Keynote at the Forum Doctoral College 2026 Interdisciplinary Research in Practice, by Anna Bon
Abstract: Connecting the unconnected people in the world to the global (digital) knowledge society, has, for decades, been an inclusive, altruistic and humanistic imperative. It was formulated by the United Nations, as one of the important international development goals, during the World Summit on the Information Society in 2005. In line with this objective to bridge the digital divide, I have worked since 2006, with an international, inter- and trans-disciplinary research team, developing innovative, context-aware digital solutions in some of the least connected regions of West African. Our idea was not transfer of technologies and knowledge, but co-design: integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge; learning through experience and knowledge exchange with people in West Africa’s drylands. But recently, the world has changed. Nowadays, being digitally “connected” is not only a privilege. The digital transition brings also techno-colonisation, techno-feudalism, and a scramble for people’s data and resources (energy, water, minerals). Especially people and regions at the so-caled “base of the pyramid” are vulnerable targets. Therefore political ad social solidarity and pressure are urgently needed to decolonize and reverse these trends. The Digital Humanism community must look beyond its traditional borders, support initiatives and raise awareness on the Global South perspectives. Solidarity is needed to build a fair, sustainable and inclusive Global (digital) society.