Executive Director, People Powered 

Moderator

  • Moema Dutra Freire, Policy Specialist - Open and Inclusive Public Sphere, UNDP Regional Hub for Latin America and the Caribbean 


This event is brought to you by UNDP and People Powered.

For further information on this event, please contact UNDP Civic Engagement Policy Specialist, Maria Soledad Gattoni.