THE ELECTION YEAR EVENT SERIES
Combatting Misinformation in Election Years
Exclusively for public servants and policymakers
Tuesday, Jul 2, 2024
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Speakers
What to do next:
- Watch the 5-minute highlights video above
- Dig in deeper and view the full recording of the event here
- Explore some resources after the event
During the event, we announced the Misinformation and Disinformation Community of Practice. This is a space designed for public servants and policymakers committed to addressing misinformation and disinformation.
Our brilliant event moderator, Lisa Witter, has already shared a post with resources on the event topic. Join Lisa, and be sure to introduce yourself!
Event Description
This event is part of Apolitical’s Election Year Series, and is in partnership with the Apolitical Foundation.
In recent years, the days and weeks leading up to an election have been marked by concerns over how misinformation could affect the integrity of the democratic process. Given the record number of elections taking place worldwide this year, these concerns are especially urgent.
That’s why we’re convening a discussion on the complexities of misinformation, its impact on elections and the collective efforts required to safeguard democracy. We'll be joined by:
- Natalia Gavrilița, Former Prime Minister of Moldova
- Sam Gregory, Executive Director of WITNESS
- Sir Geoff Mulgan, Former CEO of Nesta and Professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy & Social Innovation at UCL
- Lisa Witter, Co-Founder, Apolitical and CEO, Apolitical Foundation
Our panel will explore the multifaceted approach needed to tackle misinformation, with experts sharing insights and practical steps that can be implemented by individuals and governments alike.
Picture credit: Pexels
Speakers
Natalia Gavrilita
Former Prime Minister, Moldova
Moldova
Sam Gregory
Executive Director, WITNESS
United States
Sir Geoff Mulgan
Former CEO, Nesta | Professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy & Social Innovation, UCL
United Kingdom
Lisa Witter
Co-Founder, Apolitical and CEO, Apolitical Foundation
Germany
Natalia Gavrilita, a Moldovan economist and politician, served as prime minister of Moldova from 2021 until 2023. Earlier in her career, Gavrilița served as the Head of the Department for Economic Forecasts and Development Programs in the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure. She has also worked within the State Chancellery, for Oxford Policy Management, and the Ministry of Education. Gavrilița was also the Executive Director of the World Bank’s Education Reform Project.
Sam Gregory, an award-winning human rights advocate, technologist, and innovative leader, has over 25 years’ experience at the intersections of video, technology, civic participation, and media practices. He is a trusted authority on new forms of mis/disinformation such as deepfakes as well as innovations in preserving trust, authenticity, and evidence in an era of increasing audiovisual communication. As the Executive Director of WITNESS, Sam leads the organization’s five-year strategic plan to “Fortify the Truth” and champions a global team of activists and partners who support millions of people using video and technology globally to defend and protect human rights.
Sir Geoff Mulgan, Professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London (UCL), was previously Chief Executive of Nesta, the UK's innovation foundation. He had roles in the UK government including director of the Government's Strategy Unit, director of the Performance and Innovation Unit and head of policy in the Prime Minister's office. Geoff has advised many governments, businesses, NGOs and foundations around the world. He is currently an adviser to the European Parliament on science and technology and a senior fellow with Demos Helsinki. His most recent book is 'When Science Meets Power', published by Polity Press 2024.
