Technology Key to Achieving UN SDGs: Expert

Mr Ganiyu Lawal, a technology expert, emphasised on Friday the importance of using technology to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN.

This was mentioned by Lawal, the CEO of COAPPT Solutions, during a side-line interview at the Social Impact Tech Summit (SIT Summit) in Lagos.

“Leveraging Technology towards Achieving the Sustainability Development Goals” was the summit’s theme.

According to the expert, his company organised the summit to promote discussions about the application of technology in social impact work.

He emphasised that the Summit’s objectives were to close the digital divide and encourage the use of technology to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN.

“There is a significant gap in the use of technology within the social impact space, which this summit seeks to address.

“The summit focuses on leveraging technology to achieve the SDGs, and we believe that technology is a critical element in achieving these goals.

“We are not just about informing participants about the importance of technology but also about encouraging them to take action, seek skills and knowledge to apply technology in their work.

“Let’s even talk about the use of technology, let’s even get it started. So, if we can build that consciousness, then people begin to see the need to seek skills and more knowledge.

“And from there, the work will be done better, so, this is why we decided to focus on the SDGs.

“Technology is an important element of the SDGs, but which to some extent we have been very silent about. Yes, we talk about, you know, gender-based violence, no poverty,’’ he said.

Lawal gave instances of how digitalising documentation and utilising technology to carry out and document initiatives are two ways that technology can enhance social impact work.

Additionally, in his presentation, Mr Oyebisi Oluseyi, Executive Director of the Nigeria Network of NGOs, underlined the need to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve human growth and education.

According to Oluseyi, technology should be used to enhance and support human intelligence rather than to separate it.

He claimed that since technology is a type of intelligence, it ought to be taught in schools and aid in our personal development.

According to the experts, AI has the potential to make the future more sustainable and inclusive by facilitating collaboration and idea sharing.

He asserts that AI may foster creativity, help people realise their goals, and facilitate action and teamwork.

Oluseyi urged people to put human development and education first, emphasising that people are the foundation of both.

 “We must remember that humans are the root of education and development, and cooperation and community are essential to building human resources.

“As we evolve and take bold steps with AI, we must prioritise education and human development, ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has access to quality education,” he said.

The expert also emphasised how crucial it is to accept AI as a tool for enhancing education and uniting people to accomplish shared objectives.

The Lagos State Government’s Special Advisor, Mrs. Diana Eyo-Enoette, stressed the transformative power of technology in her virtual presentation.

It helped to comprehend that technology was meant to be a part of education, Eyo-Enoette said, adding that technology was not a kind of human isolation but rather a type of intellect.

According to her, technology should enhance education rather than replace or restrict the responsibilities that humans play in it.

 “Technology is not just about having that. It’s also a more co-occurring part of the economy. It creates a bridge to self-governance,’’ the special advisor said.

 

NAN