MSW 2024 is focused on the theme of “EMBRACE CHANGE” and aims to address pressing challenges that come with technological transformation, and enable the adoption of new technologies while fostering resilience in an evolving digital world.
The online format offers live sessions, social interactions, and on-demand content, catering to diverse interests and schedules.
DECEMBER 10 | 09:00 am to 12:30 pm PST / 17:00 pm to 20:30 am GMT
International Human Rights day
Human Rights and Innovation: Finding the balance in an open metaverse
Global Community Lab – International Human Rights Day
Theme: Human Rights and Innovation: Finding the Balance in an Open Metaverse
As we celebrate the 76th Human Rights Day, Metaverse Safety Week 2024 begins with thoroughly examining human rights in the digital era. International Human Rights Day sheds light on the ever-evolving human rights landscape in our rapidly changing world. In remembrance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), We will delve into the implications of open-source frameworks in promoting or challenging privacy, freedom of expression, security, and human rights of individuals in immersive and digital realms. The potential of open systems to democratize technology, thereby enhancing societal capabilities and promoting justice, will be explored. Moreover, the dialogue will extend to the necessity of evolving new rights to address emerging technological challenges, including the impacts of AI and data-driven technologies on human rights. The event will underscore the significance of upholding human dignity across all technological realms while encouraging innovation and openness that upholds and advocates for human rights.
Key Objectives
- Assess the Impact of Open Systems: Investigate how open-source frameworks influence privacy, expression, and security in digital and immersive spaces.
- Explore Technology’s Democratic Potential: Discuss the role of open systems in democratizing technology and promoting societal justice.
- Formulate Evolving Rights for the Digital Era: Develop new rights, including “neurorights,” to protect individuals against emerging technological challenges.
Key Stakeholders
- Human rights advocates and organizations
- Policymakers and government representatives
- Tech industry leaders and innovators across various emerging and immersive technology domains.
- Legal experts specializing in digital rights and technology law
- Academics and researchers in the fields of human rights, technology, and social impact
- NGOs focused on digital equality, accessibility, and technological ethics
- Representatives from international governing bodies (e.g., UN, EU, IEEE)
- Social impact investors interested in ethical tech development
- Cybersecurity and Data privacy experts
- Ethicists specializing in technology and digital transformation
DECEMBER 11 | 09:00 am to 12:30 pm PST / 17:00 pm to 20:30 am GMT
Immersive Healthcare
Essential change in healthcare systems
Global Community Lab – Immersive Healthcare
Theme: Essential Change in Healthcare Systems
Building upon the previous year’s discussion that focused on finding the balance between innovation and shared responsibility, this year’s Metaverse Safety Week 2024 session will zoom into the progress and the work required to enable patients to realize the benefits of immersive healthcare. During the session, we will examine how emerging technologies could revolutionize patient care, medical training, and therapeutic interventions. We’ll explore real-world applications of these technologies, from discovery to implementation in medicine. Discussions will examine the impact of technology platforms on healthcare in domains such as discovery, manufacture, market, and clinical outcomes. We will question the new challenges for data privacy, security, and equitable access to realize interconnected health ecosystems. This day aims to provide healthcare professionals, technologists, policymakers, and interested individuals with a comprehensive understanding of how immersive technologies are shaping the future of healthcare.
Key Objectives
- Explore Transformative Technologies: Examine how immersive technologies are revolutionizing patient care, medical training, and therapeutic interventions.
- Assess Progress and Challenges: Examine how immersive technologies are revolutionizing patient care, from drug discovery to medical training and therapeutic interventions.
- Envision Interconnected Health Ecosystems: Analyze technology’s impact across healthcare domains and explore strategies for integrated health systems.
Key Stakeholders
- Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, therapists, etc.)
- Medical researchers and academics
- Health tech innovators and startups
- Pharmaceutical and medical device companies
- Bioethicists and medical ethicists
- Healthcare policymakers and regulators
- Medical education institutions
- Health data security experts
DECEMBER 12 | 09:00 am to 12:30 pm PST / 17:00 pm to 20:30 am GMT
Youth Empowerment
Empowering the new generation in virtual worlds
Global Community Lab – Youth Empowerment
Theme: Empowering the new Generation in Virtual Worlds
Metaverse Safety Week 2024 celebrates the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of immersive and emerging technologies. As digital natives, young people are consumers and creators of our digital world, bringing novel perspectives on how technology should be developed and used. This day will explore practical and achievable ideas to empower youth to become responsible creators, critical thinkers, and ethical leaders in the digital age. We will discuss the challenges and benefits of immersive technology for youth and assess and analyze the importance of digital literacy, multi-disciplinary education, and co-designing to enable their participation in the technology in a safe and meaningful way. By proactively embracing change and using a whole-of-society approach that harnesses the potential of the younger generation, we can create a more inclusive, innovative, and responsible digital future.
