YOU’RE INVITED: Why open source software matters for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (session at WEF summit on 9/22)

Missed the webinar live? Check out the full video on Youtube:

Join the Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) for an online open affiliate session to discuss the role of open source software designed in support of the Sustainable Development Goals. This webinar will address the role software plays in international development and make the case for convening a multi-stakeholder effort to develop support to support these products to achieving long term sustainability and shared value.

As the UN system, together with the international development community and governments, are increasingly embracing open source licensing to avoid vendor lock-in and enable global adoption there remain persistent challenges in the long term sustainability and efficacy of open source software.

Further, as they scale, the requirements for maintaining them increasingly falls outside of the core competencies of their founding organizations, and when the cost of sustaining the project outlives the initial grant funding, many products start asking the same kind of questions: How do we find a new long term organizational home? Should we spinoff? What revenue sources can support us? 

This exclusive webinar will explore the themes and key learnings from organizations supporting open source software in international development. More details below:

“Why open source software matters for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals ”

World Economic Forum Sustainable Development Impact Summit

September 22nd

8 pm – 8:45 pm UTC (+2)

Free Registration:  https://dial.tips/wefsdis

Facilitators: 

• Kate Wilson, CEO, Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL)
• Heath Arensen, Director of Sustainability, DIAL Open Source Center

For review in advance, DIAL’s case for a digital public goods foundation: https://dial.tips/dpgfoundation

The Digital Impact Alliance is an independent global alliance funded by leading development agencies and private foundations. DIAL was established in 2015 and is housed at the UN Foundation. We are a “think, do, replicate” tank. We combine practical research with evidence-based advocacy to advance digital inclusion to achieve the SDGs. DIAL identifies barriers to the routine use of digital solutions and data by development actors (countries, NGOs, multilateral institutions); tests ways to remove them; and package solutions for these actors to use in service delivery efforts.