Press Release: CSO Week 2023 to Explore the Transformative Power of Tech and Society in Tanzania
1 August 2023, Dar es Salaam. The much-anticipated CSO Week 2023 is set to take place on 23rd to 27th October 2023 in Arusha, bringing together civil society organizations from across Tanzania for a week-long event aimed at forging strategic collaborations and charting a path towards collective representation and independence within the civil society landscape. Under the theme “Tech and Society: Then, Now, and Beyond,” the CSO Week 2023 will delve into the crucial intersection of technology and society, equipping CSOs with the knowledge and tools to navigate the opportunities and challenges that arise from the ever-evolving world of technology.
The CSO Week 2023, which builds upon the success of its previous editions in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022, is expected to be a catalyst for transformative change, fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of technology on society and its potential role in shaping the future of Tanzania.
The choice of this year’s theme, “Tech and Society: Then, Now, and Beyond,” was made with a purpose said the CSO Week 2023 Coordinator, Justice Rutenge during the launch of the event. He stated that It seeks to empower civil society organizations with the insights and expertise needed to advise both the government and private sector on the advantages and potential pitfalls of technology for the country’s development. Moreover, it aims to inspire CSOs to embrace technology’s transformative power, leveraging it to serve the best interests of the communities they support, while remaining vigilant about its potential risks.
‘’The intertwining of technology and society is undeniable, having significantly altered the way we interact, communicate, work, and perceive the world around us. To ensure continued relevance and impact, civil society organizations must adapt, innovate, and proactively navigate these shifts’’ , he said.
The theme’s “Then” component encourages CSOs to reflect on the historical relationship between technology and society. By examining past technological advancements, civil society can gain valuable insights into how they have influenced societal structures, systems, and processes, including the work of CSOs in effecting positive change.
The “Now” component of the theme urges CSOs to critically analyze the current state of affairs, focusing on how technology impacts societal dynamics and the opportunities and challenges it presents for their work in driving meaningful change.
Lastly, the “Beyond” component prompts civil society to envision the future, acknowledging that the interplay between technology and society will continue to evolve. Embracing this forward-looking approach, CSOs can proactively anticipate and prepare for future technological trends, ensuring they remain at the forefront of progress.
The CSO Week 2023 promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking event, featuring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Stakeholders in the development sectors were urged to participate in the CSO Week 2023 and explore the transformative power of Tech and Society and work together towards a brighter and more inclusive future for Tanzania.
To register to the CSO Week Visit: www.csoweek.or.tz