Chris Fabian (2014)

Chris Fabian is a technologist and mobile designer who runs UNICEF’s Innovation Unit. In this insightful talk, he describes using technology and innovation both in poor areas but also how technology used in disaster areas often is faced with different limitations than we account for. How do we get around the limitations, and how do the local people contribute to creating modern solutions that solve issues a modern and well-funded New York-based company cannot?

Christopher Fabian co-created and has co-led UNICEF’s Innovation Unit in New York since 2007. Christopher believes that technology is not the end-product of innovation but a principal driver of new ways of thinking about development problems.

Christopher is most proud of his work identifying, mentoring and promoting local leaders, designers and innovators around the world. Convinced that global, authentic, and humble engagement among academia, the private sector and civil society can create global change, Christopher has taught and lectured at NYU, the Art Center, Columbia University, Harvard University and IIT Delhi, among other universities.

Prior to joining UNICEF in 2006, Christopher taught in Lebanon and launched start-ups in East Africa and Egypt. He holds degrees in Philosophy from the American University in Cairo and in Media Studies from the New School in New York. In 2013, he was recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people.