Rethinking Tech

Half the world’s population is under 30—yet young people are often left out of the conversations shaping their future. In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna sits down with Eugenia Olliaro, a global leader in responsible technology for children and youth engagement. From her work at UNICEF’s Responsible Data for Children initiative to advising international organizations, Eugenia shares why meaningful youth participation is critical for shaping policies, technology, and data governance.We explore:🧒 Why young people are excluded from key decisions—and how to change that🔍 The risks and opportunities of children’s data in a connected world🌍 Global examples of countries doing youth engagement right🗣️ How language, culture, and local context impact participation👥 What it takes to move beyond tokenism to real inclusionIf you care about the intersection of technology, rights, and the next generation’s voice, this conversation is for you.🕒 Chapters00:00 – Why Youth Voices Matter02:15 – The Power of a Young World05:40 – Why Youth Get Left Out09:20 – Kids’ Data: Risks & Rewards14:05 – Youth Engagement That Works18:50 – Beyond Tokenism23:10 – Culture & Context Matter27:40 – Tips for Policymakers & Tech Leaders31:25 – Final Call to ActionLINK TO SURVEY! 👋 Stay in the Loop- Follow Eugenia on LinkedIn! 🔗 Full transcript + sources → https://rethinktech.substack.com/ 📩 Free episode briefs → link pinned in comments Hosts: Aparna Bhushan | Harinda Katugaha👍 Like • 🔔 Subscribe • 🔄 Share

In this episode of Rethinking Tech, host Aparna sits down with Bo Viktor Nylund, a seasoned humanitarian leader and author of When Everything Falls Apart: Exploring Liminality at UNICEF.As global systems crack under pressure, from war and economic uncertainty to crumbling institutions, Aparna and Bo Viktor explore the concept of liminality: the unsettling in-between state when the old has collapsed but the new has yet to form.Together, they dive into:🔍 What liminality really means (and why it matters now)🌍 How societies and institutions respond in times of breakdown🏛️ How organizations can survive and even thrive through chaos🤖 The evolving role of technology in uncertain timesIf you're feeling disoriented by the state of the world, this conversation offers clarity, reflection, and a unique lens for understanding change.🕙 Chapters00:00 Navigating Change Management and Teleworking04:29 Transitioning from Law to Humanitarian Work09:05 Understanding Liminality in Today's Context13:30 Historical Perspectives on Liminal Periods17:54 The Urgency of Change in Global Institutions23:04 Embracing Youth Perspectives in Decision Making29:27 Navigating AI's Role in Education and Child Welfare33:27 The Dual Nature of AI: Opportunities and Risks👋 Stay in the Loop🔗 Connect with Bo Viktor Nylund on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠!🔗 Full transcript + sources → https://rethinktech.substack.com/ 📩 Free episode briefs → link pinned in comments Hosts: Aparna Bhushan | Harinda Katugaha👍 Like • 🔔 Subscribe • 🔄 ShareShow YouTube you prefer deep dives over clickbait

Check out Safir on Linkedin!https://www.linkedin.com/in/safirjamal/Also visit: https://globalnomadpass.com/In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Harinda sits down with Safir Jamal, founder of Global Nomad Pass and an internationalist who’s traveled to 80+ countries, to unpack the complex, often hidden forces shaping the travel and tourism industry.From Airbnb to Booking.com, travel seems personal but it’s deeply geopolitical. Safir explains how governments, data, algorithms, and international tourism boards all play critical roles behind the scenes. We dive into:🌍 The geopolitics of travel🧠 The algorithms shaping what we see and book📊 The data powering the industry—and who really benefits from it🏛️ The role of ministries and tourism boards in shaping global mobility⏰ Timestamps02:41 The Benefits of Tourism for Local Economies50:47 The Impact of Tourism on Employment53:28 Tourism as a Tool for Education and Cultural Exchange 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on tech and power. & show your support for us! 👥 Connect & Deepen Your Insight• Aparna Bhushan — LinkedIn• Harinda Katugaha — LinkedIn• Full transcripts, sources & visuals → https://rethinktech.substack.com/🎧 Follow Rethinking Tech for weekly briefings that link technology, geopolitics, and ethics—delivered without the noise

What if we invested in peace the same way we invest in war? In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna speaks with Stefaan Verhulst, co-founder of the GovLab in New York and The Data Tank in Brussels, about the overlooked and underfunded world of PeaceTech.We explore:What is PeaceTech really?Why it’s drastically underfundedHow AI, data, and policy can support peaceCultural biases that make peace seem "soft"The potential for PeaceTech to rival Palantir, Anduril & other DefenseTech companies🕙 Chapters00:00 Intro to Stefaan Verhulst and his work03:56 Explaining PeaceTech13:30 Cultural Barriers to PeaceTech17:03 The Role of Technology in Conflict and Peace20:47 Examples of Successful Peace Tech Innovations24:49 The Future of PeaceTech and Its Potential28:26 Final Thoughts & Advice on Peace Tech👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on tech and power. & show your support for us on the following platforms:- Instagram- LinkedIn- Substack

In this episode, Aparna and Harinda take on the crisis in Ivy League education — from the growing politicization of elite universities like Harvard to the broader questions of how technology and geopolitics are rewriting the future of learning. Is the Ivy League model broken, or is it evolving to meet a new era?👉 What we cover:The attacks on Harvard and other top schools: Are they political strategies?How Ivy League institutions are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly changing worldWhat the future of education looks like — beyond traditional universitiesThe role of AI and technology in reshaping how we learn and workThe geopolitical implications of an education system tied to national power and influenceMedia of the Week:Aparna's Pick: Trump Administration Stops New Student Visa InterviewsHarinda's Pick: The New Age of AI and Education (YouTube)📌 Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Crisis in Ivy League Education07:27 The Attack on Harvard: A Political Strategy13:02 Rethinking Education: The Future Beyond Ivy Leagues20:42 The Future of Education21:41 Technology's Impact on Education29:18 Geopolitical Implications of Education33:52 Rethinking Ivy League Education👥 Connect with Us:• Aparna Bhushan on LinkedIn• Harinda Katugaha on LinkedIn• Learn more: rethinkingtech.co🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday as we rethink the intersection of technology, politics, and education.