Agenda

The world doesn't change when everyone knows something. Humans are social animals, and we often fear ostracism and disapproval more than physical risk or even death. We often speak out only when we know it's safe to do so. That means change relies on common knowledge: The moment when everyone knows everyone else knows something. In this talk, FWD50 co-chair Alistair explains why this simple fact has made us slow to act on wicked problems like climate change, why a vocal minority can hold back progress, why perception becomes reality, and why the best communicators value simplicity over accuracy. See More.

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In a time of information abundance, when we live with encyclopedias and wonder-cabinets at our fingertips, most people are simultaneously suffering from information poverty. The more profuse, well-bankrolled sources of news and media have narrowed down the definition of what - and who - is important, admirable, expert, beautiful. See More.

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Learn how to integrate accessibility into your design workflows without slowing down delivery. This session offers practical tools, demos, and strategies to embed accessibility into MVPs, roadmaps, and stakeholder communications—making it a seamless part of how your team works. See More.

Like most of us, you probably never think twice about turning on a faucet and filling a cup of water. But what if it did run out? Several times a month? This is the reality for the Indigenous people of Kativik, a remote territory in Northern Quebec. For Kativik’s residents, access to water involves daily refills of tanks attached to homes via service trucks. If the truck doesn’t arrive, residents need to call for it, and they aren’t always successful. Hear Code for Canada CEO Dorothy Eng and Kativik Regional Government Assistant Director Hossein Shafeghati share how they’ve been able to create a resident-informed digital prototype for improved water service, using thoughtful service design and in-depth user research with Kativik residents. Attendees with gain insight into their approach and be inspired by how digital projects can directly improve the lives of marginalized communities. See More.

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Working in digital modernization and the public service is an often thankless task. But in an era of rapid change and public scrutiny, clear communications are essential. Whether you're delivering bad news or celebrating a breakthrough, you need to make citizens and colleagues understand what you're up to—and hopefully change their behaviour. So we've invited marketing heavyweight Mitch Joel to share his wisdom with FWD50 co-chair Hillary Hartley. See More.

Narratives are at the core of democracies, influencing public discourse and perceptions, making it critical for all members of society and essential for those interested in advancing public policy to develop strong digital and media literacy skills. See More.