The African Continent_Conference Case

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  Often when we use the word critical we think grasp of our abilities, and a clear understanding of “negative, urgent and fault-finding.” This is the the problems and opportunities we face. Such sense we have in mind, for example, when we self-understanding can be achieved only if we complain about a parent or a friend who we think value and pursue clarity of thought. is unfairly critical of what we do or say. But critical also means “involving or exercising skilled judg- Our Thinking ment or observation.” General or circular thinking or what we call “lower- order thinking,” is something we were taught at In The African Continent’s Global CSI Conference high schools, colleges and universities. Students 2018 sense, critical thinking means thinking clearly are simply expected to passively absorb infor- and intelligently. Critical thinking is the general mation and then repeat it back on tests. But it is term given to a wide range of cognitive skills and not the main goal of this conference. The main intellectual dispositions needed to effectively goal is to teach delegates how to think —that is, identify, analyse, and evaluate arguments and how to become independent, self-directed think- truth claims; to discover and overcome personal ers and learners. preconceptions and biases; to formulate and pre- sent convincing reasons in support of conclu- Critical Thinkers: sions; and to make reasonable, intelligent deci- Critical thinkers understand the importance of sions about what to believe and what to do. precise thinking in daily life. They understand that to cut through the confusions and uncertainties Put somewhat differently, critical thinking is disci- that surround many everyday problems and is- plined thinking governed by clear intellectual sues, it is often necessary to insist on precise standards. Among the most important of these answers to precise questions: What exactly is the intellectual standards are clarity, precision, accu- problem we’re facing? What exactly are the alter- racy, relevance, consistency, logical correctness, natives? What exactly are the advantages and completeness, and fairness. disadvantages of each alternative? Only when we habitually seek such precision are we truly critical Critical thinkers not only strive for clarity of lan- thinkers. Finally, critical thinking demands that our guage but also seek maximum clarity of thought. thinking be fair—that is, openminded, impartial, and As self-help books constantly remind us, to achieve our personal goals in life we need a clear free of distorting biases and preconceptions. conception of our goals and priorities, a realistic

 Conference Topic Case: The conference aims to fill that gap with a novelThe conference will make you a better thinker. It framework to support policy-makers and busi-will sharpen your mind, clarify your thoughts, andhelp you make smarter decisions. We have as- nesses address the societal implications of theirsembled speakers that will teach you—step bystep—how to analyse issues, reason logically, and digital policies and investments, and to begin aargue effectively. It will help you develop the skills broader dialogue on how we refine and use thatand dispositions you need to become an inde- approach.pendent, self-directed thinker and learner.Digital Growth The World Economic Forum is committed to help-Digital transformation is redefining industries, ing leaders understand the implications of digitalmaking new business models possible and provid- technologies and supporting them on the journeying businesses with unparalleled opportunities for to shape better opportunities for business andvalue capture. Its impact, however, will not be lim- society. In 2015, The World Economic Forumited to business; it is already dramatically chang- launched the Digital Transformation Initiative (DTI)ing how we live, work and relate to one another. project to serve as the focal point for new oppor-Digitalization has the potential to deliver immense tunities and themes arising from latest develop-benefits for consumers, society and the environ- ments in the digitalization of business and society.ment, and to unleash unintended consequences It supports the Forum’s broader activity aroundthat may have a profound effect on society. the theme of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.What is the real value to Africa and society of digi-tal transformation? 

 The world appears to be at a crossroads. New ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Afri- technologies are opening up opportunities to ca’s Renaissance. An Africa of good govern- boost economic growth, reduce inequality and ance, democracy, respect for human rights, promote inclusiveness. But we also see the world justice and the rule of law. A peaceful and se- de-globalizing, with civil wars and political popu- cure Africa. An Africa with a strong cultural lism driving uncertainty about international rela- identity, common heritage, shared values and tions. We have an important choice to make: be- ethics, An Africa whose development is people- tween a more open, inclusive and interconnected driven, relying on the potential of African peo- world and one that is closed, siloed and unequal. Digitalization is inextricably linked to the societal ple, especially its women and youth, and caring and economic forces fuelling these conflicting for children. world views. Research at the Digital Transfor- mation Initiative (DTI) has focused on under- standing and quantifying the impact of digital Inhibitors such as de-globalization and rising pro- transformation on both business and wider socie- tectionism, inadequate regulation, a lack of inno- ty. The World Economic Forum’s DTI found that vation and uneven technology adoption all limit digitalization has immense potential to generate our ability to grasp the opportunities that digital value for society (e.g. lives saved from improved transformation presents. safety, savings for customers and reduced emis- The African Continent’s Global CSI Conference sions). 2018 aims to promote discussion of the impact Advanced Digital Growth can, for example, drive that digitalization is having on society, and, most progress towards realizing the African Union importantly, also help to unlock the immense soci- etal benefits it can generate. In a world facing the Agenda 2063 and shore up the pillars on which challenges of closing borders and widening gaps they are built: in terms of distribution of income, wealth, techno- A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth logical adoption, just to name a few, we have an and sustainable development. An integrated important opportunity to shape critical thinking continent, politically united and based on the for advanced digital growth so that it serves us all.

Logistics • Dedicated event webpage on the Online Programme• Event room, including PPT-presentation system and including link to your organisation’s homepage sound system • Possible interview of your organisations by our part-• Technical and logistical support, including WWW vol- ner organisations CSRNEWSSA. unteers during the event • Branding collateral and supporting texts and adviso-• Presenter name tags ry support for your marketingMarketing • You will receive an advertising Signature that our digital crew will help you to install via remote access.• Inclusion in the official The African Continent's Global CSI Conference “Call for registrations” publication, • Conclusions and presentations on your event sent to over 1000 leading and engaging stakeholder webpage mailing list and via social media NOT included in the fee• Inclusion and detailed programme in The African • Registration fees. Everyone attending The African Continent's Global CSI Conference Programme, sent to over 1000 leading, current and active mailing list Continent's Global CSI Conference or its events and via social media and distributed on site of the needs to be registered to enter the venue. conference • Filming of event • Sound technicianBusiness classification Costs Discounts DescriptionNGOs and the like ZAR1980 10% On booking twoCorporates ZAR3980 10% On booking twoSmall Business ZAR2980 10% On booking two



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