Several leading technology trailblazers came together to discuss how digital technology is disrupting development and what could be done to level the playing field and harness its benefits. World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim and Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia discussed how their two organizations could together help grow the inclusive sustainable tourism sector and help entrepreneurs in developing countries gain more income while acquiring new skills.
Gebbia discussed the company’s beginnings and highlighted the importance of designing solutions with the end user in mind. He attributed Airbnb’s success to the effort made to understand their customer’s concerns in the initial phase of their growth. The 10-year-old company now has four million listings in 191 countries around the world. They are expanding their model, and recently launched the Open Homes initiative, to help provide shelter to refugees and those affected by natural disasters.
They were followed by brief remarks by Philippe Le Houerou, CEO, IFC, on scaling up the benefits of the digital economy, which cued in a panel of digital movers and shakers, which included Eric Jing, CEO, Ant Financial Services Group; Nandan Nilekani, co-founder, Infosys; Sue Siegel, CEO, GE Ventures; Greg Wyler, Executive Chairman of OneWeb; Mats Granyrd, Director General GSMA; and Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder and CEO, Acumen.
They discussed how the digital economy digital identification systems and mobile technology are crucial in providing the basis for access to services such as banking, electricity, healthcare and much more. The data and privacy conversation was a thread that underscored the importance of handling and regulating data more carefully as we move into the Internet of Everything era. The need for a global framework to protect individuals’ data was thought to be crucial in preparing a secure digital future for everyone. They also emphasized how corporations, governments and organizations like the World Bank Group can come together to deliver essential services while also generating profit. The conversation also highlighted the importance of expanding connectivity and bridging the global digital divide in order to make these opportunities a reality for everyone. In that regard, the panel agreed that a crucial value-added of the Bank Group was also to help provide the basic digital infrastructure that could make these opportunities a reality for everyone around the world.
INFORMATIONS
Venue Washington, USA
Organized by
The World Bank Group,
Web site The World Bank Group
Schedule
SPEAKERS
World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim on October 24, 2013 in Washington DC. Photo © Dominic Chavez/World Bank
Jim Yong Kim
President, World Bank Group


Joe Gebbia
Co-founder, Airbnb


Philippe H. Le Houérou
CEO, IFC


Mats Granryd
Director General, GSMA


Eric Jing
CEO, Ant Financial Services Group


Imad Fakhoury
Minister of Planning & International Cooperation, Jordan


Nandan Nilekani
Co-founder and Chairman of the Board, InfoSys; former Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)


Sue Siegel
CEO, GE Ventures


Greg Wyler
Founder and Executive Chairman, OneWeb


Jacqueline Novogratz
Founder and CEO, Acumen (Moderator)

© The World Bank Group