Oslo Freedom Forum: Wrap-up
I was recently fortunate in attending the Oslo Freedom Forum in Oslo, Norway. This three-day conference was an incredible experience, filled with inspiring activists, powerful stories, and impactful change-makers. Here are my two biggest takeaways:
1. The Power of Individual Action: I was moved by the stories of the individuals who, despite facing immense adversity, have taken bold steps to fight for freedom and human rights in their communities and countries. It is crucial that you be the change you want to see in the world. This doesn’t mean you will change the world yourself, nor does it imply that change will happen overnight. However, with consistent and deliberate effort, change will occur gradually. Your actions, no matter how small, contribute to a larger movement towards a better future.
2. Innovation in Activism: The development of new technologies and the advancement of existing ones hold immense potential to support oppressed people worldwide. My highlight of the conference was Lyn Alden’s conversation with Jack Dorsey, CEO of Block and co-founder of Twitter. Dorsey emphasised the importance of open-source decentralised applications, arguing that true freedom cannot be achieved through centralised companies, as they require trust to act responsibility and ethically.
Decentralised technologies and applications are beginning to emerge. Dorsey cited Nostr, a decentralised open-source social media platform that is censorship-resistant and free from manipulative algorithms, designed to addict users or push biased content. He highlighted that the two most crucial areas to focus on today are open-source communication and finance, which fuel his passion for Nostr and Bitcoin.
When I consider Bitcoin’s role in the human rights space and its potential to aid activists and oppressed people, I am reminded of the history of currency, and its transformation into a tool for governments and dictators to surveil and control populations. This underscores the deep connection between human rights and financial systems. It is likely no coincidence that the most advanced and progressive societies will be the ones most receptive to new technologies. As global censorship increases, open-source money and communications become essential to protecting human rights.