International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Museum
International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Museum

Data Power Agency Conference

With Alexander Barclay, Cassie Seo et John Bryant


Digital technologies are increasingly reshaping responses to humanitarian crises – in a supposedly faster and more efficient way.

However, crisis-affected populations often lack agency when it comes to engaging with these new digital solutions. Techno enthusiasm is forcing digital technologies onto vulnerable communities.

The reverse, however, is also true, access to digital technologies is also frequently being withheld from these communities.
The digital gap is a reality, with cultural or technical barriers in implementing or adopting these technologies.

In this panel session we will explore techno colonialism, digital access, and digital policy.

Would you like to chat over a drink after the conference? An aperitif will be offered by the museum !


This event is designed to make you more curious about the technologies you use, and more critically engaged with the impact of these technologies on the humans at the other side of the technology.
We won’t provide answers, but we will empower you to ask more questions.

  • Age: 16 and over
  • Number of places available: 80 (registration required)
  • When: 23.01.2023 from 18:00 to 20:30
  • With Alexander Barclay, Cassie Seo et John Bryant
  • In English
Cassie Jiun Seo
Alexander Barclay
John Bryant


Alexander Barclay is the Digital Delegate for the Canton of Geneva. In this capacity, he supports the State Council in the ongoing development of the canton's digital policy, and represents Geneva on issues relating to the digital transition. In this role, he works with all departments of the cantonal administration, public, private and academic partners, and civil society. D. from the University of St. Gallen, he also teaches at Sciences Po Paris. Before joining the State of Geneva, he launched a technology company and then worked in the General Secretariat of the Federal Department of Finance in Bern.

Alexander Barclay


John Bryant is a Research Fellow for the Humanitarian Policy Group at ODI, a non-profit independent research institute based in London. Since joining ODI in 2016, John has carried out research on responses including in Ukraine, Nigeria, Iraq and Bangladesh, and covered a range of global humanitarian reform issues including digitalisation, accountability, and locally-led action.

John Bryant


Cassie Jiun Seo, an independent consultant, brings a wealth of experience in digital transformation and humanitarian action. She previously led the Digital Transformation Unit at the Norwegian Refugee Council, where she led a team of technologists in developing tools and digital infrastructures in humanitarian intervention. Cassie's central focus revolves around the responsible and sustainable utilization of technology within fragile contexts marked by persistent power imbalance and injustice. 

Cassie Jiun Seo

Nothing to discover