On Monday, 28 October, 2013, Prof Ian Goldin, Professor of Globalisation and Development and Director of the Oxford Martin School at the University of Oxford, gave a talk, "Harvesting the Future", at a Topsy event held at the House of Lords.

 

Although the 28 October will be remembered by most as St Jude Storm Day, the howling winds and torrential rain did not deter the many guests who attended.

 

At the heart of Prof Goldin’s global vision is “connectivity” and the need to combine issues such as poverty, which are critical to countries in the developing world with the equally critical issues of longevity, which face the west. Referencing South Africa, he illustrated the enormous impact HIV/AIDS still has on the demographic profile of the country.

 

Prof Goldin sited mobile technologies as a powerful global transformative force but also drew attention to the negative forces of these ever developing technologies such as disaffection and cyber and other criminality.

 

Prof Goldin’s illuminating and thought provoking speech was followed by a reception which was enjoyed by all – animated and buzzing with genuine interest in the work of The Topsy Foundation, both in the UK and SA.

 

The event was hosted by Lord Dholakia and the venue for the reception was kindly allowed by The Lord Speaker.