6 Tools Creating Peace Around the World

From the heart of conflict zones to the frontlines of misinformation and elections, innovative organizations are harnessing the power of technology to build a more peaceful future.

In this report, Techopedia rounds up leading organizations at the forefront of peace technology. These pioneers work to heal divisions, protect human rights, and foster the development of equity.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. 6 Tools Creating Peace Around the World
3. The Bottom Line
4. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. 6 Tools Creating Peace Around the World
3. The Bottom Line
Show Full Guide
4. References

6 Tools Creating Peace Around the World

6. Connecting Communities in Need: ConnexUs

Developed by Search for Common Ground, the world’s largest dedicated peacebuilding organization, ConnexUs was originally created to address the information-sharing and coordination challenges posed by COVID-19 — and soon became something much bigger.

Today, ConnexUs is a global platform for improving learning and collaboration among peacebuilding and social impact practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and workers in conflict-affected communities.

The platform is designed to make efforts for peace more effective by making information-sharing easier and more efficient. Additionally, ConnexUs created a framework to measure world peace and impacts across sectors.

India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Algeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nepal, as well as the United States and the United Kingdom, are the top ten countries of origin of ConnexUs users. ConnexUs representatives spoke about how technologies can be used for peacebuilding.

“The wealth of data generated from peace interventions remains largely inaccessible and underutilized.

“What we track as a field is often too short-term and disconnected from people’s lived realities and priorities.”

Working with input from 180 organizations in 45 countries, ConnexUs developed the Peace Impact Framework (PIF). The PIF’s goal is to identify the essential elements of peace and how to measure them so that practitioners can use a shared framework to compare data and build evidence of what works for effective peacebuilding.

5. Access to Quality Information in Conflict Zones: Institute for the Study of War

Accurate and timely information is the lifeblood of peacebuilding. But in conflict zones, where misinformation and disinformation often thrive, accessing credible data is a formidable challenge. This is where organizations like the Institute for the Study of War come into play.

Techopedia spoke with Jessica Lewis McFate, Sr. Director of Intelligence Operations Babel Street.

“The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) specializes in providing real-time intelligence, military analysis, and strategic assessments of conflicts around the world.”

McFate explained that to gather information, the ISW uses a combination of open-source intelligence (OSINT), satellite imagery, social media analysis, and advanced data analytics to monitor and report on conflicts.

“The work of the ISW supports efforts to de-escalate violence, improve diplomatic negotiations, and enhance international cooperation in conflict zones, making its efforts a truly admirable use of technology for peace.”

4. Activism Meets Web3: United for Kindness Wants to UNFK The World

United for Kindness — also known as UNFK — describes itself as a “secret society and web3 game” with one goal: To prank the world’s largest corrupt corporations. Co-funded by Agent Lovelace, (aka Gunnar Lovelace), UNFK believes in the power of crypto, digital innovation, and activism.

UNFK combines online campaigns with real-world stunts to maximize impact and visibility. The organization also exposes corporate malfeasance by challenging unethical practices of corporations and regulatory bodies using innovative tactics.

Taking Web3 to the street, UNFK gamification activism has taken different actions including a campaign against the SEC Chairman Gary Gensler and the shutdown of Los Angeles through a peaceful non-violent demonstration.

3. Surveillance-Free Voting: Freedom Tool

From election fraud to misinformation, discrimination and pressure, intimidation, and violence against voters, the state of democracy around the world is far from perfect. But can new technologies empower voters and democracy?

Kitty Horlick, Director at Rarimo, spoke to Techopedia about Freedom Tool, Rarimo’s surveillance-free voting solution.

“Freedom Tool is bolstering democracy across the globe — used both by dissidents to challenge regimes and by elected MPs to improve voter feedback.”

Freedom Tool made its debut in Russia. The prominent opposition activist — and former Pussy Riot lawyer — Mark Feygin harnessed it to launch Russia2024.

The app allows Russian citizens to participate in polls and protest votes without being traced. It is currently being used to host a referendum challenging the legitimacy of Putin’s inauguration.

“The second implementation of Freedom Tool came in June, as the Iranian presidential election took place,” Horlick told Techopedia.

Launched by two NGOs, Iran Unchained and TCT e.V., IraniansVotes is being used by dissidents across Iran to protest the Islamic Republic of Iran by casting a vote of no confidence in the corrupt electoral system.

“This is so critical because in Russia and Iran, as in most regimes, activists and opposition must fumble in the dark to understand what the people they are fighting to liberate most want and need.”

Beyond regimes, the Freedom Tool can also be used by governments and elected officials to strengthen democratic processes and gain insight into voter sentiments.

“Surveillance-free voting is just the start, Rarimo unlocks an entirely new generation of social apps that combine privacy with the verifiability of certain characteristics.”

2. Fighting Corruption to Build Peace: Corruption Perception Index

Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index found that corruption is thriving across the world, as the rule of law loses ground. With more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50 out of 100, it is evident that corruption is a global problem.

McFate from Babel Street explained to Techopedia why anti-corruption technology should also be considered peace tech.

“On the surface, anti-corruption practices might only be seen as working to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in government or business, often to prevent the illegal exchange of money for power.

“(But) a more nuanced look shows us that it is about achieving peace as well.”

McFate quoted Kofi A. Annan, former secretary general of the United Nations, who agreed with the concept in 2003.

“Corruption is an ‘insidious menace’ and an obstacle to economic and social development around the world, and has prompted the United Nations to strengthen its own mechanism to ensure that integrity and ethics guide all its undertakings.

“By contributing to poverty and a sense of hopelessness, corruption can be a midwife of terrorism, trafficking in people, and other threats to human security.”

1. Tracking and Authenticating Data With Blockchain: Irys

Combating AI misinformation is vital for preserving trust, safeguarding democracies, and promoting economic and cultural growth, but doing so with the first truly programmable data chain is unheard of.

Josh Benaron, Founder and CEO of Irys, the first L1 programmable datachain spoke to Techopedia about misinformation and how it has become a significant risk in today’s society.

Benaron explained that the recent unveiling of Irys’ Layer 1 datachain, which integrates data storage and execution into a single blockchain platform, further strengthens these capabilities by simplifying app development and enhancing data security. The company has secured funding to combat misinformation.

“Propaganda and deep fakes have posed a threat to the free flow of information, in addition to user security and privacy.

“Irys’ technology combats the spread of AI-generated misinformation by enabling users to trace and authenticate the origins of data confidently.”

The Bottom Line

The world is complicated, and power doesn’t necessarily promote peace. But sometimes, the power of people can help.

Each of these six organizations or tools is doing its bit to help. It is not an easy road to follow, but we can hope the world gets a little bit kinder and fairer each day.

It takes action as well as hope, though.