Bruce Sterling, science-fiction and tech journalist - and Lift's "big thinker in residence" - talks about the implications of money digitization. His though-provoking presentation deals with how virtual money systems are the financial services for the new urban poor.

"When you are working on cell phones, when you are working on the web, when you are working on electronic money and payment systems, you need to think: What if my user is a North-Korean"

How would I do this differently if I knew my user was from Pyongyang, that his regime had collapsed, that his economy had collapsed, he was completely bewildered, and he had never seen a cell phone or a computer in his life, and I intended to make him a productive and happy fellow citizen in ten years, what kind of technology would I give that person, what kind of trading system, economic system?”

I just submitted an entry for the Open Stage slots. I'd be grateful for any feedback on the idea and whether the format is suitable. Thank you.

www.HelpWorldClimate.com
www.HelpWorldPoverty.com
www.HelpWorldPeace.com
www.HelpWorldWildlife.com

These are the four main issues we all face. They underlie other problems around the world such as health, education, housing. And what’s more, they impact on each other. There are many people around the world who are active in these areas. Contributing to each one, in a small way. Others, more committed activists, make a more significant contribution. What we all seem to realise is that the only way these problems are going to be solved is if many more people get involved. On these global issues, people need to be more aware, more informed, and given the opportunity to participate.
Why don’t more people get involved?
Even if people are more aware and informed and can contribute easily, they still need to be motivated to do so. One way they become motivated is when they see the impact of these problems in their own lives or environment. But many in the West don’t see this impact near enough to them. They see it in the media, but because it doesn’t affect them, they don’t feel the need to get involved.
And those who do think it important, often can’t find a way to contribute to the solution.
How do we get more people involved?
If the climate scientists are right, the impact of these problems on people’s lives will increase, and the closer it gets, the more people will want to do something about it.