Session Details

Date: Thursday 31 October 2024

Time: 14:00 – 16:00 (SAST)

Format: Opening Plenary

Venue: iClub, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct

Host: International Civil Society Centre (ICSC)

Overview

Since 2016, the International Civic Forum (ICF) convenes leaders from civil society and other sectors who are at the forefront of protecting and advancing civic space around the globe. It is the annual platform for discussing key civic space issues, forging connections, and identifying opportunities for collaboration.

The ICF 2024 will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, and will build synergies with the Civic Tech Innovation Forum (CTIF), an annual conference organised by the Civic Tech Innovation Network (CTIN), taking place at the same location from 29 to 31 October. The CTIF’s theme, #UnderTheHood, invites the civic tech community and ecosystem actors to explore the hidden layers of technology, community, and self. The event will delve into the tech “black box”, harness local creativity, and explore talents to drive innovation and empowerment in the civic tech ecosystem.

The ICF 2024 will be held immediately following the CTIF, fostering connections between the two events and allowing participants to engage in both. The ICF will bring civil society at the forefront and focus on the intersection of civic space and technology. Under the title “Digital trends (re)shaping civic space: Challenges and opportunities” we will delve into how digital technology is transforming civic space – for better or worse – and explore the implications of digital advancement for civic and civil society operating space.