From the Founder's Desk:
At Robo Co-op, the organizational journey began with a fundamental conviction: "every refugee has the potential to be a changemaker in the digital world." The mission transcends conventional assistance models, focusing instead on empowering refugees as leaders and innovators within technology sectors. The organization emphasizes harnessing technological power to generate enduring transformation rather than temporary relief. By equipping refugee communities with digital competencies, doors open to fresh prospects, self-sufficiency strengthens, and perceptions about refugee capabilities shift. The work demonstrates the resilience and untapped capabilities within these communities, with each advancement moving society closer to recognizing refugees as significant participants in the worldwide digital marketplace.
Our GRF 2023 Pledge
The organization announced ambitious targets for the Global Refugee Forum 2023:
- Learn Together: Provide training to 300 refugees spanning 10 ethnic groups, collaborating with 10 NGOs and academic institutions.
- Work Together: Create $3M in compensation for refugee workers through partnerships with 10 tech companies.
- Expand Together: Develop 100 community leaders to support sustainable, expandable cooperative structures.
Our Event at GRF
Robo Co-op conducted a hybrid event at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum at R-Space (Refugee Led Space) in Geneva on December 12th, centered on "Digital Inclusion of Refugees by Refugees."
Reflecting on Our Milestones
G7 Digital and Tech Ministers' Meeting (May 2023) — Participation at the G7 gathering in Japan, working alongside Eukarya, University of Tokyo, and UNHCR Japan, represented substantial advancement. The gathering underscored collaborative and innovative potential in designing sustainable refugee solutions. A Robo Co-op participant from Congo delivers quality assurance work for Re:Earth, created by Eukarya's Syrian members. Collective efforts demonstrate technology and capability development's transformative impact on refugee circumstances through impact hiring and impact sourcing strategies.
FOSS4G Prizren (June 2023) — At Kosovo's FOSS4G global GIS gathering, partner Eukarya achieved diamond sponsorship status. The organization delivered keynote remarks emphasizing digital inclusion's revolutionary potential for displaced populations. Observing Kosovo's post-crisis development inspired continued dedication to incorporating refugees into technology markets.
Automation Anywhere's Imagine Austin (September 2023) — Recognition through the Hope Award represented validation of refugee empowerment initiatives. This milestone signifies meaningful partnership development with Automation Anywhere in broadening global refugee prospects.
Mission to Türkiye (October 2023) — The Türkiye journey proved emotionally meaningful and strategically valuable. An in-person reunion with Mohammad, an active participant from program inception over two years prior, highlighted tangible organizational impact. The team visited earthquake-affected border regions between Türkiye and Syria to investigate assistance possibilities, facilitating partnership discussions with local NGOs and universities targeting Syrian and Turkish student empowerment for community harmony.
Tanween Mega Challenge (November 2023) — Securing the education award at Saudi Arabia's Tanween Mega Challenge by Ithra represented significant accomplishment, demonstrating innovative methodology in developing refugee-focused solutions.
World Summit Award Recognition (November 2023) — Recognition as among Japan's most consequential digital solutions reflected unwavering commitment to meaningful transformation. The World Summit Award, created in 2003 during the World Summit on the Information Society by the United Nations, has recognized digital innovation across 20+ years. Award recipients receive invitations to the World Congress in Patagonia, Chile, enabling networking with entrepreneurs and specialists from 180+ nations.
Shared Digital Center
The organization incubated sister company Shared Digital Center (SDC), which assists NGOs and social entrepreneurs by outsourcing administrative functions like accounting and human resources, generating employment for refugee women. Remote desk assignments enable refugee mothers to maintain flexible schedules while managing childcare responsibilities. Foundational administrative work supports advanced digital professional development. The pilot instructed 5 Rohingya and Muslim mothers and women. Both organizations received coverage in a COURRiER JAPON web article, a prominent Japanese online publication.
Join Us in This Pioneering Journey
Organizational support can reshape lives. Collaboration creates opportunity to actualize this ambition. Together, we can redefine the narrative around refugee inclusion in the digital age.