Bridging the digital divide for Grassroots Peacebuilders

Join us for a unique workshop that tackles a critical question: how can technology better support the essential work of grassroots peacebuilders? In conflict and post-conflict zones, local charities, activists, and community groups are at the heart of peacebuilding, bringing cultural insights and trusted relationships that large organisations simply can’t replicate. Yet, the digital divide often prevents these crucial voices from being heard on a larger scale.

Many grassroots organisations face significant challenges in accessing digital resources and often lack the technical skills and visibility available to larger organisations. Meanwhile, governments, international NGOs, and large institutions struggle to connect effectively with community-based actors, thereby missing out on critical local insights. Without addressing the digital divide and other barriers, these larger entities risk losing touch with the communities they aim to help, limiting the impact of peace initiatives.

• Insightful Discussions: Explore the specific digital barriers that prevent grassroots peacebuilders from engaging with larger organisations and reaching wider audiences. We’ll examine the digital divide and discuss strategies for making PeaceTech more accessible and relevant to community actors.
• Participatory Activities: Take part in two interactive exercises to share your perspectives on building stronger connections between grassroots and larger organisations. Your input will be essential in shaping actionable solutions to make PeaceTech more inclusive and grassroots-friendly.
• Low-Tech Tools and Solutions: Discover practical, user-friendly digital tools tailored to low-tech environments and designed to meet the needs of community-level peacebuilders.

Whether you're an experienced tech user or new to digital tools, your insights and experiences are crucial to making PeaceTech truly inclusive and effective.

This event welcomes peacebuilders, third-sector workers, tech activists, and anyone passionate about the intersection of peacebuilding and technology.

Host or Publisher Austrian Centre for Peace/Austrian Institute of Technology