Disinformation, civil society & NGOs: how do we solve humanity’s greatest challenges without a shared reality?

From democratic backsliding and humanitarian crises to COVID-19 and climate change, civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are working to resolve humanity’s greatest challenges and aid the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Yet the rise of disinformation—accelerated by the rapid growth and adoption of social media around the globe—counteracts this critical work by creating filter bubbles, spreading lies, and pitting people against one another at precisely the moment when these escalating existential crises demand they find common ground. In response, InterAction is launching Disinformation Toolkit 2.0, a new resource exploring the impact of disinformation on the work of CSOs and NGOs and providing guidance and resources for organizations confronting this challenge. Join InterAction and our partners for a discussion with practitioners on:

• How does disinformation impact the critical work of international CSOs and NGOs?
• How does disinformation impact the marginalized populations that CSOs and NGOs support around the globe?
• How are CSOs and NGOs are responding to this multi-pronged threat?
• What does evidence tell us about what’s working?

Speakers

1. Princess Bazley-Bethea, Director of the Together Project and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, InterAction
2. Christina Tobias-Nahi, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Islamic Relief USA
3. Katya Vogt, Global Lead for Media and Information Literacy Initiatives, IREX
4. Meghann Rhynard-Geil, Humanitarian Director, Internews
5. Moderator: Adam Fivenson, Director of Data, Development Technology & Innovation, InterAction