Open Technology for Impact
In an era of shifting foreign aid and increasing pressure on local systems, open technologies offer a transformative opportunity for communities to reclaim ownership, build resilience, and shape their own development futures.
This interactive session explores how open data, open collaboration, open-source software, and open standards can strengthen governance, equity, and local innovation—while highlighting why these approaches remain underfunded and underused in global development.
Join us for a dynamic, collective conversation on the role of openness in building durable, community-led impact.
Why Open Matters
Open technologies:
Support local autonomy and sustainability
Promote transparency, shared learning, and equity
Enable governments and organizations to build and adapt tools that meet real needs
Reduce reliance on proprietary systems that collapse when funding ends
And yet—they are still misunderstood and underinvested. This session will unpack why, and how we move forward.
What to Expect
A "panel of everyone"—a flowing, fishbowl-style conversation where participants are invited to join the conversation
Interactive sharing of tools, resources, and real-world use cases
A live digital resource board and collaborative notes to extend impact beyond the room
Momentum-building toward future convenings at WHA and beyond
Conversation Catalysts
A few of the changemakers who will help open the conversation:
Natalie Grillon – CEO, Open Supply Hub
Leads a global open data platform mapping supply chains to enable safer, more sustainable production.
Dykki Settle – CEO, Medic
Steward of the Community Health Toolkit (CHT), an open-source platform powering health equity through community-led tech.
(Additional contributors to be announced)
Session Objectives
Foster an open conversation about the role and future of open technology in development
Surface exemplars and lessons from real-world efforts in open data, digital public goods, and digital public infrastructure
Catalyze cross-sector collaboration among technologists, funders, and social innovators
This is a space for open minds and open systems—come ready to share, learn, and co-create.
Space is limited—RSVP to be part of the conversation.