ONLINE EVENT: CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN THE DIGITAL ERA

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, which will explore how Civic Tech, AI, and social media platforms can enhance civic engagement and policy responsiveness!

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 | 3:00–4:30 PM CEST (Find your time zone)

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