Panelist at the UN VIRTUAL WORLDS DAY
Date:
I participated in the panel on “Digital Solutions – Real Impact: Leveraging Virtual Worlds for Global Change” in the context of the UNITED NATIONS FIRST VIRTUAL WORLDS DAY.
The first and pioneering UN Virtual Worlds Day underscored the transformative impact of virtual worlds, including the metaverse and spatial computing, to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The session in which I participated delved into transformative real case studies where virtual worlds, the metaverse and spatial computing have been pivotal in addressing global challenges. Together with my co-panelists, we shared our insights on the immense opportunities these technologies present for sustainable development and societal impact, from combatting climate change to enhancing healthcare accessibility. Particularly, I addressed next-generation virtual worlds in the EU, noting how the EU strategy has analyzed and balanced the opportunities and challenges these technologies are likely to offer. I emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral perspective, covering technological, social, industrial, policy and economic dimensions, stressing that societal readiness is imperative, alongside technology monitoring and foresight.
