Technology can be described as a branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means associated with engineering, industry, applied science and pure science upon our environment, society, life itself. And this has brought us so many advances, in health, in education, in comfort, in the very safety and security of our lives.

But as with anything the human race does, it can be used for our benefit or our demise.

 Technology is the tool, but it isn’t the solution.

Can technology eradicate greed, or support it? Can technology disarm hate, calm fear, solve violence? Do we have the technology to feed and house every person on the planet? And if we do, why isn’t it being done?  

Without the will to help, without the commitment to do better, technology is an empty promise, a hollow speech full of wonderful ideals, leaving us lost and helpless when we need it most.

Technology isn’t the solution, it never was.

Its people, caring, feeling people that make the difference.

When you need a helping hand, when you need someone to listen, when you need guidance, support, when you need to be recognised as another living breathing human being who deserves a chance to be the person you want to be, it’s not technology that will make a difference, it’s the people, the community, the society around you that will lift you up or let you fall.

Technology cannot replace humanity like it cannot replace the beauty of a sunrise or the sounds and smells of a summer storm.

Technology is a tool, but life is more complex, more wondrous, more beautiful and vast in scope.

Technology may take us to the stars, but it can’t make the dreams that make us want to go there.

We can all agree Technology can be to the great benefit of the human race, but only if used wisely.

Leilani Cowern -  Speech at Ethics and Technology Summit