“The primary concern is: how can we leverage technology for the betterment of humanity?”

In this episode, Manas Chawla interviews Robert Opp on the evolving nature of technological risks and the potential of digital technology in advancing global development. During his conversation with Manas, Robert explores the importance of inclusion in the digitalisation process, the increasing global differential in technological access, and the potential for digital technology to “leapfrog” development in the Global South. Robert also considers where we may see the next big technological innovation and the role of the UN in enabling opportunities for international development.

Robert is the Chief Digital Officer of the United Nations Development Programme. He leads the agency’s digital transformation, aiming to harness the power of new technology to improve the lives of those furthest behind. Prior to this role, Robert was Director of the Innovation and Change Management Division within the World Food Programme, where he founded and led ShareTheMeal, a smartphone app dedicated to fighting global hunger.