A few days ago, I spent 22 minutes on LBCI discussing a topic I care deeply about, how free and open-source software can help solve some of humanity’s biggest challenges: hunger, poverty, and access to education.
This isn’t just a bold claim. It’s a reflection of what I’ve witnessed through years of working at the intersection of technology and development, and why I believe that open source is one of the most powerful equalizers of our time.
Bridging the Digital Divide
For too long, digital progress has been unevenly distributed. Proprietary technologies have given a handful of countries and corporations control over the tools that drive innovation, leaving many others behind.
Open-source technologies change that equation. By removing the barriers of cost, ownership, and exclusivity, they empower governments, organizations, and individuals anywhere in the world to build solutions that fit their context and priorities.
This is why initiatives like the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPG) are so important. Their mission is to identify and promote open-source solutions that directly advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ensuring that technology serves the public good, not just private interests.
The Role of Youth in the Digital Revolution
Another theme I highlighted during the interview is the power of youth in this transformation. Young people today are not passive consumers of technology; they are builders, problem-solvers, and creators.
Across the world, youth-led innovation is reshaping communities and institutions. When equipped with open tools and open knowledge, young developers and entrepreneurs can co-create solutions that address local challenges, from education and climate change to public health and digital governance.
A Personal Reflection
This discussion on LBCI wasn’t just theoretical for me. It’s rooted in my own journey, from the technical work we’ve done through ToRead, empowering youth through technology and opportunities, to my role at the UN, supporting digital transformation projects for public institutions, and now to my academic research in Global Technology and Development at Arizona State University.
Each step has reinforced a simple truth: when technology is open, inclusive, and collaborative, it becomes a genuine force for development.
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