Find out more about Dr James Martin here
Dr Martin is an author, business leader and social entrepreneur in the fields of digital technology, education, and international development. He has written more than 100 books, some of which were seminal works that changed perceptions in the IT industry.
This roundtable took place just before the annual Commonwealth Lecture organised by the Commonwealth Foundation, for which Dr Martin was the guest speaker. If you would like to watch the lecture please see here [/]
Commonwealth Youth Roundtable with Dr James Martin
Photos by Hannie Ylagan
On the 28th April, 18 young people aged between 18 and 25 took part in a unique roundtable discussion with the eminent Dr James Martin at the Royal Commonwealth Society. The Commonwealth's theme for 2010 is Science, Technology and Society. In order to celebrate this, the RCS drew together young people from Ghana, UK, Zimbabwe, Australia, Canada, Malawi, Sri Lanka and Nigeria to debate and discuss The Impact of Technology on Development.
The delegates discussed with Dr Martin a range of topics, including the relationship between politics and science; "small scale" technological innovation versus large scale; can technology help combat corruption; GM crops; and how to close the technological divide between the developed and developing world.
The modern Commonwealth is an international partnership of 54 countries, spread worldwide across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, North America and the Pacific. Its 2 billion people make up over a quarter of the world's population. Over half are young people aged 30 and under. What can this hugely diverse, youthful and far-reaching international body do to make optimum use of the scientific and technological innovations of today to improve our society? As young citizens of the Commonwealth what action would you like to take and what measures would you like to see implemented?