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Factum An Asia-Pacific focused think tank on diplomacy, tech-plomacy, digtial & energy futures, based in

Factum co-hosted an insightful session, “Surveillance by Design: Digital ID, Data Protection and the Trust Crisis in Sou...
12/10/2026

Factum co-hosted an insightful session, “Surveillance by Design: Digital ID, Data Protection and the Trust Crisis in South Asia,” hosted by Bolo Bhi at in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The session explored digital identity, data protection, surveillance, and public trust across South Asia, highlighting the importance of rights-based and accountable digital governance.

Co-moderated by Pahani Weerakkodi (Factum) and Sameer Bajaj (Aapti), the panel featured prominent regional voices including Priya Ahsan Chowdhury (Bangladesh), Nilay Shah (India), Dr. Dovan Rai (Nepal), and Farieha Aziz (Pakistan).

11/10/2026

In this week Factum perspective, [https://tinyurl.com/mwpdaak2] Mark Dekpe explores Dangote's "People's IPO" and questions whether retail share offerings truly democratize corporate ownership or simply turn national pride into passive participation across the Global South. Read the full article by clicking the link above.

Factum is hiring! Manage critical policy shifts across diplomacy, tech-plomacy, and digital horizons.If you have the str...
06/10/2026

Factum is hiring!

Manage critical policy shifts across diplomacy, tech-plomacy, and digital horizons.

If you have the strategic drive to transform research into real-world impact, step up as our new Advocacy Lead.

Deadline: 12/10/2026

04/10/2026

In this week Factum perspective, [https://tinyurl.com/y52y4529] Shaheen Abdul Gani and Salma Razick explore how Pakistan has stepped into the spotlight as an unlikely mediator between Washington and Tehran. As geopolitical shifts erode trust in traditional Western conflict resolution, middle and regional powers are increasingly filling the void. Discover how Islamabad’s unique diplomatic ties, spanning the US, Iran, China, and the Gulf, enabled it to build a bridge across rival blocs, signaling a new era in international conflict diplomacy.

Factum’s Research Specialist on AI and Data Science, Prihesh Ratnayake, participated in the high-level session at United...
02/10/2026

Factum’s Research Specialist on AI and Data Science, Prihesh Ratnayake, participated in the high-level session at United Nations General Assembly titled “AI in Middle Powers: Shared Sovereignty and Global Governance."

Co-chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, the dialogue tackled a defining challenge of our time: ensuring the AI revolution is steered by global cooperation rather than monopolized by a few.

Key takeaways from the discussion include:

- The Imperative of Shared Sovereignty: Because no single nation controls the entire AI value chain from compute and data to energy and talent, middle powers must pool capabilities. This allows nations to achieve necessary scale while retaining national accountability.

- From Consumption to Creation: Emerging regions must avoid a new era of digital extraction. The focus must shift from merely providing data to actively building and owning AI models that accurately reflect local languages, contexts, and institutions.

- Optimistic Realism & Governance: Innovation must advance alongside robust safeguards. Addressing risks like deepfakes and cyber threats requires a unified, UN-level framework to build an inclusive "digital globe" and prevent digital colonialism.

Factum reiterates that the rules of the intelligence era must be co-authored by all those affected by it.

01/10/2026

AI is reshaping how we create, share, and moderate content online. 🤖🌐
Join us at APyIGF 2026 in Kathmandu for IGF Youth Track Workshop II: “AI Content Moderation for Social Media: Roles, Responsibilities and the Regulation of AI in Content Moderation.”

Hear from Roshatey Jannat, Manas Joshi, Prihesh Ratnayake, and Santosh Sigdel as they explore the evolving role of AI in content moderation, the responsibilities of different stakeholders, and what regulation could mean for our digital spaces.

📅 October 3, 2026
⏰ 08:45–10:15 UTC
📍 Kathmandu, Nepal

Come listen, question, and join the conversation on how we can shape more responsible digital spaces. 💬🌏

Register at yIGF.asia today!

Factum is proud to host this critical session at APrIGF 2026 in Kathmandu! As regional voices come together to tackle al...
01/10/2026

Factum is proud to host this critical session at APrIGF 2026 in Kathmandu!
As regional voices come together to tackle algorithmic bias and digital trust, our panel brings expert insights from across South Asia:

• Pahani Weerakkodi – Factum (Sri Lanka)
• Saritha Irugalbandara – Center for the Study of Organized Hate (Sri Lanka)
• Dr. Dovan Rai – Body & Data (Nepal)
• Farieha Aziz – Bolo Bhi (Pakistan)
If you're attending APrIGF, drop by and join the conversation as we chart a path toward fair and accountable tech!

27/09/2026

In this week's Factum Perspective, [https://tinyurl.com/yxwzfwf2] Hasarel Gallage unpacks the myths and industrial realities surrounding Sri Lanka’s proposed ban on raw mineral exports, examining what it truly takes to achieve meaningful value addition.

To learn more about the strategic, economic, and regulatory challenges facing the nation's mineral sector, click the link above to read the full article.

Factum supports Street Drama Debunking Online Scams in Maligawatta A papare band accompanied by a street drama woke up p...
18/09/2026

Factum supports Street Drama Debunking Online Scams in Maligawatta

A papare band accompanied by a street drama woke up people in Maligawatta from their afternoon naps on 13 September, to teach about online scams impacting grassroots communities.

The drama complimented tea time, football and cricket plans of elders and youth in the area as they shared their experiences falling victims to online fraud.

Directed by Navayuga Kugarajah the street drama group Kannaki Kalalaya and Ilanko performed with the support of the GeNext Youth Club in Maligawatta.

Factum plans to take this drama series to other areas and provinces in the upcoming months to strengthen grassroots community knowledge on staying safe from scams

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