Sandro notes that the world is experiencing breakthrough scientific discoveries at unprecedented pace. He asks: if we can anticipate these emerging technologies, can we then unlock their potential to improve our world for the benefit of society?
GESDA was started by the Swiss government, who provided approximately 50% of the initial funding; this was matched by philanthropy. The organisation is now an independent foundation.
GESDA aims to bring in key multilateral stakeholders, mixing science and diplomacy, to anticipate what future technologies could look like. Information technology, quantum computing, bio-inspired computing, artificial intelligence, human augmentation, eco-regeneration – what will be the impact of these technologies for the future of humanity and our planet?
GESDA has reached out to the best researchers on these topics and has created an academic forum; essentially, they’re identifying some of the world’s best researchers who are in their labs developing the future right now, today.
Key questions at GESDA: 1) Who are we, what does it mean to be human; 2) How are we going to live together, what technologies can reduce inequality; 3) How can we ensure the wellbeing of humanity and a sustainable planet?
Sandro explains how he will be looking at creating an impact fund focused on enabling the development and testing of these technologies and solutions. He will be developing key alliances with the right partners in philanthropy, the corporate world and beyond.
Sandro’s key takeaway: Ask the question about anticipation and embrace it. What is science able to do in 5 to 10 years and how are we now anticipating solutions. Anticipatory thinking can be quite transformative. He invites everyone to ask what can an anticipatory approach bring to the work one is doing.
Visit The Do One Better! Podcast website for guest bios, episode notes and useful links. Please click the subscribe button on your favourite podcast app and please share widely – Thank you!
CEO of Atlas Corps, Bidjan Nashat, on building a talent pool from the Global South and breaking down the barriers to diverse talent.
CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Anne Aslett, on tackling the stigma around HIV/AIDS, changing social norms and reaching the most marginalised
How to tackle the food crisis? Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) on what philanthropists, corporates + policymakers can do about the food crisis
Zane Wilemon, Co-Founder of the Ubuntu Life Foundation, shares his personal story of self-discovery, faith and social entrepreneurship. Inspirational work helping children with special needs in Kenya
What if you left your career in investment banking in London to become a farmer in South Africa? We speak with ‘Farmer Angus’ McIntosh — a leading voice in regenerative agriculture
Shane Ryan, Global Executive Director of the Avast Foundation, on equity and inclusion within the digital space; trust-based philanthropy, inclusive co-design and much more
Cath Dovey, Co-Founder of the Beacon Collaborative, on what stops people from giving more philanthropically in the UK and what can be done about it.
Olivia Leland, Founder and CEO of Co-Impact, on their new Gender Fund and the importance of keeping equity, inclusion and justice at the core of systems change thinking
CEO of Porticus, Melanie Maas Geesteranus. Porticus is perhaps the biggest philanthropic organisation that you have never heard of! We delve into their philanthropic work and rich history
Caroline Casey, Founder of the Valuable 500, on leveraging the power of business for disability inclusion
Let’s leverage data to drive forward the Sustainable Development Goals! Claudia Juech on helping non-profits embrace and leverage data
James Chen: Moonshot philanthropy and providing access to affordable eye care
Gemma Bull and Tom Steinberg on modern grantmaking and positive change
Let’s eliminate poverty in India within our lifetime! Atul Satija, Founder & CEO of The/Nudge Institute, tackles a grand ambition
Social Investing at scale in Australia: a conversation with Michael Traill AM
In defence of charities: an interview with Debra Allcock Tyler, Chief Executive of the Directory of Social Change (DSC)
CEO of Ella’s Kitchen, Mark Cuddigan, on driving sustainable business at the UK’s No.1 baby food company
Deval Sanghavi, Co-Founder of Dasra, joins Alberto Lidji to discuss strategic philanthropy in India
Let’s transform education systems by reigniting intrinsic motivation! The Chair and CEO of STiR Education, Jo Owen and Girish Menon, explain why motivation is key to success
Transforming lives by setting up kids’ operating rooms and training paediatric surgeons in low and middle income countries. Garreth Wood, Chair of KidsOR, talks about need, solutions + economic impact
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Social Dallas Podcast
Delivering Solidarity
Change Church Podcast
Six Degrees with Kevin Bacon
Fundraising is Funny