We are currently observing a swift surge of innovations that leverage open geospatial data, enabled by affordable digital technologies, earth observation, AI and open-source tools. These ground-breaking innovations are actively addressing critical global challenges, including climate change, rapid urbanisation, environmental degradation and humanitarian crises.

As these advancements unfold, the demand for digital data, technology and application experts is on
the rise. The emerging cohort of university graduates and researchers must not only possess proficiency in handling digital data and embracing novel technologies but also excel in bridging the gap between technological capabilities and the evolving needs of societies.

We are asking:

• How can universities effectively integrate science, education, and broader societal collaboration to meet these competence demands of the 21st century?
• In which ways can universities best leverage the opportunities presented by the open data, digital technology revolution, community engagement and youth skills-building into contextually smart, actionable, and sustainable solutions in society?
• What lessons can we learn from long-term academic cooperation between universities of the Global North and Global South?

You are welcome to join our seminar and networking event, which is particularly anchored in the commitments and achievements realised during 20 years of institutional cooperation between the University of Turku and several Tanzanian universities, and two significant initiatives, GeoICT4e and Tanzania Resilience Academy.