COMPASSKeynote #1 - Knowledge Gaps in the Quest for Universal Connectivity
Abstract: Drawing on his experience over the last 30 years working to connect the unconnected in the global South, Mike will examine global trends and identify knowledge gaps where applied research could support improved connectivity and better digital tools for the bottom of the pyramid. Some of the key areas and questions will include:
- What is the real extent of broadband coverage in remote and rural areas?
- How much data do rural people in the global south need?
- What are the optimal connectivity technologies for delivering broadband in remote or sparsely populated rural areas?
- Are intermediaries and public access services still needed?
- What interface improvements are needed to maximise the impact of digital service delivery in low-income and low-literacy communities?
Bio: Mike Jensen co-founded Canada’s first non-profit Internet provider, The Web, and played a pivotal role in establishing the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) as a global network advocating for equitable Internet use. His contributions led to his induction into the Internet Society’s Internet Hall of Fame in 2017.
Keynote #2 - How Technology Can Solve Societal Problems: Experiences from MSSRF
Bio: Soumya Swaminathan is an Indian paediatrician and clinical scientist known for her research on tuberculosis and HIV. She served as the Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO) from 2019 to 2022. With over 40 years of experience in clinical care and research, she has worked to translate research into impactful programs, focusing on health policy-making, research capacity building, and global partnerships.