 In a profound talk about technology and power, historian Yuval Noah Harari explains the difference between fascism and nationalism -- and what our data means for the future of democracy itself. Appearing as a hologram live from Tel Aviv, Harari warns of the new danger that faces democracy: that the revolution in information technology will make dictatorships more efficient and capable of control. "The enemies of liberal democracy hack our feelings of fear and hate and vanity," he says, "and then use these feelings to polarize and destroy." Watch »  "You do not mess with something so fundamental, so precious, as science," says Kirsty Duncan, Canada's Minister of Science. In a heartfelt, inspiring talk about pushing boundaries, she makes the case that researchers must be free to present uncomfortable truths and challenge the thinking of the day -- and that we all have a duty to speak up when we see science being stifled or suppressed. Watch » |  Local humanitarians are beacons of light in the darkness of war, says activist Rola Hallam. She's working to help local doctors, nurses and first responders rebuilding hospitals and health care in devastated communities. "Local humanitarians have the courage to persist, to dust themselves off from the wreckage and to start again, risking their lives to save others," Hallam says. "We can match their courage by not looking away or turning our backs." Watch »  From rides to homes and beyond, we're sharing everything these days, with the help of digital tools. But as modern and high-tech as the sharing economy seems, it's been alive across Africa for centuries, says Robert Neuwirth. He shares fascinating examples -- like apprenticeships that leverage locally generated venture capital, and unique systems for sharing scarce water. If we could study and scale these models, he suggests, they might help all communities thrive from the bottom up. Watch » | |
