How can artificial intelligence and technology support communities affected by conflict and help create pathways toward peace, recovery, and sustainable development?
Technology is rapidly transforming how communities access information, communicate, organize, and respond to crises. At the same time, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain raise important questions about inclusion, accountability, access, and the ways technology can either reinforce or reduce existing inequalities.
In this session of Voices for Change, we will explore the opportunities—and challenges—at the intersection of technology, peacebuilding, human rights, and inclusive development. Our conversation will look beyond technology as a tool and ask a broader question: How can we ensure that emerging technologies are designed and used in ways that respond to the realities and needs of communities affected by conflict?
🗓 Date: August 19, 2026
🕓 Time: 10:00–11:30 AM EDT | 5:00–6:30 PM Damascus | 4:00–5:30 PM CET
🔗 Register here
We are pleased to bring together two inspiring leaders working to advance locally driven, technology-enabled solutions:
Kat Fotovat — Co-Founder & President
Kat Fotovat brings nearly a decade of experience working on Women, Peace and Security at the United Nations, with expertise spanning peacebuilding, conflict mediation, post-conflict governance, transitional justice, and inclusive approaches to peace. Her work at the intersection of AI and peacebuilding offers an important perspective on how emerging technologies can shape conflict prevention, mediation, accountability, and recovery—and why women’s leadership and participation must remain central to these efforts.
Medya Ayob — Co-Founder & Director of Growth and Partnerships, Digibankar
Medya Ayob is a humanitarian technology and development leader with more than 15 years of experience across the MENA region, Afghanistan, and Türkiye. Through her work at Digibankar, she focuses on technology-enabled financial solutions and partnerships, including the potential of blockchain and stablecoins to improve financial inclusion, remittances, and access to financial services in underserved and crisis-affected communities.
Voices for Change brings together women leaders, changemakers, and experts to explore ideas and solutions that can contribute to more peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies.