People in the Middle East and North Africa have greater access to the Internet, technology and online tools and platforms than ever before. At a time when traditional space for political participation seems to be shrinking, citizens across the Arab world are demonstrating their commitment to building a better and more democratic future by continuing to build their skills, share information and advocate for change through the online means accessible to them. As Internet penetration continues to grow in the Middle East and North Africa, what does the future hold for online engagement in the sphere of democratic development?
Join us on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 for a discussion with guest speakers Katie Harbath from Facebook and Derek Caelin from PeaceTech on the opportunities that lie ahead and the reveal of NDI’s new Arabic e-learning platform, TaalamSharek.
What: A New Era in Online Engagement: Uncovering Opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa
Who: Hosted by the National Democratic Institute
Where: NDI Boardroom; 455 Massachusetts Avenue NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20001
When: Tuesday, March 2, 2016, 12:00-2:00 pm. follow. A light lunch will be served at noon.
Opening Remarks
Leslie Campbell, Middle East and North Africa Director - NDI
Facebook, the Middle East and Helping Non-Profits
Katie Harbath, Global Politics and Government Outreach Director - Facebook
Katie Harbath is the global politics and government outreach director at Facebook. Prior to Facebook, Katie was the Chief Digital Strategist at the National Republican Senatorial Committee. She previously led digital strategy in positions at DCI Group, the Rudy Giuliani for President campaign and the Republican National Committee. Katie holds a BA in journalism and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Case of Iraq: How Local Organizations are Using Technology
Derek Caelin, Specialist - PeaceTech Lab
Derek Caelin is a specialist at the PeaceTech Lab and an independent games developer. At the Lab, he serves connection point between the worlds of peacebuilding and technology. When he isn’t working on the PeaceTech Exchange project connecting civil society organizations, activists, and members of local government to low cost, easy-to-use tools in conflict areas like Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, he is a passionate advocate for the use of video games in peacebuilding. Derek holds a Master’s degree in Middle East Studies from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Official launch of TaalamSharek, NDI’s Arabic e-learning platform
Lila Jaafar, Senior Program Manager - NDI