Key Objectives
- Understand Youth Needs: Analyze insights on youth requirements for secure and meaningful digital engagement.
- Enhance Intergenerational Support: Equip guardians with strategies to guide youth in responsible immersive technology use.
- Design Youth-Centric Futures: Develop approaches for creating youth-empowering immersive tech ecosystems.
Key Stakeholders
- Youth leaders and innovators
- Technology companies and developers
- Child psychologists and developmental experts
- Parents and guardians
- Youth-focused NGOs and non-profits
- STEM and other multidisciplinary education advocates
- Career counselors and vocational training professionals
- Gaming and social media companies
- Child rights advocates
- Policymakers focused on youth and education
DECEMBER 13 | 09:00 am to 12:30 pm PST / 17:00 pm to 20:30 am GMT
Education and Training
Innovative approaches to immersive learning
Global Community Lab – Education and Training
Theme: Innovative Approaches to Immersive Learning
In this new era in education and training techniques and methodologies, Metaverse Safety Week 2024 dedicates a full day to exploring the revolutionary potential of immersive learning environments. We’ll delve into how these systems in the Metaverse can democratize access to education, enable learning experiences, and foster collaborative knowledge creation across academic and corporate sectors. This session will showcase innovative approaches to immersive learning, discussing the implications for both traditional education and corporate training. We’ll examine how these technologies are breaking down barriers, allowing diverse learners to access high-quality experiences regardless of constraints, and enabling global corporations to deliver more effective, engaging training programs. Join us as we address the challenges and opportunities of implementing these systems, envisioning a future of education and professional development.
Key Objectives
- Map the Immersive Learning Landscape: Identify and prioritize key applications of immersive tech in education and training.
- Design Inclusive Immersive Learning Experiences: Conceptualize accessible and engaging Metaverse-based learning environments for diverse learners.
- Envision the Future of Immersive Education: Strategize implementation of immersive learning systems across academic and corporate sectors.
Key Stakeholders
- Educators from K-12, higher education, and continuing education
- Technology developers and companies
- Policymakers and administrators
- Learning scientists and educational researchers
- Instructional designers
- Accessibility experts in education
- Students and student organizations
- Educational content creators
- Online learning platforms
- Corporate training professionals
- Museum and cultural institution educators
DECEMBER 14 | 09:00 am to 12:30 pm PST / 17:00 pm to 20:30 am GMT
Governance and Policy
Shaping open, inclusive and secure metaverse
Global Community Lab – Governance and Policy
Theme: Shaping Open, Inclusive and Secure Metaverse
The final day of Metaverse Safety Week 2024 focuses on the critical intersection of governance, policy, and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on open systems and solutions for the Metaverse. As immersive technologies reshape our world, we’ll bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss regulating rapidly evolving technologies and the potential of open, interoperable systems. Key topics include data governance, digital identity, cross-border regulatory cooperation in decentralized environments, and the real-world implications of AI in open systems. Discussions will center on how open solutions could impact stakeholders, examining increased innovation, equitable access, and governance challenges. We aim to explore balanced policy frameworks that embrace technological change and openness while ensuring safety, privacy, and equity in our increasingly interconnected digital world, guiding the responsible development of an open, interoperable, and safe Metaverse.
Key Objectives
- Balance Innovation and Safety in Open Systems: Identify governance approaches promoting innovation while ensuring safety in open Metaverse technologies.
- Frameworks for Global Cooperation: Map international governance models and adaptive regulations for decentralized digital environments.
- Develop Responsible Data Governance Strategies: Discuss and evaluate privacy-centric data practices for fostering trust in open Metaverse ecosystems.
Key Stakeholders
- Policymakers and government officials
- Legal experts specializing in technology law
- Tech industry leaders and executives
- Regulatory compliance professionals
- International organization representatives (UN, EU, OECD, etc.)
- Academics in law, public policy, and technology studies
- Think tank researchers
- Standards development organizations
- Cybersecurity policy experts
- Data protection officers
