Introduction
At GOTIT (Global Open Territorial Innovation & Technology), we are deeply committed to embracing diversity in our editorial content. Recognizing that diversity fuels creativity, innovation, and a richer understanding of the complex challenges we explore, our policy is aligned with the global principle of “leaving no one behind.”
Commitment to Diversity
Our commitment to diversity transcends mere compliance with legal requirements. We see it as an essential element in fulfilling our mission, reflecting the wide array of voices, perspectives, and cultures that contribute to the global discourse on sustainable development, climate change, innovation, and technology.
Balanced Representation
We strive to ensure that our content reflects diverse perspectives by including contributions from individuals of varying gender, ethnicity, age, nationality, profession, and socioeconomic background. We actively seek to amplify voices that might otherwise be underrepresented.
Inclusive Content
In crafting and curating content, we emphasize inclusivity, ensuring that our content resonates with a broad audience. This includes making deliberate efforts to represent different cultural contexts, indigenous knowledge, social innovations, and more. We aim to create a space where everyone feels their perspective is valued and heard.
Avoiding Bias
We recognize that biases and stereotypes can unconsciously influence content. We are committed to a rigorous review process that scrutinizes potential biases and works to eliminate stereotypes. This includes ongoing training for our team and contributors to foster awareness and active avoidance of bias.
Conclusion
GOTIT’s Diversity Policy is not just a statement; it’s a fundamental aspect of our identity. Our dedication to diversity and inclusivity in editorial content reflects our belief in the power of collective intelligence, participative democracy, and the importance of contextualized knowledge bases. By embracing diversity, we contribute to a richer, more nuanced, and ultimately more effective approach to achieving our goals. In a world where diverse voices often go unheard, we strive to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table.
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Dr. Merzak, Founding Chairman of the "Territorium Institute" in Ottawa-Ontario, is a visionary leader and strategic architect in innovation, technology transfer, and research for development (R4D). Transitioning from a research scientist, Dr. Merzak is dedicated to championing the co-creation of territorial socio-technical innovation systems, specifically empowering local communities and authorities to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement's Net-Zero targets.
His approach, deeply rooted in pragmatism and foresight, has led him to pioneer online platforms that promote social learning and the co-creation of sustainable roadmaps using community scenario planning. Among his flagship creations are gotit.network itself, designed to mobilize global collective intelligence for the achievement of the SDGs in Local Authorities worldwide; geoscenarios.world, a platform for demystifying global events and exploring future scenarios; and sustainopia.world, which champions the profound influence of individual action in shaping a sustainable future. Dr. Merzak fervently believes in harnessing collective intelligence, tacit knowledge, and systems thinking to co-design brighter futures on various scales, from local communities to nations, emphasizing participative democracy, diversity, inclusiveness, equity, and the invaluable contribution of indigenous knowledge.
His extensive global achievements reinforce this dedication to local empowerment and collective action: catalyzing international partnerships, founding the International e-Gov Forum in Dubai and the International Forum of Local Governments in Morocco, and promoting digital and sustainable projects globally. With managerial experience in a French biotech firm and advisory roles in biotechnology, Dr. Merzak has also orchestrated global B2B events in diverse sectors. Academically, he has served prestigious institutions like Paris-Saclay University and King's College London. A recipient of numerous accolades, Dr. Merzak has contributed extensively to scientific literature and holds a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology of cancer from Paris-Diderot University, alongside other significant academic credentials.
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