Digital Change Makers innovate in Hong Kong

The Digital Change Makers (DCM) 2019, attended by digital activists, startup entrepreneurs and representatives of liberal organizations, took on the challenge of creating innovative platforms for global liberalism.

Organized by the Global Innovation Hub and the International Academy for Leadership of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) for Freedom last 3-10 July 2019, the event took place in Hong Kong, home to Asia’s leading startup hubs. Nineteen delegates from 15 countries exchanged best practices, shared creative ideas, and promoted innovative solutions to further strengthen liberal networks and digital communities.

The digital change makers came up with proposals focusing on: 1) identifying the trends for the next big thing; 2) creating and sustaining a network of innovators; and 3) building a culture to support innovation. The proposals included resourceful processes and platforms aimed at strengthening startups and liberal organizations.

“We as a liberal party believe in the power of economic freedom. You need economic freedom to be innovative,” said Christian Lindner during the FNF Global Innovation Hub official opening. Lindner, a Member of Parliament who also heads the Free Democratic Party (FDP) of Germany, explained that economic and social freedom are indivisible and that the FNF Global Innovation Hub is a testament to that commitment.

CALD Program Manager Paolo Zamora participated in the event and drew lessons from fellow delegates.

“I realized that innovation can be in different forms. While it’s amazing how technology can help address and alleviate social problems, innovation can also be in the form of a creative process that could bring about opportunities for action and collaboration,” explained Zamora. “It was indeed an amazing experience learning new ideas from a diverse group of creative minds,” he added.

To provide context on the city of Hong Kong, the participants also had a chance to dialogue with democracy defenders and activists who shared their challenging political situation. The current protests in the city sparked outrage when Chief Executive Carrie Lam pushed for an extradition bill that would allow criminal suspects to be sent to China for trial.

Senia Ng, a barrister from the Democratic Party of Hong Kong (DPHK), presented the composition of the parties and alliances that contest in the elections and showed how votes can favor China’s interests. She also shared stories about the Umbrella Movement and how crucial circumstances lead to the current massive protests.

Wong Yik-Mo from the Civil Human Rights Front noted that parents are more supportive of their children’s participation in protest because they understand that the students are fighting for their future.

In addition to the stimulating DCM workshops and discussions, the participants also attended the RISE Conference 2019, the largest tech conference in Asia where leaders of premier companies, influential investors and thousands of attendees from across the globe gathered to redefine technology and foster potential synergies with an extensive network of startups.