GLOBAL ACTIONSFlorence Salon
The inspiration for our inaugural salons harks back to the influential gatherings of the Renaissance, notably the circle of Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence. Known as the “Magnificent,” Lorenzo presided over a vibrant ntellectual and artistic community, where luminaries such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli converged. These historic salons served as dynamic centres of creativity and innovation, fostering dialogue and collaboration among leading intellectuals, artists, and visionaries of the era.
Our salons are a little different, however, transcending traditional gatherings and embodying the essence of Grand Curation - a concept that embodies our vision, strategy, and methods of catalysing change. Grand Curation encompasses a number of steps: framing the discourse, convening diverse participants, curating thought-provoking discussions, and sparking innovative solutions. By challenging existing paradigms and prototyping novel ideas, we accompany participants on a transformative journey of exploration and discovery. Through Grand Curation, we cultivate an environment conducive to collaboration, creativity, and collective action, ensuring that each salon is a catalyst for meaningful change.
The Florence salon comprised an immersive three-day programme, aimed at forging both impactful outcomes and enduring community connections. The event began with an exploration of critical challenges surrounding the appropriate adoption of AI in Africa. Following this initial phase, the focus shifted to generating innovative ideas for potential interventions to showcase at Davos 2025. Finally, the salon delved into prototyping initiatives across four pivotal sectors identified by Pax Technologica—climate, education, healthcare, and inclusion—where the benefits of adopting exponential technology are particularly clear. To ensure a holistic approach that nurtured both body and mind, the salon included breathing exercises, excursions to the Uffizi and Siena, and opportunities to savour excellent Italian cuisine and wine.
The salon was guided by several key principles. Central to our ethos is collaboration. We cultivate an atmosphere of openness, curiosity, and mutual respect. We operate with principles, not rules, prioritize insights over opinions, and maintain a constructive rather than a critical approach.
Location matters deeply to us. Each venue is chosen for its historical significance and inspirational ambiance. From Florence’s Renaissance charm to Davos’s global stage, our salons unfold in settings that inspire creativity and intellectual exchange.
We embrace the principle of beauty, inspired by Leonardo’s famous dictum that art serves as a conduit for knowledge. Aesthetic intelligence shapes our salon experience, engaging the senses to spark creativity.
Inclusivity is fundamental. Our salons unite experts in exponential technology, philosophers, problem solvers, and artists. This diverse mix fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, weaving a tapestry of perspectives to drive innovation and collective impact.
In essence, Pax Technologica’s salons transcend intellectual discourse to offer a transformative journey where ideas are born, connections forged, and solutions cultivated. It embodies the power of collective intelligence and human collaboration in shaping a better future.
01
AI by Africa for Africa
Pax Technologica should adopt a supporting role, enabling the appropriate adoption of AI solutions in Africa to be driven by Africans. It is crucial that Pax Technologica avoids the pitfall of imposing external solutions, instead fostering an environment where local expertise and perspectives lead the way. In all its activities, Pax Technologica should endeavour to involve and be led by African partners.
02
Build on the great work already being done
Pax Technologica should acknowledge and build upon the great work already being done in Africa. It is essential to recognize and pay homage to the innovative efforts and chievements of local experts and organizations. By doing so, Pax Technologica can support and amplify these initiatives, rather than duplicating efforts orovershadowing local contributions.
03
Approach the work with humility
Pax Technologica should approach its work in Africa with humility, prioritizing learning over teaching. It is essential to avoid the presumptive mindset of imparting Western methodologies, recognizing that local experts often possess deeper insights and more effective practices
04
Co-create with beneficiary group
Pax Technologica should ensure deep involvement of beneficiary groups in the co-creation process. Harnessing the untapped potential of young people and including vulnerable populations in the solution is crucial. By actively involvingthese groups, Pax Technologica can develop more effective, inclusive, andsustainable AI solutions.
05
Address real needs
Pax Technologica should prioritize addressing people’s real needs rather than focusing solely on technology advancement for its own sake. It is crucial to design solutions with simplicity in mind, ensuring that AI and other technologies effectively meet immediate and practical needs while avoiding unnecessary complexity.
07
Learn from the West’s negative experiences
Pax Technologica should understand and learn from the negative lessons of technology adoption in the West. By analyzing past mistakes and challenges, valuable insights can be gained to avoid similar pitfalls. It’s crucial to share these lessons effectively and ensure a two-way exchange of knowledge, benefiting both Africa and the West in creating better technological solutions.
08
Develop compelling arguments and narratives
Pax Technologica should focus on creating compelling narratives that highlight the tangible benefits of AI adoption. For example, demonstrating the “Return on Inclusion” (ROI) can make a powerful case for bridging the digital divide, showing how increased access to AI can boost GDP and economic opportunities. By presenting clear, data-driven arguments, we can inspire stakeholders to invest in AI solutionsand take actionable steps to enhance technology adoption in their countries.
09
Unlock non-extractive investment
Pax Technologica should help unlock non-extractive investments across Africa By shifting the focus from exploitative to constructive investments, we can ensure that resources are used to benefit local communities and foster sustainable growth. Unlocking such investments can create a positive feedback loop, driving more ethical and impactful economic development across the continent.
10
Develop a manifesto
Pax Technologica should write a manifesto to articulate its core values and guiding principles. This document will serve as a philosophical foundation, outlining our commitment to ethical AI development, inclusivity, and collaborative innovation.
A well-defined manifesto will not only guide our actions but also attract like-minded individuals and organizations, fostering a community aligned with our vision for a better future.
We are pleased to report that Pax Technologica has emerged from stealth mode, making its first public appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, held from 20th to 24th January 2025. Davos is a polarising place. Some see it as a forum where people come together with a genuine commitment to solving global challenges, where discussions are action-oriented and driven by a sense of collective responsibility rather than hierarchical thinking or self-interest.
